MLK Day 2012 at UNI a Success!

 

January 16, 2012 marked the 26^th annual Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday and 189 University of Northern Iowa students honored King's life through service at the Catholic Worker House, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Cedar Valley Hospitality House, Grout Museum District, Stork’s Nest, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, Angel House and Country View. Students began the day meeting on campus where UNI Provost Gloria Gibson spoke to the students before they parted ways to begin their service, emphasizing the meaning of service in King's name. She said the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday has always been "a day on, not a day off."

The UNI students were coordinated by the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley in partnership with UNI’s Student Leadership Center, which also sponsors UNI's "Volunteer Tuesdays" program. Lauren Finke, Executive Director of VCCV, said “it's the third year of MLK Day of Service activities on campus and they quickly surpassed the initial limit of 125 students.” With assistance from on-campus resources, additional service locations were quickly arranged for the remainder of the students.

The economic impact of the volunteer hours the participants put in was great. According to Finke, each volunteer hour put in by an individual student was worth $21.36 (using national data) in labor costs. At about two full volunteer hours per student, the estimated money saved by the local agencies involved with the Day of Service was approximately $8,000.

“This day of service exceeded our expectations and planning will begin shortly for next year’s celebration,” says Finke. Any agency interested in hosting a group of UNI students for future days of service should contact the VCCV at Lauren_Finke@vccv.org for additional information and to make arrangements.

Concessions Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to assist with concessions at the McLeod Center for the Men's Basketball games January 31 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. and/or February 4 from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

University Book & Supply Makes Donation to Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

With the help of the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG), University Book & Supply was able to donate $1,500 to the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

Jeremy Strohman, University Book & Supply Textbook Manager states, “we are delighted to contribute to the success of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and are so pleased to partner with NISG and student volunteers in helping us get word out on campus about our textbook buyback incentives, which enables us to make this donation. “

“University Book & Supply’s donation will continue to allow the VCCV to promote and support volunteerism efforts on campus and throughout the Cedar Valley by connecting thousands of volunteers with over 80 organizations this year,” said Lauren Fink, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

Sheri Melby, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at University Book & Supply is looking forward to offering more incentives and fundraising opportunities in the future for student volunteers and organizations. “By supporting the efforts of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, we’re able to more effectively reach student volunteers and groups who want to get involved in fundraising for their organizations. It’s a great partnership!”

To learn more about the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley check out www.vccv.org or call 272-2087.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• The National Remember Our Troops Campaign needs people to sew the "Foxhole Pillows" from home that are sent to deployed troops and hospitalized heroes.  Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is looking for volunteers to serve as Daily Volunteer Drivers. Volunteers are needed to both pick up and deliver food for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Volunteer drivers must have a clean driving record. Volunteers age 25 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Newel Post Adult Day & Respite Services is looking for volunteers to play piano for residents. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Northeast Iowa Center for Independent Living needs individuals to serve as volunteer health insurance counselors. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

No Name-Calling Week

A week for young people to ban together and end bullying.  

 

Almost all young people have been victims of bullying. 

 

Bullying is at its worst in 4th through 8th grades. In 2010, 90 percent of students in those grades were reported as victims of bullying.    

 

It happens at home, at school, after school, and online.   

 

Statistics reveal that 54 percent of students reported that witnessing physical abuse at home can lead to violence in school.     

 

Over half, about 56 percent, of all students have witnesses a bullying crime take place while at school.     

 

About 80 percent of all high school students have encountered being bullied in some fashion online.

-Statistics from BullyingStatistics.org

 

Concession Volunteers are Needed!

Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to assist with concessions at the McLeod Center for the Men's Basketball games January 31 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Register Now! VALU Training!

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV) invites non-profit member agency representatives to attend the next VALU meeting.

The next VALU Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Topic: Preparing for National Volunteer Week (April 15-21): Providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and how to recognize during this special week.

Presented by Lauren Finke.

Location: Meeting Room #1 of the Kimball Ridge Center.

VALU is open to anyone interested in volunteer management.
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley member agency representatives
attend free of charge. Others may attend for $5 per person.

This is a "Bring Your Own Lunch" event.

Dessert snacks provided.

The training will be no longer than 1½ hours.

RSVP to Anne_Nass@vccv.org by January 24.

If you have previously registered please disregard this message.

Shop Online to Benefit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley!

There are some great websites online that offer the opportunity to shop at all sorts of different stores online and have the stores contribute to the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. Here are two options.

