Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

Reserve Your Spot - Appetite for Service

2012-02-24T08:41:00.000-06:00

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.

MidWestOne Bank guests
enjoying the 2011 event.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

2012-02-23T09:09:00.000-06:00

Ushers are needed for the production of “Dying City” at Strayer-Wood Theatre on the UNI campus. Performance dates include March 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and March 4 at 2:00 p.m. Ushers will arrive one hour before curtain for instruction. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Western Home Communities is looking for Excursion Assistants to assist residents and employees in boarding a Western Home bus, assisting with doors, wheelchairs and walkers if necessary and providing social companionship for residents on the excursion. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare needs volunteers to serve as Care-A-Van Drivers. This free service provides transportation to patients using Covenant Medical Center services, giving patients a ride to our door and returns them safely to theirs. The volunteer driver will drive a Wheaton van and is provided with a cell phone to allow two-way communication with the Medical Center. Volunteers age 21 and over are welcome.

Allen Hospice volunteers providing direct care may spend time reading to and visiting with patients or providing respite care to allow family caregivers a break. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

To volunteer call 272-2087.

Hasbro Community Action Hero Awards - Nominate Now!

2012-02-22T10:34:00.000-06:00

Do you know a young person between the ages of 5 and 18 who has done remarkable community service in the past 12 months?

The Hasbro Community Action Hero award recognizes outstanding young volunteers who show that you are never too young to make a difference in your local or global community. From diverse backgrounds across the nation, Hasbro Community Action Heroes demonstrate extraordinary commitment to service in their local and/or global communities.

Hasbro Children's Fund and generationOn will celebrate five young people (ages 5-18) for their tremendous community service and volunteer activities at a special recognition event in New York City on May 31, 2012 and award each youth a $1,000 educational scholarship.

Nominations for the 2012 Hasbro Community Action Hero award must be received by Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST.

NOMINEES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Be in school (grade K-12) and age 5-18 at time of nomination
Be a resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia
Be available to travel for a special, expense-paid, two day, one night event in New York City on May 31, 2012 (travel May 31-June 1, 2012)

BENEFITS:

Recognition by generationOn and Hasbro Children’s Fund
Travel and lodging for the awardee and one parent or guardian to attend the recognition event in New York City
Inclusion is a national press release as well as opportunities for additional local or national media attention
Educational scholarship in the amount of $1,000 provided by Hasbro Children’s Fund to the awardee

NOMINATION PROCESS:

Nominations for the 2012 Hasbro Community Action Hero award must be received by Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST.
All nominators will be notified of the status of their nominees on or around Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
Staff phone interviews may be requested of nominees and their parent or guardian.
Awardees and a parent/guardian must participate in an orientation call prior to the award ceremony (tentatively scheduled for the week of May 14, 2012).
Awardees and a parent/guardian must be available to travel to the recognition event in New York City on May 31, 2012 (travel May 31-June 1, 2012).

ELIGIBILITY:

Open only to residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are 5-18 years old and in grades K-12 at the time of nomination. Awardee and a parent/guardian must be available to attend the expense-paid recognition event in New York City on May 31, 2012 (travel May 31-June 1, 2012). A parent/guardian must give consent to participate and accompany the awardee to New York City
It is the nominator’s responsibility to submit a complete nomination. Only fully completed nominations will be considered. GenerationOn accepts no responsibility for incomplete nominations, nominations lost due to technical difficulties, or any other submission in exception to the above instructions.
By accepting this recognition, the awardee agrees to grant generationOn and Hasbro Inc. permission to publish any photos for promotional purposes. Awardees may be publicized in local and national media outlets.

TRAVEL TO RECOGNITON EVENT:

The travel provided is two (2) coach airfare tickets from the major commercial airport nearest awardee’s primary residence in the US to New York and one (1) standard hotel room (double occupancy) for one (1) night at a hotel selected by generationOn. Ground transportation will be included. In-room or other personal charges at the hotel (e.g., mini-bar, movies), telephone calls, gratuities, incidentals, and all other expenses are not included. Awardee and parent/guardian must be available to travel on the same itinerary. GenerationOn will attempt to accommodate member’s preferred itinerary, but all specifics thereof will be at the sole discretion of generationOn. If, in the sole judgment of generationOn, air travel is not required due to awardee’s proximity to prize location, ground transportation may be substituted for roundtrip air travel. Travel companion must be the parent or legal guardian of the awardee, unless otherwise permitted by generationOn.

Visit http://www.generationon.org/birthday_check?original_destination=node%2F3164 to nominate.

9 Ways Board Members Can Raise Money Without Fundraising

2012-02-21T08:39:00.000-06:00

Nell Edgington, Social Velocity

Here are 9 things you could ask your fundraising-shy board members to do:

Help create or evaluate a business plan for an earned income venture. If you have business leaders or entrepreneurs on your board this would be a great use of their time and add tremendous value to your organization. If they can help you create a more profitable business, they are directly contributing to your organizations bottom-line.
Advocate for government money. You may have a board member that can’t stand the idea of asking their friends for money, but they are well connected in city, county, state or federal government and could open doors to you for government contracts, grants, fee-for-service or other government monies.
Provide intelligence on prospects. If you have a board member that seems to know everyone in town, but for whatever reason refuses to ask any of them for money, they can still be incredibly useful. You may be getting ready to ask a prospective donor for $1,000, and this board member can tell you what that person has already given to, at what level, who else might know them and so on. When you make an ask, the more information you have going into it, the more successful you will be.
Set up a meeting with a prospective customer. If your nonprofit is engaged in an earned income venture, you probably always need help with new sales. If you have a board member who is part of, or connected to, the target customer(s) of your business, they could open doors to new customers. Or at the very least, they could help you think through your sales and marketing strategies and make them more effective so that you can attract more customers.
Email, call or visit a donor just to say thanks. The stewardship of a gift is an often forgotten, but incredibly critical, part of the fundraising process. According to Penelope Burk’s annual donor survey, 84% of donors would give again if they were thanked in a timely way. And being thanked by a board member is a bonus. A donor who renews their gift to a nonprofit is providing more money for the organization.
Explain to a prospect why you serve. A board of directors is a group of volunteers who care so much about the mission of the organization that they are willing to donate their time (a precious resource) to the cause. As a donor, it is affirming to see that a volunteer is contributing time, but it is even more motivating to hear, in the board member’s own words, why they feel compelled to serve this organization. That story can be enough to convince someone to give.
Host a small gathering at your home. Over the course of a year, most people invite a gathering of friends and/or family into their home at least once. A board member could take a few minutes at their next dinner party, birthday celebration or Super Bowl feast to talk about something that is near and dear to their heart: the nonprofit on whose board they serve. They don’t have to ask people for money, but they could simply say, “If you’re interested in learning more, let me know.” And then the nonprofit’s staff could take it from there with those who are interested.
Recruit an in-kind service. If a board member could remove an expense line item from a nonprofit’s budget that would directly contribute to a stronger bottom-line. For example, if a board member works at an ad agency, could they convince their company to provide some pro-bono marketing services to their nonprofit? But keep in mind, these in-kind donations must be of value to the nonprofit and provide an offset to a direct cost that the nonprofit would otherwise have to bear.
Negotiate a lower price from a vendor. Do you have a board member with great negotiating skills (think of all of those lawyers on your board)? Could they negotiate with your insurance providers, office space Rental Company, or printers, for a lower price? If so, that’s more money in the bank.

