Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Utilizing Older Volunteers - RSVP


RSVP is a point of coordination for volunteers 55+ and nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers. The purpose of RSVP is to engage individuals 55 and older in helping to meet community needs; and to provide a high quality life enriching experience for the volunteers. RSVP projects are nationwide and are part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). There are over 700 projects nationwide; with 23 in Iowa alone. 

Sheila Bohr, Waterloo RSVP Director, shared the following information on the role of RSVP Volunteers.

Q:  How can nonprofits utilize older volunteers?

A:  RSVP volunteers are 55 and older. Their work experiences, skill types and levels are diverse. The utilization of volunteers is not a “one size fits all”. It is having a volunteer with the skills sets needed to address the agency need. It may be for a few hours a week, ongoing or several hours a week for short term. Nonprofits are always welcome to contact RSVP and discuss possibilities.  

Q:   How do older Iowans contribute to nonprofits?  

A:  Generally speaking retired volunteers want to be a part of making a difference – helping others on a one to one basis or indirectly by providing help to the agency who provides the service. This age is motivated by their personal need, not by an employer or a school. They want to stay involved – to give back in this stage of their life.

Q:  What is the volunteer benefit to the nonprofit agency?

A:  Benefits vary. The skill set, consistency and efficiency the volunteer(s) brings to the nonprofit are just a few.

Q:  Is there a cost savings by utilizing volunteers?

A:  Better put, the utilization of a volunteer(s) can help the nonprofit expand its reach; freeing up time for staff to carry out the nonprofit’s mission.

RSVP utilizes volunteers as Literacy Volunteers, Tax Preparers, and Primetime Volunteers.

To secure volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.
 
 
 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

July One-Time Volunteer Opportunities


The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley serves 107 member agencies with over 200 volunteer opportunities throughout Waterloo, Cedar Falls and the Cedar Valley.

July 24 - 26
Horsemanship 103
Aspire TRP

July 26
Summer Camp Assistant – Boot Camp
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

July 26 - 27
Rocket Camp Assistant
Grout Museum District

July 29
Walking Moai
Cedar Falls Blue Zones Project

July 30 – August 2
Weekly Wonders Assistants, Pioneer Days
Grout Museum District

To volunteer call 319-272-2087.


 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Featured Agency: Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging


The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley partners with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging as an advocate for older adults, empowering them to remain independent. Here they share how they use volunteers to help fulfill their mission.


Volunteers play a critical role in helping Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A)  fulfill our mission of empowering older adults to remain independent and in their homes for as long as they desire. NEI3A relies on thousands of volunteers who generously donate their time and talents throughout our 18 county service area.

Volunteers help in many different capacities throughout NEI3A. While each volunteer role is important, one of the most essential positions is the home delivered meal volunteers. These volunteers deliver a hot, nutritious noon meal to seniors Monday through Friday each week. Other volunteer positions include a senior services receptionist who assists with answering phones, greeting and assisting visitors, and taking meal reservations or cancellations. The clerical coordinator helps assist with daily clerical tasks. Nutrition assistant assists with the home delivered meal program as well as the congregate meal program. Transit drivers help provide transportation for seniors to attend medical appointments and other necessary appointments. Volunteers also help protect seniors from Medicare Fraud through the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. SMP volunteers are trained to make community presentations and help at exhibit events to promote awareness about how to protect, detect, and report Medicare Fraud.

Volunteers are always needed at NEI3A. To secure volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.
 
Our thanks to Vicki Hyke, NEI3A.
 
 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Older Iowans are Lifetime Volunteers

It is well demonstrated that senior volunteers are actively involved in the Cedar Valley as we celebrate 8 over 80. The involvement of these individuals has strengthened our community and allowed others to witness a life full of service.

Volunteerism throughout the state of Iowa is well documented. The Corporation for National and Community Service indicates that volunteers age 55 and over are involved. 39% of Iowans age 55+ volunteer while averaging 54 hours of volunteer time annually.

Older Iowans who have not volunteered and have uncertainties should consider the following:

·        Find a passion. Retirement is the time to live out your passion; feed the homeless, get involved in the neighborhood, or teach youth about art at a local art museum. Do what you’ve always wanted to do and didn’t have time to do before.