IGive: If you use the following link we'll get $10 for the VCCV just from you registering ($5 from me inviting you and $5 for you joining) and you can forward it along to your friends/family knowing that even if they register for a different nonprofit the VCCV will still get $5 and that's without even shopping. http://www.igive.com/KQ1x2qx

Good Search: This is another similar website that allows you to shop all sorts of stores and even shows what percentage will be given to your nonprofit of choice before you buy. You can register the VCCV. It may take a couple days for them to be an option. http://www.goodsearch.com. There are even coupons on this site.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• The Job Foundation needs Mentors/Tutors to help youth in the Cedar Valley. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa is looking for volunteers to serve as Cedar Valley Committee Volunteers. Volunteers meet once monthly to plan and complete yearly fundraising events. The Committee also includes Wish Grantors who meet with the children and their families to help them decide what the child's wish will be. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Mallard Point Retirement needs volunteers to work as Arts and Crafts Assistants. Volunteers age 18 and over will help create projects with residents. Projects and materials can be provided.
  
  
• NewAldaya Lifescapes is in need of General Store volunteers to assist residents in purchasing items, light stocking duties, cash register use, and opening/closing procedures. Volunteers should commit 3-4 hours per shift. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer.

Volunteering: The Power of the Ask

This analysis points to the great promise of the aging population, but nonprofit organizations cannot afford to be complacent in expectation of a glut of volunteers. In order to take advantage of the natural population increase, nonprofits need to plan for getting the growing 50+ population to be involved and engaged in ways that fit their changing lifestyles, interests, and experience. The simplest way to accomplish this goal is to ask people to volunteer.

The 50+ cohort responds to being asked to volunteer, and they respond in dramatic ways. About 65 percent of both working and retired adults aged 50+ volunteer when asked. This is a substantially higher percentage than those who volunteer on their own, about 26 percent of each group. That is, the volunteering rate is about 3 times higher for those who were asked than for those who were not. However, the average number of monthly hours given by these volunteers, asked or not, does not differ: They give the same number of hours per month on average. What is important is that those asked are much more likely to volunteer in the first place.

To take advantage of the increasing size of the 50+ age group, nonprofits need to be active by recruiting volunteers to a degree never seen before. The finding that only 50 percent of the working cohort and 40 percent of the retired cohort are asked to volunteer shows this—not only will nonprofits have more people to ask in the future, there is also great potential to increase the proportion of volunteers among this group.

To volunteer call 2723-2087.

Reprinted from the Independent Sector.

A Look at Volunteers Ages 50+

Volunteering Age 50+

People aged 50 and over tend to be engaged in their communities. Within the 50+ cohort, however, there are major differences between the employed and the retired: The employed are more likely to volunteer, but the retired volunteer more hours per month. That is, in 2000 retired people were about 42 percent of all 50+ volunteers yet gave more than half of all hours given by this age group. By 2010, the number of people ages 50 – 64 will have increased by nearly one-third, compared to an increase of just 13 percent for those 65 and over, which will lead to an even split in total hours given by these age groups. However, because the 50 – 64 age group is expected to grow the most, its members will account for over 68 percent of the additional volunteering hours given by the 50+ population. In ten years, if the members of this age group volunteer as much as their counterparts do now, the 50+ age group will include at least an additional 8 million volunteers, giving 105 million additional annual volunteer hours.

Regular Volunteers

Regular volunteers (those who give their time weekly or nearly every week) are an important resource for nonprofit organizations, both faith-based and secular. They make it possible for organizations to plan and implement programs and services that would otherwise require additional paid employees. In addition, regular volunteers give more hours than occasional volunteers, further increasing their value to the organizations.

Volunteers from the 50+ working group are an excellent source of regular volunteers because of the large size of this population group. With about 3 out of 4 volunteers reporting being regular volunteers (77%), this age group will only grow in significance as it expands over the next ten years. These regular volunteers give an average of 12.6 hours per month, over 70 percent more than occasional volunteers, who average 7.3 hours per month. This group is, and will continue to be, an important source of educated, dedicated volunteers for nonprofit organizations.

Retired volunteers aged 50 and over are even more dedicated than those still working. Not only do a higher percentage report being regular volunteers, they give substantially more hours per month than working 50+ volunteers. Further, as might be expected, regular volunteers within the retired cohort volunteer substantially more hours than do occasional volunteers from this group, over three times as many hours per month on average. This age group may be smaller in numbers than its working counterpart, but its members are more likely to be regular volunteers and give more hours. Thus, this group of regular volunteers (mostly aged 65 and above) presents an outstanding opportunity for nonprofits. The number of these people, who volunteer an average of four hours per week, will grow into the foreseeable future, increasing as the Baby Boom generation ages.

To volunteer, call 272-2087.

Reprinted from Independent Sector

Why Serve on MLK Day of Service?

What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service?

After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2012 the 26th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off."  The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

Why Serve on MLK Day of Service?

Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live—creating the Beloved Community.

On the 26th anniversary of the King Federal Holiday, we still have work to do to realize Dr. King’s dream.  MLK Day of Service is the perfect time for Americans to answer Dr. King’s challenge to do something for others.  Just as Dr. King set big goals and focused relentlessly on results, we need sustained citizen action to address today’s social challenges. 