If you think of a board member’s “get” responsibilities in these much broader terms, then I find it difficult to imagine a board member who cannot bring money in the door. You just have to get strategic about how each individual board member can best contribute to the organizations bottom-line.

About the Author: Nell Edgington is President of Social Velocity (http://www.socialvelocity.net/), a management consulting firm leading nonprofits to greater social impact and financial sustainability. Social Velocity helps nonprofits grow their programs, bring more money in the door, and use resources more effectively. For more information, check out Social Velocity consulting services and clients.

Help Strengthen Kids and Communities Through Family Volunteerism

2012-02-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

Doing Good Together is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that provides information and support to help people raise compassionate and socially conscious children through family volunteerism. Every month DGT provides ideas to help get children involved. Here some ideas for February.

If your kids seem impatient, they may have good reason! Studies show that we spend about 45 to 62 minutes each day waiting - waiting in traffic, waiting for a ride, waiting in the checkout line, waiting for the doctor. To make the time go faster, use that time together for some easy, offhanded lessons in kindness. Imagine how much good you could do if your family spent its "wait time" on service!

Make a Difference.....

Here are simple projects that can be done on the go.

Keep a "kindness" book in your bag, backpack or purse. Pull it out to read and discuss with your child.
Consider an anonymous kindness, like leaving quarters in a vending machine or gum machine for the next person to use. Include a quick note saying "Enjoy!" or "Use me." Or perhaps leave a kindness quote..
Keep ingredients for an on-the-go service project in your bag. It might be a few paper lunch bags (along with crayons and stickers) to decorate for Meals on Wheels, or some blank cards and decorating supplies to create a card of thanks or gratitude.
If you live in a city where people hold signs saying they need money, you could make "care kits" to hand out. Simply fill resealable plastic bags with clean socks, a granola bar or other snacks, lip balm, hygiene items and perhaps gloves or sunscreen, depending on the weather.
Kids love making lists. Brainstorm these things and write them down:

Fun acts of kindness you can do in the future
Your favorite charities
All the ways people have helped you
All the things you're grateful for
Fun volunteer projects you'd like to do.

Talk About It.....

Riding in the car on the way to soccer practice? Sitting in a waiting room? These are great opportunities to ask little children big questions.

If you had one wish for the world, what would it be?
If someone gave you $1,000, would you give any of it away or would you keep all of it? If you did decide to give some away, who would you give it to?
If someone tripped a kid in the lunchroom and everyone laughed, would you too?
If you see someone asking for money, should you give them some?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? How could you use it to help people?

Quote ~ Always be a little kinder than necessary. James M. Barrie

UNI Community Service Clearinghouse

2012-02-17T08:41:00.000-06:00

The University of Northern Iowa is offering an opportunity for enhanced collaboration and communication between UNI and the community. This is the creation of the UNI College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Community Service Clearinghouse.

At UNI, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences encompasses a variety of disciplines and programs that address important social and political issues that affect our society and our world today. This college includes the following departments and programs:

Department of Geography
Department of History
Department of Political Science
Department of Psychology
Department of Social Work
Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology
School of Applied Human Sciences (includes the Counseling, Family Studies, Gerontology, Textiles, and Interior Design programs.)
Graduate Program in Public Policy (interdisciplinary with other Colleges)
Women’s and Gender Studies Program (interdisciplinary with other Colleges.)

The College contains approximately 120 faculty members, who have an incredibly broad range of research and service interests. If you would like to find out more about faculty interests and expertise, please go to the College’s web page (www.uni.edu/csbs). This will give you an overview of programs and also provide linkages to the departments’ web pages, which typically list faculty background and interests.

In 2010, the College adopted a strategic plan in which increasing outreach to and communication with the community was listed as an important goal. This goal is also in keeping with the UNI Strategic Plan, which also includes service to the state and community as an important goal.

In order to achieve this goal, the College is creating a clearinghouse in which faculty skills and interests can be matched with community needs. This clearinghouse will be managed by the Graduate Program in Public Policy. Community organizations that have particular needs or issues to which they think that faculty expertise might be relevant will be able to complete the attached form, outlining the particular needs that they have. This information will then be circulated to an email distribution list of all College of Social and Behavioral Sciences faculty who have indicated an interest in community service. If there is a faculty member who is interested in the request, then they will contact the agency or organization directly and arrange a meeting to discuss the request.

Some examples of organizational needs that a faculty member could address might include (but are not limited to):

· Assistance with research on a policy issue of importance to the organization.

· Assistance with program design.

· Assistance with program evaluation.

· Assistance with organizational strategic planning.

· Assistance with preparing grants or other funding requests.

As we launch into this experiment in collaboration and communication, there are some important caveats that must be given attention:

· There is absolutely no guarantee that any particular agency request will be matched with an interested faculty member. Faculty participation is strictly voluntary, and a request may not match the interest or expertise of any SBS faculty member. Our purpose here is to create opportunities for the College and the community to connect, as appropriate to their mutual interests.

· The specific work undertaken will be determined by a formal or informal agreement between the organization and the faculty member. This includes the issue of whether the faculty member will be compensated for his or her work or will do it as a volunteer. The clearinghouse will play no role in helping to craft such an agreement.

