News from generationOn

Recognizing the accomplishments of individuals is a crucial component of any successful volunteer program. GenerationOn has two distinct opportunities to elevate youth ages 5 -18 who are making their mark on your community. Learn more about both no-cost award programs below.

With the support of Hasbro Children's Fund, nominations are now open for the 2013 Hasbro Community Action Hero Award.  This award recognizes five outstanding young volunteers, ages 5 - 18, who demonstrate that you are never too young to make a difference in your local or global community. Awardees will be celebrated for their extraordinary commitment to service at a special recognition event in New York City and will receive a $1,000 educational scholarship. Nominations are due Wednesday, February 20 at 5 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more and to submit your nomination!

 

Nominations are now being accepted for the new monthly Excellence in Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals and groups ages 5-18 who take a leadership role in improving their local and global communities through service. Projects may be large or small, short or long, focused on hometown needs or world issues, and may be completed by individuals or groups. An Excellence in Service and Leadership awardee shows exceptional dedication to volunteerism, works in a leadership capacity to meet the needs of the community and addresses critical community issues with creative solutions. Each month, awardees will be featured on the generationOn website and will receive a certificate of merit. Click here to learn more and to submit your nomination!

generationOn is the global youth service movement igniting the power of all kids to make their mark on the world. As the youth division of Points of Light Institute, generationOn has brought the nation's leading youth service organizations and programs under one umbrella including New York-based Children for Children, The League, Learning to Give, Points of Light Institute's Kids Care Clubs, HandsOn Schools, and HandsOn Network's youth-driven programs.The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is a member of the POLI.

 

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer in the Cedar Valley!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers will assist during the Cedar Valley's first-ever purpose workshops with the Blue Zones Project to be held on Tuesday, February 5 from 3:00 – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 9 from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Opportunities include greeting workshop participants and helping those sign up and complete pledge actions on the Blue Zones Project website. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
 
• Volunteers are invited to work with third graders while assisting staff with printing press and industry assembly line activities at the Grout Museum District. This opportunity will be held on February 6^th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
 
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa needs adults, age 18 and older, to visit a 6th or 8th grade classroom once a week for 6 weeks beginning February 7. Junior Achievement provides all of the materials needed. Volunteers will lead short discussions focused on entrepreneurship in a social studies class.
  
  
• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist children with activities on the engineering process, scientific method and more while using Legos on February 23 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.

 

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

Fred Becker Elementary and Service-Learning

Waterloo students are involved in activities that nurture and improve our communities. Students from Fred Becker Elementary expanded on their class autobiography project to include interviewing members of a local nursing home for their service-learning project.

Our thanks to Waterloo Schools for providing the VCCV with these photos and video.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer in the Cedar Valley.

Volunteer Recognition

Here are some great ideas for volunteer recognition:

• Banquets and Parties with a Twist
• Out-of-the-Ordinary Gifts
• Awards/Special Acknowledgment to Volunteers
• Trips and Outings
• Learning Opportunities as Thanks
• Holiday Events as Recognition Opportunities
• Involving Families and Employers
• Ongoing and Informal Ways to Say Thank You
• Community-Wide Events
• National Volunteer Week Celebrations
• International Volunteer Day Celebrations
• Look Back to Look Ahead
• Resources for Your Recognition Ideas

Thanks to ENERG!ZE, Inc. for this material.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer in the Cedar Valley!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers are invited to work with third graders while assisting staff with printing press and industry assembly line activities at the Grout Museum District. This opportunity will be held on February 6^th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa needs adults, age 18 and older, to visit a 6th or 8th grade classroom once a week for 6 weeks beginning February 7. Junior Achievement provides all of the materials needed. Volunteers will lead short discussions focused on entrepreneurship in a social studies class.
  
  
• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist children with activities on the engineering process, scientific method and more while using Legos on February 23 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.
  
  
• Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s annual Maple Syrup Festival is March 2 and 3. Volunteers are needed to assist with kitchen help, table clearing, assist with 'Chris Cakes', sap collection, ticket sales, and parking. Volunteer shifts are 6:30 - 10:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

Bounce, Play and Explore as a Volunteer with Bixby's Inflatable Rainforest

Bixby and Friends travels nationwide bringing Bixby and all his Inflatable Adventures to families across the country. With the help of generous volunteers like you, Bixby's Inflatable Adventures promote family interaction and involvement, physical fitness, and are educational to all ages. The main objective of your time with Bixby's Inflatable Adventures is to help families enjoy their time bouncing, playing, exploring and growing as a family!