The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.

Residents Mark 26th Anniversary of King Holiday by Serving Others

Volunteers may participate locally as a part of the MLK Day of Service

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service marks the beginning of the year of service as millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by contributing their time, voice and money to improve their communities. Join the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and activists around in the country in meaningful volunteer activities and service projects to advance Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community through volunteerism on January 16, 2012.

“As the need for service continues to grow, today we honor Dr. King by giving back and making an impact on our local communities,” said Lauren Finke, the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. “Today and throughout the year, we are seeing Americans using the power of service to make a real difference in our local communities.”

Many organizations are using MLK Day as a springboard for service throughout the year. “Because of the economic downturn, needs in our community are particularly great right now. Addressing the challenge of mobilizing people and resources to solve community problems will take a sustained effort, and we hope many who are volunteering will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year,” said Finke.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism; to serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and a catalyst in building coalitions and community partnerships.

Please contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to express interest in participating. To secure additional volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley offers over 170 local volunteer opportunities from nearly 80 nonprofit agencies. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/volunteer/.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Updates

• The Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging needs Volunteer Transit Drivers to provide needed transportation for seniors to enable them to live independently in the community. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Iowa Legal Aid is looking for volunteers to serve as volunteer receptionists. Volunteers will screen calls and correctly identify calls including the Hotline for Older Iowans, pension projects, and other regional offices or intake units. He or she will also help walk-in clients in the Waterloo office. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Iowa State University Extension Black Hawk County needs volunteers to work as Food Assistance Outreach Presenters Volunteers age 18 and over will go to congregate meal sites in Black Hawk County to educate older adults about the kinds of food needed to stay healthy as they age, and how they can buy these foods on fixed income through the Iowa Food Assistance program.
  
  
• Iowa's Bravest is in need of individuals to write letters with words of encouragement for our Iowa’s Bravest serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers of any age may volunteer at any time on any day.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

In the Spotlight - Cedar Falls Historical Society

The mission of the Cedar Falls Historical Society is to engage the community in the preservation, education and celebration of our heritage.

The Cedar Falls Historical Society utilizes volunteers to serve as:

· Administrative Assistant

· Archivist

· Cleaning Person

· Council Member

· Docent

· Education Volunteer

· Finance Specialist

· Grant Writer

· Grounds Volunteer

· Oral Historian

· Publicity Volunteer

· Research Historian

· Special Events Assistant

· Standing Committees

Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

In the Spotlight - Catholic Worker House

 The mission of the Catholic Worker House is to provide food, shelter, and hospitality to those in need.

Volunteers may assist in the following ways:
 
- Each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday we serve a community meal for 30 to 40 people. Help is needed in meal preparation, serving and clean-up.

- Volunteers are needed to help with general maintenance. A variety of projects need attention.

- Volunteers are needed to prepare meals to be frozen and served at a later date. Label the meal and attach the cooking directions. Food may be made at your home or the Catholic Worker House.

Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome!

Call 272-2087 to get involved!

Mark Your Calendar - Appetite for Service

 

MidWestOne Bank guests
enjoying the 2011 event.

Join the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Sunnyside Country Club for an evening of fun and fine food!

An "Appetite For Service" consists of a select group of community leaders from the Cedar Valley who are invited to "serve" during this memorable evening designed to raise funds for the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

You may become involved by becoming a Celebrity Server, make a donation to our auction event, or by sponsoring a table of 8. Call Lauren at 272-2087 or lauren_finke@vccv.org for more information.

Five Resolutions for Aspiring Leaders

by John Coleman and Bill George

As the New Year begins, people will be making resolutions to eat better, exercise more, get that promotion at work, or spend more time with their families. While these are worthwhile goals, we have a more important challenge for young people: Think seriously about your development as a leader.

These are tough times. Many leaders of the baby boomer generation have failed in their responsibilities by placing their self-interest ahead of their organizations. In so doing, they have failed to serve society's best interests. As a result, more young leaders from Gen X and the Millennials are being asked to take on major leadership responsibilities. To be prepared for the challenges you will face, we propose the following resolutions this New Year's:

Find a trustworthy mentor: Mentorship is a critical component of your development as a leader. A 2004 study showed that young leaders with mentors were more likely succeed professionally and experience career satisfaction. The essence of effective mentoring is developing a trusting relationship between the mentor and mentee. Identify someone with whom you have a genuine chemistry and who is committed to your development. Although many mentees do not realize it, a sound relationship is a two-way street that benefits both parties — not just the mentee. We suggest looking for mentors whom you admire for their values and character more than their success.