· Students may or may not be involved in projects initiated by the organization and the faculty member. The College believes that student involvement is highly desirable, but the main purpose of this clearinghouse is to match faculty with community needs. If student involvement can be arranged as part of any agreement, so much the better!

· This clearinghouse covers only faculty members in the above listed departments and programs. If organizations have needs that they believe would be better covered by departments or programs in another UNI college, they will need to contact them directly. A listing of all UNI academic departments and programs may be found on the UNI website under “Academics.”

If you are interested in tapping into the expertise of the faculty of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, please complete the attached brief form and email it to communityclearinghouse@uni.edu. Your request will then be circulated to the list of SBS faculty members who have indicated an interest in community service. If a faculty member is interested, he or she will contact you in order to initiate further discussions about what his or her role might be in serving your organization.

If you have further questions about the clearinghouse, please feel free to contact Dr. Hays at allen.hays@uni.edu. We sincerely hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to tap into the knowledge and skills of our faculty!

YWCA 2012 Women of Persimmon Awards

2012-02-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

Celebrating women whose lives, talents and passions shape the Cedar Valley community is at the heart of the YWCA of Black Hawk County. Beginning in 1911, the YWCA has empowered women and girls, advocated for equal opportunities for all people, developed young female leaders and promoted cultural appreciation. Since 2007, we have recognized and honored women whose lives, talents and passions shape the Cedar Valley community

Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon candidates exemplify the YWCA mission and make a difference in their community. Please take this opportunity to nominate a friend, relative or colleague for this special honor. Winners will be announced at our luncheon on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sky Event Centre.

Nomination forms may be picked up at the YWCA of Black Hawk County front office, online at www.ywcabhc.org; or call 234-7589 to have one mailed to you. Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 17, 2012. Please have nomination forms post-marked by this date. Completed nominations can be delivered, emailed or mailed to: Cindy Mohr, YWCA of Black Hawk County, 425 Lafayette, Waterloo, IA 50703 or lmohr@ywcabhc.org.

We request that the nominator escort the nominee to the luncheon. A special package for the nominee and nominator (two tickets) for $50 is available. Additional tickets are available for $35 per person. Group reservations and tables are available.

Proceeds from this event will financially support the mission and programs of the YWCA of Black Hawk County.

For more information regarding 2012 Women of Persimmon nominations please contact Cindy Mohr, Executive Director at (319) 234-7589 or lmohr@ywcabhc.org. For information about event sponsorship or to make a reservation, please contact Tonya Ledvina, Marketing and Development Director at (319)234-7589 or tledvina@ywcabhc.org.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2012-02-16T08:37:00.000-06:00

Ushers are needed for the production of “Dying City” at Strayer-Wood Theatre on the UNI campus. Performance dates include February 23-25 and March 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and February 26 and March 4 at 2:00 p.m. Ushers will arrive one hour before curtain for instruction. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

The Waterloo Community Schools Foundation is looking for clerical and data entry volunteers. Hours are flexible. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

The Waterloo Convention and Visitor's Bureau needs volunteers to greet incoming and outbound passengers at the Waterloo Regional Airport by providing visitor information, maps, and assistance with in-city travel. Various shifts available 7 days a week based on arriving and departing airline schedule. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
Volunteers age 18 and over are needed to deliver hot meals to homebound, frail, and elderly residents in Waterloo for Waterloo Healthy Lifestyles Center.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Random Acts of Kindness Week

2012-02-15T08:51:00.000-06:00

This is Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 13 to 19). What can you do to share small kindnesses with others?

In the Spotlight - Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

2012-02-15T08:27:00.000-06:00

The mission of the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is to enhance the quality of life for all individuals through horticulture. We seek to enrich life by nourishing and sharing the beauty of the natural world, the joy of gardening, knowledge of plants, and the diversity of our world.

Volunteers are utilized to assist with Community Engagement, an event planning and coordinating committee; Garden Volunteers to maintain the gardens; and Leadership/Committees which include: Board of Directors, Development, Education, Finance, Planning & Operations, Fall Harvest Festival, Site Development, and Public Art.

Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome as Garden Volunteers. The remainder of volunteers must be age 18 and over.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

In the Spotlight - Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

The mission of the Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau is to foster, promote, market and service our community as a quality destination for visitors.

The Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau needs Hospitality Specialists. Do you like to promote our community? Visit with People? If you answered yes, then you are needed at the Visitor Center on Hudson Road in Cedar Falls! Volunteers will meet people from other states and countries while staffing the center. Visitors are looking for assistance in directions and what there is to do in our community. Monday - Saturday, shifts are from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 - 4 p.m. Sunday shift is from Noon - 4 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

From the Heart - The Waterloo Home Enhancement Project

2012-02-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

FREE Home Repair this summer!

From the Heart is still looking for qualified homeowners in need of assistance with their home repairs.

This is the fifth year that we have offered these FREE Home Repairs:

Single Story Roofs

Handicap Ramps

Porch Repair

Interior and Exterior Painting

Light Carpentry and Minor Drywall Repair.

The From the Heart Project will take place the week of July 15th through July 21st, 2012.

Applications will be reviewed on a First Come First Served Basis!

Applicants meeting the deadline will be contacted by a representative of From the Heart regarding your application.

For an application please contact Operation Threshold at 292-1800. To be eligible for consideration please return ASAP.

Nominate Faculty at UNI for Recognition!

2012-02-10T08:41:00.000-06:00

Once again, thanks to Veridian Community Credit Union, you have the opportunity to recognize 5 Faculty for their Scholarly Community Engagement efforts.

Five - $1,000 awards are available for the nonprofit organization of the faculty member's choice.

FACULTY NOMINATIONS ARE SOUGHT by FEBRUARY 17, 2012!
NOTE: The top 5 faculty nominations will be recognized regardless of the faculty member's home college. In other words, the selection committee is no longer selecting 1 faculty member from each college. This is a great opportunity to recognize and reward faculty for their outstanding community engagement contributions!

Community engagement is defined as the collaboration of the university with the public and private sectors for the mutual benefit of all. This engagement is not simply service or membership, but it is the combination of meeting a community need through teaching and/or scholarship. It includes collaboration with the commercial and nonprofit sectors, special interests or needs, and groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity.