Thank you in advance for your important contribution of time and energy! The volunteer services you will provide Bixby’s Inflatable Adventures will prove to be a tremendous help. Positive, family-friendly activities such as Bixby’s Inflatable Adventures truly make a difference in the lives of families and children in your community. This event cannot be a success without the help of you and the countless other volunteers who are willing to donate their time and energy. Please know that your willingness to volunteer your time and talents is not only immensely appreciated by every Bixby and Friends Team Member, but by your community and the families and children you will be helping today. Please remember that when you reach out your hand to help even one person, you improve the lives of all of us.

Volunteering in your own community is a very rewarding endeavor, not only for those you help, but volunteering benefits you, the volunteer, in many ways you might not think about. Volunteering helps you connect to your community and make it a better place. Volunteering helps you make new friends, expand your network, boost your social skills and is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Through volunteering, you can show younger generations, firsthand, how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help others. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having a positive impact on people’s lives. Volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely and is a brilliant way to get life experience, which is not only valuable to you as a person, but is a valuable addition to any resume or college application as well.

While volunteering with Bixby and Friends Inflatable Adventures, you will receive:

• Adequate and thorough hands-on training
• Scheduled breaks throughout the day
• A Certificate of Appreciation reflecting the number of volunteer hours served

Bixby’s Inflatable Adventures requires the help of 11 volunteers per day to help operate various attractions. Volunteers will be working a variety of posts, including: activities, rides, concessions, prize and merchandise stands and face painting. Volunteers age 18 and over are needed January 26 and 27 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

MLK Day of Service in Review

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. 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. On January 21, Americans of every age and background celebrated Dr. King through service projects.

Our thanks to KWWL for featuring service projects in the Cedar Valley,
http://www.kwwl.com/category/130142/videolandingpage?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8214416

Dr. King taught us that everyone has a role to play in making our communities great. This is one small attempt to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

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

Please contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to continue volunteering throughout the year. Call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley offers over 170 local volunteer opportunities from 95 nonprofit agencies. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/volunteer/.

MLK Day

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Day - a day-on, not off for many at UNI

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" –
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Students, faculty and staff at the University of Northern Iowa will take that question to heart during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 21, in the Cedar Valley. The event is sponsored by UNI's Student Leadership Center in conjunction with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

 
The program will include a guest speaker and a community service project. Volunteers can choose from a variety of experiences including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, the Catholic Worker House, Country View Nursing Home, Cedar Valley Hospitality House, the Iowa Green AmeriCorps and more.

The event will end with a luncheon and guest speaker, Michael Blackwell, director of UNI's Center for Multicultural Education. He will speak about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the value of service in our communities.
The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism and serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and community partnerships.

Please contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley for more information. To secure additional volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley offers over 175 local volunteer opportunities from 95 nonprofit agencies. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or volunteer.truist.com/vccv/volunteer.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers age 18 and older are invited to work with third graders while assisting staff with printing press and industry assembly line activities at the Grout Museum District. This opportunity will be held on February 6^th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
  
  
• Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa needs adults, age 18 and older, to visit a 6th or 8th grade classroom once a week for 6 weeks beginning February 7. Junior Achievement provides all of the materials needed. Volunteers will lead short discussions focused on entrepreneurship in a social studies class.
  
  
• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist with a youth science program on February 9 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.
  
  
• Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s annual Maple Syrup Festival is March 2 and 3. Volunteers are needed to assist with kitchen help, table clearing, assist with 'Chris Cakes', sap collection, ticket sales, and parking. Volunteer shifts are 6:30-10:15 a.m. and 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

Board of Directors Member – Emily Hanson

Board of Directors Member – Emily Hanson

 

Emily Hanson is a senior at the University of Northern Iowa studying Leisure, Youth, and Human Services. She is activity involved on campus, serving on the leadership team for both UNI Dance Marathon and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Emily is also serving as the R.J. McElroy Trust intern for spring 2013, where she will act as the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching Award Program Coordinator. Upon graduation in the May, she hopes to attend graduate school where she will study Nonprofit Administration and Philanthropy.

 

Emily believes strongly in civil engagement and volunteerism. Having volunteered at a number of nonprofit organizations in Cedar Valley, she loves lending a hand and strives to inspire others with her work. Emily firmly believes that volunteering gives one the ability to truly make a difference in the world. She says there is no greater sense of accomplishment than knowing you helped someone else, and it paths the way for a brighter tomorrow.

 

Thanks Emily!

 

 

 

UNI Virtual Volunteer Fair

Attention agencies! Coming soon! The first ever Virtual Volunteer Fair on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa. Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure your agency’s volunteer opportunities are updated by Friday, January 18.
2. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will set-up a computers and assist students in finding volunteer opportunities to fulfill interests, class requirements and career experience.
3. Volunteer referrals will go to your email inbox directly.
4. Contact the student and share additional details, ask questions, and get them started!