Form a leadership development group: Most of us have little time to reflect on the values and characteristics we want to define us as leaders, the difficulties we're facing, or the long-term impact we hope to have. Forming a leadership development group can give you the space you need to think deeply about these subjects. Leadership development groups are groups of six to eight people who meet to share their personal challenges and discuss the most important questions in their lives. Find people you can trust, and make a commitment to be one another's confidential counselors. Meet regularly, and share openly your life stories, crucibles, passions and fears, while offering each other honest feedback.

Volunteer in a civic or service organization: Have you served your community this year? In the Facebook era it's easy to lose touch with our real-world neighbors. Long hours often cause us to avoid volunteer opportunities. Participating in local organizations — from religious organizations to civic groups — can give you early leadership experiences, provide real connection to your neighbors, and offer opportunities to serve others. It adds a dimension to your life that work can't, and helps you develop and solidify your character while giving back to the community. You will find your time serving a community organization is highly rewarding while broadening your outlook on people and life.

Work in or travel to one new country: "The world is flat," as Tom Friedman puts it, so it has never been more important to get global experience. In the future cultural sensitivity will be a more important characteristic for leaders than pure intellectual ability. John's survey of more than 500 top MBAs found that on average they had worked in four countries prior to entering graduate school and expect to work in five more in the next ten years. Having a global mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively across cultures are essential qualities for aspiring leaders of global organizations.

Finally, ask more questions than you answer: With the high velocity of change in the world, it is impossible to have answers to all the important questions. Much more important is a deep curiosity about the world and the ability to frame the right questions in profound ways. The world's toughest problems cannot be solved by you or any one organization. Your role will be to bring the right people together to address the challenging issues you raise. Our research demonstrates that the biggest mistakes result from decisions made by people without deep consideration of thoughtful questions.

Young leaders will soon be asked to take on major leadership responsibilities in their organizations and their communities. We believe it is essential that they take steps like these in order to be prepared for the difficult leadership challenges they will face. There's no better time to get started than the coming year.


For more information on leadership and volunteering, call the VCCV at 272-2087.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

• Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with flexible shifts to assist with filing, copying, answering phones, and other duties assigned for the Department of Human Services.
  
  
• Exceptional Persons, Inc. needs volunteers to assist adults with disabilities with a variety of activities in an Adult Day Care (Games, crafts, puzzles, etc). Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Family and Children's Council needs volunteers to be matched with parents who are experiencing stress and could benefit from parent education and emotional support. Opportunities exist daily with flexible times to be determined. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• The Grout Museum District is in need of Museum Store assistants at the Imaginarium to run the cash register, keep inventory of visitors, straighten merchandise, and answer the phone as needed. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Service Learning Update

  

All the research indicates that service learning will empower youth to become leaders. This is plainly seen in the classrooms in the Cedar Valley.

· A class at North Cedar Elementary in Cedar Falls is preparing a PowerPoint presentation to show to the adults in the North Cedar Neighborhood Association and the Cedar Falls City Council about the need for safety features and beautification in the North Cedar area of Cedar Falls.

· Students at Orchard Hill Elementary in Cedar Falls are planning for a “bully-free” day at the school. They have planned activities that will involve the entire school in this event.

· A 5th grade class at Poyner Elementary in Waterloo is developing plans to make life better for the hungry and homeless in the Cedar Valley.

· Students at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo are crafting projects to attack the problems of substance abuse, child abuse and hunger.

· Animals in the Cedar Valley have five classes of students (two 5th grade classes at Poyner Elementary in Waterloo, Hansen Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Orchard Hill Elementary all in Cedar Falls) looking out for their needs, educating others about animal adoption, and collecting money for the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

Our future is bright with these future leaders. To involve your class in Service Learning, contact Jean at 272-2087 or jean_seeland@vccv.org.

MLK Day at UNI!

What is the MLK Day of Service?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?” Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

January 16, 2012 will mark the 26th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

At UNI, this commitment is shared and it is hopes that students will join together using MLK Day as a "Day on, not a day off."

For more information, visit http://mlkday.gov.

Who:  Any student, student organization, resident hall, class, faculty or staff!

Where:  Students may volunteer at one of five agencies: Catholic Worker House, Cedar Valley Hospitality House, Country View Care Facility, Grout Museum District, or the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.Please select your top choices on the registration form found at http://www.uni.edu/siac/online-forms/slc-mlkdayofservice/index.shtml

When: 

• Monday, January 16
• Check-in is from 8:30-9:00 a.m. at Maucker Union.
• Buses depart campus following introductions & instructions. Lunch will be served at approximately 12 noon.

What:  Participants will receive a free shirt, transportation, and lunch Students should simply fill out the RSVP to secure a spot. Students will receive a confirmation via e-mail. Questions should be directed to the Student Leadership Center at 273-7422. *Registration will close on Wednesday, January 11, 2012*

Contact the VCCV to find out about all the MLK Day activities for the community. Call 272-2087 or email Lauren_Finke@vccv.org to get involved.