All full-time tenure-track and tenured faculty are eligible for nomination.

For award and nomination details, please visit: http://www.uni.edu/resources/veridian-award-nomination

Fill out the online nomination form summarizing the qualifications of the nominee for the award.
Provide a letter of recommendation from the community organization with which the faculty member is engaged. Recommendations should be uploaded electronically or mailed to:

Office of the President
c/o Lynette White
Seerley Hall 20

The deadline for submission of all materials is by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2012.

Questions should be directed to Brenda Buzynski, Office of the President, at (319) 273-2566 or Lynette White, Office of the President, at (319) 273-2566.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2012-02-09T08:29:00.000-06:00

Ushers are needed for the production of “Dying City” at Strayer-Wood Theatre on the UNI campus. Performance dates include February 23-25 and March 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and February 26 and March 4 at 2:00 p.m. Ushers will arrive one hour before curtain for instruction. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to assist in preparing and serving the noon time meal from 10:30 a.m. until at least 1:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
VA Voluntary Service needs van drivers to provide transportation to and from the Iowa City VA. Volunteers age 21 and over are needed once per week or as available from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Waterloo Community Schools need school based mentors to meet with students one hour a week at school. Mentors help students achieve personal and academic growth by providing encouragement and one to one assistance. Volunteers will be matched with a student at a school convenient to the volunteer. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Follow us on Facebook!

2012-02-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

Effective February 13, 2012, the Volunteer Center Group Page will close. We sincerely hope you'll follow us on our Business Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Volunteer-Center-of-Cedar-Valley/133389940005502

Expert Panel Convenes for Discussion on Iowa Courts and Merit Selection Process

2012-02-08T09:51:00.000-06:00

The Black Hawk – Bremer League of Women Voters is sponsoring a community conversation entitled, “Why Merit Selection of Judges is Good for Iowa” at 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at AEA 267, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive.

Justice Bruce Zager of the Iowa Supreme Court will start the panel discussion with an introduction to the Iowa Courts: the different levels of courts, the kind of cases each handles and how they operate.

K. O. Myers, Director of Research and Programs with the American Judicature Society, will follow with an explanation of the history and function of the merit selection system in Iowa.

Scott Peters, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa, will discuss the Varnum ruling and the 2010 retention election.

After these presentations, a Q&A session will follow.

The public is invited to join this community conversation exploring Iowa’s court systems as a potential model for other states.

For more information, call Michelle Temeyer at 235-7689 or Jeri Thornsberry at 235-0704. In Bremer County, contact Jackie Juhl at 319-352-5871 in Waverly.

Mark Your Calendar - Appetite for Service

2012-02-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

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!

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.

MidWestOne Bank guests
enjoying the 2011 event.

Follow Us on Facebook!

2012-02-06T08:45:00.000-06:00

Effective February 13, 2012, the Volunteer Center Group Page will close. We sincerely hope you'll follow us on our Business Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Volunteer-Center-of-Cedar-Valley/133389940005502

The World’s Greatest Spring Break for Kids 2012

2012-02-06T08:21:00.000-06:00

The Volunteer Center is collaborating with the Waterloo Public Library to plan an event for the World’s Greatest Spring Break for Kids March 10-18, 2012. On Wednesday, March 14, kids throughout the Cedar Valley may attend a “sock hop” at the Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers will read books about socks, and will also teach several dances those children attending. Admission is a pair of socks to be donated to a local agency.

Sponsored by the McElroy Trust, many organizations are organizing special events for the week. Admission to most venues is just $1.00. Participating organizations include: Grout Museum District, Waterloo Center for the Arts, National Wrestling hall of Fame, Waterloo Leisure Services-Young Arena, Waterloo Community Playhouse, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, Waterloo Public library, ISU Extension, Quakerdale, and Met Transit.

For more information about the World’s Greatest Spring Break 2012, visit http://www.worldsgreatestspringbreak.com/.

Meet VCCV Board Member, Emily Schmidt

2012-02-03T10:29:00.000-06:00

Emily Schmidt grew up in Cedar Falls. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School, and then went on to pursue degrees in Communication Studies and Human Resources at the University of Iowa.

After graduating, she moved back to the Cedar Valley, and worked with Farmers State Bank. This past July she changed companies and became a Senior Personal Banker with MidWestOne Bank here in Waterloo.

Emily’s parents are both teachers in the Cedar Falls School district, and she has one older brother who lives in Dubuque with his wife, and is in graduate school for school counseling.

In her free time she does kickboxing classes, and spends time with her family and friends. She enjoys reading, traveling, and cheering on the Hawkeyes!

Emily is excited about joining the VCCV Board to getting more involved in her community.

We welcome Emily to the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Board of Directors!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2012-02-02T08:32:00.000-06:00

Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center needs volunteers to pair up with residents to meet on a regular basis. Become a "buddy" and provide visits and activity time. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
People's Community Health Clinic is looking for volunteers to assist the clinic in administering the brief Patient Quality Assurance survey to patients. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
Pet Pals is looking for volunteers to provide animal assisted therapy/activities in area care centers and residential facilities, respite programs, etc. Humane Society puppies and kittens may be used. Personal pets may also be used after receiving a temperament evaluation. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.
RSVP needs volunteers age 55+ Monday through Friday to assist students with literacy enhancing activities to help improve the student's reading and writing skills. All activities will take place in the school during school hours. Times are flexible.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER NEED!

2012-02-01T11:14:00.000-06:00

The Oster Regent Theatre & Cedar Falls Community Theatre has an immediate need February 2 at 9 a.m. for people to help stuff & seal envelopes. Please e-mail or call the Volunteer Coordinator - Julie King at 319-APP-LAUD (319-277-5283) julieking@cfu.net - if you can help.

Every person that helps tomorrow morning gets a free ticket ($20 value) to see the upcoming comedy "The Government Inspector".

Mayors’ Awards Call for Nominations

2012-02-01T08:48:00.000-06:00

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is accepting nominations now through March 2 for the 2012 Mayors’ Volunteer Awards and Top Teen Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service through volunteerism in the Cedar Valley.

The Mayors’ Volunteer Awards honor the exemplary contributions of individuals ages 19 and older who dedicate their time and talent to volunteerism in Cedar Falls, Waterloo and/or Evansdale.