This event is a fun way for students to find Cedar Valley volunteer opportunities without needing to take time out of volunteer managers’ day. Get your volunteer listings updated today! Questions? Contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087.

VCCV January VALU Training

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV) invites non-profit member agency representatives to attend the next VALU meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Topic: “What are the best ways to recognize volunteers” will be presented by Lauren Finke. The location: Meeting Room 1 at 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 1 hour.

RSVP to Anne Nass.

Questions? Call 272-2087!

 

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

•             Allen Hospice volunteers are vital to the goal of helping patients and their families live every moment. Allen Hospice is seeking qualified people to attend orientation and help serve hospice patients and their families. Training sessions are Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon from throughout January at Allen Hospital. 

 

•             Volunteers are needed to assist Girl Scouts as they earn their Star Gazer Badge. This program has 3 sessions on January 19. Two volunteers are needed for each session. Sessions are: 9:00-11:00 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., and 2:00-4:00 p.m.

 

•             Volunteers age 18 and older are invited to work with third graders while assisting staff with printing press and industry assembly line activities at the Grout Museum District. This opportunity will be held on February 6th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

 

•             Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa needs adults, age 18 and older, to visit a 6th or 8th grade classroom once a week for 6 weeks beginning February 7. Junior Achievement provides all of the materials needed. Volunteers will lead short discussions focused on entrepreneurship in a social studies class.

 

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

UNI Virtual Volunteer Fair

Attention agencies! Coming soon! The first ever Virtual Volunteer Fair on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa. Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure your agency’s volunteer opportunities are updated by Friday, January 18.
2. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will set-up a computers and assist students in finding volunteer opportunities to fulfill interests, class requirements and career experience.
3. Volunteer referrals will go to your email inbox directly.
4. Contact the student and share additional details, ask questions, and get them started!

This event is a fun way for students to find Cedar Valley volunteer opportunities without needing to take time out of volunteer managers’ day. Get your volunteer listings updated today! Questions? Contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087.

It's Not Too Late to Plan an MLK Day Project

Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Poverty was one of the issues that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. focused on towards the end of his life and fought tirelessly against. Unfortunately, more Americans live in poverty today than during Dr. King's lifetime. There are service projects that you can still plan to address this year’s MLK Day of Service theme of economic opportunity.

Here are a few easy to plan project ideas that address economic opportunity:

Assist Friends and Neighbors with Job Readiness

• Host a workshop on dressing and preparing for a job interview
• Host a resume a writing workshop

Offer Food Assistance

• Serving meals at food shelters
• Bring food to homebound neighbors
• Support local food banks
• Help kids make healthier food choices

Create Hygiene Kits

Host a Community Discussion On Dr. King’s  life and teachings, his principles of non-violence,

Honor Military Service through Operation Honor Cards

For more great project ideas or toolkits, visit MLKDay.gov. 

MLK 2013

MLK 2013

January 21, 2013 will mark the Rev. Dr. 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.

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. 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.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and the ISU Extension and Outreach of Black Hawk County will sponsor a morning of service for elementary age children on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Children will gather at First Presbyterian Church, 505 Franklin St. in Waterloo at 10 a.m. Youth will engage in service projects for the community including: making fleece blankets for young children in hospitals, baking and decorating cookies for the Cedar Valley Hospitality House, and writing letters to service members. The morning service event will conclude with a lunch at noon. All elementary age children in the Cedar Valley are invited to attend. Adult volunteers are also invited to participate.

Dr. King taught us that everyone has a role to play in making our communities great. This is one small attempt to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

Questions may be directed to Jean Seeland at 319-272-2087.

Employee Volunteering Brings in Happines

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• The Waterloo Blue Zones Project is holding a Walking Moai Kick-Off Event on Monday, January 7 at Young Arena. Volunteers for the kick-off will assist with registering walkers and assisting with Blue Zones Project website registrations and directions during the following shifts: 6:00-8:00 a.m., noon-2:00 p.m., and 5:00-7:00 p.m.

• Allen Hospice volunteers are vital to the goal of helping patients and their families live every moment. Allen Hospice is seeking qualified people to attend orientation and help serve hospice patients and their families. Training sessions are Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon from January 9 – 30 at Allen Hospital.  

• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist with a youth science program on January 12th from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. 

• Volunteers are needed to assist Girl Scouts as they earn their Star Gazer Badge. This program has 3 sessions on January 19. Two volunteers are needed for each session. Sessions are: 9:00-11:00 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., and 2:00-4:00 p.m. 

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Iowa Among Top 5 in Volunteerism

To volunteer in the Cedar Valley, call 272-2087!