·        Look for a need. A 2009 survey, conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, found that 80% of nonprofit organizations surveyed reported some level of fiscal stress. To find out where you can be most helpful, contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

·        Avoid perfectionism. It’s easy to seek perfection in a volunteer role. Perfectionism can ruin the project for you and others around you.

·        Strive for joy. If nothing else, a volunteer job should be something fun. Volunteer work can be dirty and difficult but it should still be something you enjoy.

·        Deflect criticism. While you might not be taking the volunteer job too seriously, others may. Try to brush off criticism. Don’t allow it to ruin your ability to find a way to give.

·        Steer clear of conflict. Try to avoid conflict in volunteer life. Sometimes you need to give up ground on an idea to keep the peace.

·        Don’t overdo. Older adults can become so committed to a cause it becomes a job. While that kind of dedication is commendable, remember that retirement work should be a labor of love.

·        Avoid negativity. Ignore negativity and gravitate toward people and projects that share your interests.

·        Get help. If you’re an older Iowan or have a loved one who wants to volunteer contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

The following are benefits of volunteering for those 55 and older in the United States. “Older volunteers are finding ways to use their lifetime of skills and experience to make an impact on issues they care about,” said Dr. Erwin Tan, director of Senior Corps, provider of the statistics listed below.

·        Make a Difference - 99% of older volunteers want to make a difference. Whether it’s passing out lunches to the homeless or building a home for a family in need, nearly all senior volunteers want to make a difference.

·        Improved Physical Health - 98% stay active and feel better physically. Recent research shows that giving back results in increased activity, which often results in improved health.

·        Stronger Emotional Outlook - 98% feel better emotionally. The idea of putting others’ needs before one’s own pays off.

·        Renewed Spiritual Purpose - 98% gain a sense of purpose. Along with a need to make a difference, older volunteers overwhelmingly want to gain a sense of purpose.

·        Shared Wisdom - 90% want to share their talents, skills and experience. Many older adults have spent a lifetime in careers or perfecting domestic and creative skills that they are pleased to share with others.

·        Revived Perspective and Mental Acuity - 84% want to occupy their free time. Volunteering helps supports “executive function” or brain activity in key areas of the brain.

·        Effective Pain Relief - 75% with chronic conditions say volunteering helps them manage these conditions. Giving back may serve as a stress reliever and distraction for seniors suffering from various conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure.

·        Revitalized Social Networks - 74% are able to overcome feeling isolated. There’s no time when the risk of isolation is as great as the senior years.

·        Improved Mental Outlook - 70% are able to overcome feeling depressed. Depression is among the biggest challenges faced by older adults who have lost spouses or whose families have moved away or are too busy for them.

·        Long-Lasting Legacies - 53% say that they learned the importance of volunteering from their parents’ community service and 84% say they have encouraged their children to give back to their communities.

Seven in 10 U.S. older volunteers say they plan on volunteering “forever” or they have no end in sight to their community service activities.

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

To secure volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.

 

 

 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program is requesting volunteers to assist with Horsemanship 101 on July 10th, 11th & 12th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Grout Museum District needs volunteers to assist with activities for the Imaginarium 200 drag race on July 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Cedar Falls Blue Zones Project is recruiting volunteers to assist Hy-Vee and IronKids as they prepare to bring a kid friendly triathlon to George Wyth State Park with volunteer opportunities on July 12-13. The need includes venue set-up, parking attendant, race packet pick-up and course cyclist. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome!

• The
House of Hope is recruiting individuals willing to provide childcare on Tuesday afternoons from 3:45-5:15 p.m. Children range in age from infant through teens. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

 

Monday, July 1, 2013

In the Spotlight - Phelps’s Youth Pavilion


The Waterloo Center for the Arts' and Phelps’s Youth Pavilion’s purpose is to initiate and further awareness, appreciation and support of the arts by a diverse audience. The Center works in partnership with the community to build a stronger appreciation for the arts and to provide cultural experiences for people of all ages. Operating under the auspices of the Waterloo Cultural and Arts Commission, the Center and its programs reflect the City of Waterloo's commitment to and support of arts and culture.

Volunteers are needed to serve as a Docents/Tour Guides, Gallery Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Birthday Buddy, Story Time Reader, Seamstress, Gift Store Assistant, or Mascot Representative. Volunteers age 15 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!