The Mayors’ Top Teen Awards honor youth ages 13-18 attending a school in Black Hawk County. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa also selects one junior from each of the accredited high schools in Black Hawk County to receive the $500 Mother Moon Service Scholarship.

All nominees and recipients will be recognized at special events on April 19 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Nomination forms are available online at http://www.vccv.org/, or may be requested by calling the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087.

The awards program is sponsored by the cities of Cedar Falls, Evansdale and Waterloo, the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the RJ McElroy Trust and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

MLK Day 2012 at UNI a Success!

2012-01-31T09:27:00.001-06:00

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!

2012-01-30T08:36:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-27T09:21:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-26T08:44:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-25T10:04:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-23T11:43:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-20T10:48:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

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+

2012-01-17T08:58:00.000-06:00

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?

2012-01-16T08:47:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-13T08:50:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-11T10:49:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-09T09:49:00.000-06:00

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!

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

2012-01-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-05T09:50:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-04T08:28:00.001-06:00

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!

2012-01-03T10:01:00.000-06:00

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.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T11:05:00.000-06:00

Resolve to volunteer in 2012!

Happy New Year from the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley!

Lauren, Jean & Anne

Weekly Volunteer Opportunity Update

2011-12-29T10:39:00.000-06:00

The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is led by several committees with members providing a broad variety of talents and professional expertise. Volunteers are needed to sit on these committees. Most of the committees meet monthly for one-two hours with some independent work. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
Cedar Valley Hospice needs volunteers to act as Quincy or Katie Koala or their friend to support children who are chronically ill, or grieving the death of a loved one. Volunteer opportunities exist Monday through Friday with flexible times. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
The Catholic Worker House needs volunteers to prepare meals to be frozen and served at a later date. Food may be made at your home or the Catholic Worker House. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
Country View needs entertainment volunteers to share musical or other skills (i.e. play an instrument, dance, sing, magic act, balloon animals, face painting, etc.) to entertain residents. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Altoid Tins Needed

2011-12-28T11:38:00.000-06:00

Hartman Reserve Nature Center needs empty Altoid tins to be used for a program at the Nature Center this coming Spring. If you have any Altoid tins or other similar tins, please let us know or just drop them off at the Nature Center!

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

657 Reserve Drive,

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

319-277-2187

12 things to do between Christmas and New Year's

2011-12-27T11:39:00.000-06:00

12 ways to keep your family busy...

Another reason to volunteer!

2011-12-26T17:42:00.000-06:00

BECAUSE YOU ARE SPECIAL

2011-12-23T11:10:00.000-06:00

We sometimes take for granted
In the rush of all we do,
And forget to say a special thanks
To volunteers like you!
So we send this message to tell you
How much all you do means,
Your gifts of time and of yourself
Are special ones indeed.

Happy Holidays from the VCCV Staff,
Lauren, Jean & Anne

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-12-22T09:11:00.002-06:00

• Volunteers are needed to walk through Grout Museum and Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and assist people as needed December 26 – 31 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Volunteer 2 hours or as many as 8 hours, one day or every day. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• Assist the Science Educator with Discovery Days—Hockey at the Grout Museum and Imaginarium December 26 - 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Volunteer 1 hour or as many as 8 hours, one day or every day. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• The Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau needs volunteers to assist visitors looking for assistance in directions and information on community activities, Monday - Saturday, shifts are from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 - 4 p.m. Sunday’s shift is from Noon - 4 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• Assist the Cedar Falls Historical Society in cataloging and care of materials located in the museum's archives. No prior experience needed! On-the-job training is provided. Times flexible Monday through Friday. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Families Can Make a Holiday Difference for Those in Care Facilities

2011-11-29T09:19:00.000-06:00

Here’s Your Project:

Make festive decorations to donate to a senior center, homeless shelter, or community organization.

Supply List:

• Construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue

• Glitter

• Yarn

• Felt

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

How To Do It!

1. Contact a community organization and ask if they will accept homemade decorations. Ask if they have any rules about what the decorations can be made out of.

2. Arrange how you will deliver the decorations: by mail or by dropping them off.

3. Decide what decorations you will make. Snowflakes, snowmen, bows, and candy canes are all festive items that can be made out of paper or felt. Try some of our Internet Resources below for instructions.

4. Try making one of your decorations to work out any problems. Estimate how many you will be making so you know how many materials you will need.

5. Deliver your decorations. Take photos or ask for photos of the decorations being displayed.

6. Share the success of your project and thank everyone involved!

Preflection:

Before your volunteer project, ask these questions to be clear about what the goals and expectations are. If you are part of a group, talk about why you are doing a service project. Here are questions to guide your thinking or discussion:

1. Who are we helping?

2. Why are we helping them?

3. How are we helping them?

4. What are we most excited about?

5. What might be tough or challenging about our project?

6. What are everyone’s jobs during the project? What do we each have to do?

Reflection:

After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience. Ask these questions or, if you are part of a group, do the Whip Around reflection activity:

Reflection Questions

1. How did our project help people?

2. What worked well about our project?

3. What can we do better next time?

4. What is our next service project?

Pledge this project for the Holiday Gift Campaign and Hasbro will donate a toy through Toys for Tots on behalf of each person helping with your project before December 13, 2011! (Up to 100,000 toys!) http://www.generationon.org/global/big-happenings/holiday-gift-campaign

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-11-28T08:44:00.000-06:00

· Volunteers are needed to introduce new sports and recreational games to youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County. Volunteers are needed 3-7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 2-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

· Care Initiatives Hospice is seeking volunteers to join the team as office assistant. Responsibilities include answering telephones, filing, and database entry. Opportunities exist Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

· The Catholic Worker House needs volunteers to help with general maintenance. Opportunities exist daily with flexible times. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

· On December 16 and 17, Waterloo West, Waterloo East, and Waterloo Columbus High Schools, will host the "Battle of Waterloo". Volunteers are needed for tickets, merchandise, brackets, hospitality, and runners. There are two volunteer shifts per day; 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access http://www.vccv.org/ for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!

Thanksgiving: Thank a volunteer today

2011-11-23T08:51:00.001-06:00

In this season of thanks, let’s all take a long look around us at the people, leaders and volunteers who give of their time and talents to help better our families and communities. How many different activities are your kids involved in? How often do you run across a volunteer in your day-to-day life?

Have you thanked a Volunteer today?
Even better, take a minute and see if you can do something for that volunteer, offer your time, and become a volunteer for a day in the life of the volunteers of YOUR life!

Scouts—If your kids are in Girl or Boy Scouts, ask the leader what you can do to help in December with service or holiday themed meetings. Can you shop for supplies, help with a service project, bring snacks or rally parents for a troop potluck? Help from work by offering to setup a free online signup sheet making it easier for more parents to pitch in and help.
Clubs-- What types of after school activities or clubs are your kids involved in? Piano lessons? Chess Team? Choir, Band, Debate, Drama, etc…? Send each of the teachers or volunteers a special thank you note for their time and effort and ask them how you can help. Maybe they could use extra hands setting up before the kids get there, or cleaning up afterwards? You AND your kids can pitch in, and that will help your kids appreciate what these teachers do for them!
Team Sports—Fall sports are winding down and winter teams are getting into gear; think about all the time your kid’s coach spent teaching and encouraging your child with volleyball, swim team, soccer or peewee football…. Give your coach a call and say Thank You! Offer to help organize an end-of-season celebration – anything from a simple treat to a small party.
Worship Leaders—From Sunday School teachers to Youth Group Leaders, Pastors, Choir Leaders and Committee Chairs, find a way to say thank you this year to the important people in your world of worship. A simple face-to-face thank you or handwritten note of appreciation speaks volumes and feels great.
Nonprofit Volunteers—What organizations and causes are important to you and your family? Call and ask how you can help – often nonprofits need extra hands during the holiday season. If they don’t need your service directly, consider baking a treat, writing thank you notes or gathering small gift cards as a show of gratitude for the volunteer leaders at the causes you care about.
Community Volunteers—Think about all the festivals, carnivals, parades, and various holiday occasions where hosts of volunteers sweep in to create memorable events for your whole community! It might be impractical to thank them all, but you could write a thank you letter to your Town Council, or write an open letter to the editor of your city newspaper thanking all the people that help make your community special.

By Karen Bantuveris, VolunteerSpot.com

Youth Volunteerism

2011-11-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

Studies have shown that children who volunteer from an early age adopt healthy lifestyle choices, learn life skills and continue to volunteer into adulthood.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley helps children to begin volunteering as early as pre-school, with projects designed for ages five through eighteen years old. The VCCV provides all the information and resources needed to get children involved and stay committed. Staff is available by email or phone to give personal assistance regarding volunteerism.

What kind of support do youth get?
The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley leads different service projects each month. These projects include step-by-step instructions, compassion and issues education, meeting activities, additional resources related to the project and information on possible partners. These projects are centered on issues such as literacy, hunger, poverty, the sick, and the elderly or seasons of service such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Earth Day and Veterans Day.

To get involved in youth volunteerism, call Jean Seeland at 272-2087.

In the Spotlight - Birthright

2011-11-21T08:43:00.000-06:00

Birthright provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Using its own resources and those of the community, Birthright offers positive and loving alternatives. Birthright presents many services and refers for many more. They provide friendship and emotional support, free pregnancy testing and maternity and baby clothes. They also give information and referrals to help clients meet legal, medical, financial, and housing needs. Birthright treats each woman as an individual who deserves kindness and respect, as well as personal attention to her unique situation. All Birthright services are free, absolutely confidential, and available to any woman regardless of age, race, creed, economic or marital status.

Volunteer opportunities throughout the year consist of Newsletter Editor, Hotline Volunteer, Newsletter Contributor, Office Volunteer, Speaker, Volunteer Appreciation/Recognition and Thank You Note Writer. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

In the Spotlight - ASPIRE TRP

2011-11-18T08:12:00.000-06:00

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program benefits individuals with disabilities through animal assisted activities and outreach programs.

Volunteer opportunities throughout the year consist of Clerical Assistance, Committee and Board Positions, Cowboy Breakfast Volunteers, Database Entry, Horse Stall Assistance, Leaders and Sidewalkers, Open House and Parade Volunteers.

Volunteers and Interns are the heart of ASPIRE. ASPIRE is largely dependent on volunteers and interns to operate this program each year. ASPIRE has only 4 paid staff and the rest are volunteers. Volunteers provide us with over 5,000 hours each year.

Volunteers age 16 and over are needed for most volunteer positions.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-11-17T08:45:00.000-06:00

· Lowell Elementary has 73 families on the adopt-a-family list and is seeking organizations and individuals who are willing to adopt them for the holidays. A detailed “wish list” of items that the family needs will be provided. All items need to be wrapped and delivered to Lowell by Wednesday, December 21st.

· Allen Hospital needs Patient Escorts to greet incoming patients, families and visitors. Volunteers will provide assistance with directions and deliveries, may push visitors or discharged patients in wheelchairs, and work closely with other volunteers and staff. Opportunities exist Monday through Friday in four hour shifts from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Volunteers ages 16 and over are welcome.

· Alternatives Pregnancy Center is looking for volunteers to assist with sorting, mending or laundering donations and making sure that they are in good condition for our clients. Opportunities exist Monday through Thursday with flexible times. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

· Birthright has a special newsletter for all those involved with this wonderful organization and they need writers! Opportunities exist Monday – Friday with flexible times. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access http://www.vccv.org/ for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!

Application for Home Repair Assistance

2011-11-16T09:03:00.001-06:00

We are now seeking applications for qualified Owner Occupied Homeowners in Waterloo. The From the Heart: Waterloo Home Enhancement Project is a Co-Sponsor Agreement between various Waterloo Agencies, Community Members, and Group Workcamp Foundation. This partnership will lead to the repair and improvement of up to 65 homes in Waterloo, Iowa. Group Workcamps are weeklong home-repair projects involving volunteers from youth groups recruited by Group Workcamps.

During the week of July 15 – July 21, 2012, more than 400 senior high youth from across the nation will arrive with their youth groups in Waterloo, along with adult supervisors and Group Workcamps staff, to repair and/or paint up to 60-80 homes. The service is provided free of charge through the hard work of many volunteers.

Who is Eligible?

􀂾 Residents (that either own their own home, or are currently buying the home) living within

Waterloo city limits with homes in obvious need of repair.

􀂾 And, who are unable to do the work themselves due to physical and/or financial situations.

􀂾 And, who have no other means of getting the work completed.

􀂾 Please note, the homes must provide an environment that will be socially and physically safe for the teen volunteers.

The volunteers will spend five days repairing housing units for homeowners located in Waterloo and whose households are either low income, or have a member that is elderly or has disabilities.

The types of repairs this project will work on are: porch and step repair & limited construction, wheelchair ramp construction, interior and exterior painting, weatherization & caulking, light carpentry, siding repair.

Please complete the application and return application by January 27th at noon to:

Operation Threshold

From the Heart

1535 Lafayette

PO Box 4120

Waterloo, IA 50704

Applications will be reviewed on a First Come First Served Basis! To be eligible for consideration please return ASAP.Applicants meeting the deadline will be contacted by a representative of From the Heart regarding your application.

For more information please contact Janet Wessels, Waterloo Housing Authority at 233-0201.

The Benefits of Family Volunteering

2011-11-15T08:43:00.001-06:00

Volunteering as a family has numerous benefits, including:

-teaches children the values of kindness, empathy and giving back;
-empowers children to become leaders of change in their communities;
-showcases and hones the talents of family members as they work on issues they feel passionate about;
-builds problem solving skills and strengthens communication within the whole family;
-provides a fun way for families to make memories together while making significant contributions to their communities.

For more on volunteer opportunities visit http://www.vccv.org/volunteers/news_events.asp.

Join the VCCV as a Business Partner

2011-11-14T08:18:00.001-06:00

At the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, we believe corporate initiatives that give back to the communities in which they operate and where their employees work and live, are reinforced by their alignment with an excellent volunteer and philanthropy program.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is the primary resource for workplace-based volunteering and for engaging more companies and employees effectively in volunteer service. We help businesses develop and manage effective employee volunteer programs that meet company priorities, address employee interests and meet real community needs. Throughout the Cedar Valley, we are working with our corporate partners to improve lives and create positive change in local communities.

If your organization is interested in participating, please contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087.

Service Learning Projects in the Schools

2011-11-11T11:30:00.002-06:00

Students across the Cedar Valley are busy planning and implementing service learning projects.

Seniors at Don Bosco High School are developing reciprocal relationships with the residents of Friendship Village. The students visit the residents and become acquainted while participating in activities and then the residents will attend the fall play at Don Bosco High School. Another class at Don Bosco High School is producing a pet care handbook to give to elementary students. They will also make educational presentations regarding pet care to the elementary students.

Students at Central Middle School have visited Parkview Nursing Home and Rehab to help celebrate Halloween and play games.

The Do Something Clubs have bagged dog and cat food for the Cedar Bend Humane Society and Northeast Iowa Food Bank, written thank you letters to firefighters, made cards for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, cleaned litter from their campuses, and brought joy and laughter to residents of a retirement home.

We have six classes currently in the beginning stages of service-learning. There will be many more wonderful projects to share next month.

For more information on service-learning contact Jean Seeland at 272-2087 or jean_seeland@vccv.org.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-11-10T08:45:00.000-06:00

· The Waterloo Healthy Lifestyles Center needs volunteers age 18 and over to deliver hot meals to homebound, frail, and elderly residents in Waterloo. Volunteers will provide their own vehicle and auto insurance.

· Western Home Communities needs activity assistants to routinely plan events and activities that take residents out and about in our community. Volunteers will assist residents and employees in boarding one of our Western Home buses, assisting with doors, wheelchairs and walkers if necessary and providing social companionship for residents on the excursion. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

· Allen Hospice needs volunteers to spend time reading to and visiting with patients or providing respite care to allow family caregivers a break. Support work may include helping with mailings and other special projects. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access www.vccv.org for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!

We Need Holiday Volunteer Opportunities!

2011-11-09T08:55:00.000-06:00

We recognize that it’s early in the season, but just like the large retailers, it’s time to think holiday volunteer needs and opportunities. Please add any holiday related events that your nonprofit has planned for Thanksgiving through the New Year to Volunteer Solutions.

Attached is the form for opportunity additions. You’re welcome to post them on Volunteer Solutions or we’re happy to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns please let Anne Nass know and she’ll do her best to help you. Contact Anne at anne_nass@vccv.org with questions or concerns.

Young Leaders in Action Fall Conference

2011-11-08T08:24:00.000-06:00

The Young Leaders in Action Fall Conference was October 25 at UNI. The theme of the conference was “If You Don’t Stand for Something, You’ll Fall for Anything.” The keynote speaker was Sean Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Approximately 300 youth from the Cedar Valley attended.

A highlight and culminating activity of the conference was the opportunity for the students to participate in service learning projects. This year students bagged food items for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, bagged dog and cat food to be given away by the Food Bank, made pet blankets for the Cedar Bend Humane Society, made book marks for a new group called Passing Along Love and Smiles, and did a variety of projects for Together For Youth.

Family Volunteer Day, November 19!

2011-11-07T08:51:00.000-06:00

Family Volunteer Day is a day of service designed to demonstrate the power of families volunteering together. Celebrated annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Day “kicks off” the holiday season with giving and service on November 19, 2011.

Discover the joys of service with your children and give back to others in a big way during the holidays. As the message of ‘getting’ is being broadcast on every kid channel and families are getting pulled into the chaos of the season, make plans now to invest family time in ‘giving back’.

When you volunteer together as a family, your kids will learn that their actions can make an important difference in the lives of others and they will remember the experience well after the last sugar cookie is nibbled or the twinkling lights dim.

Serving as a family builds on kids’ natural capacity for kindness, teaches them to think of others and to recognize their own blessings. Especially during these tough economic times, helping others feels good puts our own family hardships into perspective. Volunteering together also provides meaningful memories and positive family traditions.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is National Family Volunteer Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off your holiday giving season! Check in with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to see all the volunteering activities available for November 19^th. Or start your own family service project — include friends and neighbors!

10 Simple service activities for kids of all ages:

Younger Kids

· Decorate reusable grocery bags and fill them with their favorite non-perishable food items for the NE Iowa Food Bank

· Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to homeless men and women at the Salvation Army or Catholic Worker House.

· Decorate holiday cards for soldiers overseas. Iowa’s Bravest will deliver letters postmarked before Dec. 10, 2010.

· Box up their gently used clothing to donate to your local shelter.

Older Kids

· Donate their gently used books and DVDs to a local children’s unit at the hospital.

· Make holiday decorations and cards and then sing carols for nursing home residents. Call ahead to schedule a visit.

· Engage a team of secret friends to clandestinely rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor for a whole month.

· Collect used towels and pet toys for the local animal shelter.

· Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a charity of their choosing.

· Adopt a family for the holidays through a local business or faith group, and have your kids help shop for that family.

Making it a Habit

Volunteering as a family while kids are young develops a positive service habit that sticks long into adulthood. Use the following four tips to help ensure your kids understand the impact of their good deeds.

· Celebrate your service!

· If donating goods or money to a local charity, deliver the items with your kids in person so they can better internalize how they helped make a difference.

· Be sure to talk about your family’s service experience. Discuss what you did, why you did it, how it felt, and what you learned.

Build on your kids’ enthusiasm and right then choose your next service project together.

For local volunteer opportunites call the VCCV at 272-2087.

Volunteers needed!

2011-11-04T09:47:00.002-05:00

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will be working concessions at UNI as fundraising events. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to assist with concessions at the UNI Dome for the IHSAA Football Semifinals and Championships on Friday, November 11, Monday, November 14, and/or Friday, November 18 @ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:00 – 5:00, or 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Volunteers age 16 and over are also needed to assist with concessions at the McLeod Center on Tuesday, December 6 @ 5:30 p.m., for the Men’s Basketball Game vs. Iowa.

Call Lauren at 272-2087 if you or your business can be of assistance providing volunteers.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-11-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

The VA Voluntary Service needs van drivers to provide transportation to and from the Iowa City VA. Volunteers age 21 and over are needed once per week or as available from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are 55 or older, the Waterloo Schools is seeking Prime Time Volunteers to volunteer 1-2 hours a week as a Reading Buddy to children in 1st grade who are participating in the Reading Recovery program. Volunteers will be matched one to one with students, assisting them with their reading assignments and providing support and encouragement to succeed in the program. All activities will take place during the school day. Schools participating in the program include: Highland, Cunningham, Edison, Lowell, Poyner, Irving and Lincoln.

Volunteers are needed at the Waterloo Community Schools Foundation to enter database information into computer programs. Hours are flexible. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

The Waterloo Convention and Visitor's Bureau is seeking volunteers to greet incoming and outbound passengers by providing visitor information, maps, and assistance with in-city travel. Various shifts are available 7 days a week based on arriving and departing airline schedule. Orientation & training provided onsite. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access www.vccv.org for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!

Iowa Nonprofit Summit 2011

2011-11-02T09:21:00.002-05:00

Don't miss this exciting, educational and invaluable conference for Iowa nonprofits and volunteer management professionals! Use the website below to view the evolving agenda, access award nomination information, and find lodging information for the conference to be held on Tuesday, November 15 at 9:00 a.m. through Wednesday, November 16, at 4:15 p.m. at the Iowa State University / Scheman Building in Ames.

WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

· Disaster preparedness

· National service

· Effectively operating a nonprofit

· Communications/social media

· Resource development

· Grant management

· P&P training (Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Nonprofit Excellence)

· Service-learning

· Volunteer management

· Risk management and legal issues

· Days of Service

· Building community partners

· Special sessions for AmeriCorps directors and members

· Workshops of interest to youth, mentoring programs, and Senior Corps directors

... and MORE!

Iowa Non-profit Summit details: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=967824

UNI Volunteer Tuesdays

2011-11-01T09:34:00.003-05:00

The University of Northern Iowa’s Student Leadership Center has partnered with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to promote Volunteer Tuesdays! Each Tuesday in the month of November, 40 students take the “Volunteer Bus” to a variety of sites throughout the Cedar Valley to volunteer.

The “Volunteer Bus” departs campus two times each Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Each student receives beverages and snacks and a t-shirt. Registration has begun for the following opportunities:

Tuesday, November 12 - 5 p.m. Northeast Iowa Food bank - Students will assist with packing weekend food sacks for the backpack program
5 - 8 p.m. Letter writing to service men/women

Tuesday, November 8
House of Hope

Tuesday, November 15 2 - 5 p.m. Community Main Street Cedar Falls Holiday Decorating
5 - 8 p.m. Northeast Iowa Food Bank - Students will assist with packing weekend food sacks for the backpack program.

Tuesday, November 29

Storks Nest Blanket Project

All UNI students are encouraged to participate. Simply fill out the RSVP at http://www.uni.edu/siac/online-forms/slc-volunteer-tuesdays/index.shtml to secure your spot. You will receive a confirmation via e-mail.

If your organization is interested in participating, please contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087 or Lauren_Finke@vccv.org.

Make A Difference Day 2011

2011-10-31T09:22:00.000-05:00

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. This year, the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley celebrated Make A Difference Day the entire month of October.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley recruited businesses and organizations to participate in a collection for Country View Care Facility. Participating businesses encouraged employees to bring in items in need between October 3rd and 21st. Collection bins were provided. Items needed included: board and card games, gloves and stocking hats, word search books, puzzles, AA batteries, body wash and pre-packaged snack items.

Volunteering in the workplace raises employee morale, provides team building opportunities and a sense of loyalty and pride for their company. Participating businesses this year included: Bergan Paulsen/Networking Solutions, GMAC Mortgage, Veridian Credit Union, Matt Parrott & Sons, Family & Children's Council, INVISION Architects, VGM Group, Advanced Systems, Inc., Phelps Youth Pavilion, Benton Concrete, AECOM, Dutton, Braun, Staack, & Hellman, PLC, Brandin and Joey Carlson, Ebert Chiropractic, Struxture, Eclipse Hair Studio, Waterloo/Cedar Falls Board of Realtors, ASI Computers, John Deere Foundry, Universal Industries, ConAgra, and Hellman and Associates.

GMAC Mortgage

The business that donated the greatest amount of items received the #1 Contributor plaque, a traveling award, to be displayed at their business for the year! This year our winner is the Family & Children's Council! To participate or to find out how to have your business become a partner with the VCCV, contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or contact her at Lauren_Finke@vccv.org.

Make A Difference Day is sponsored by USA Weekend and HandsOn Network.

Energy Assessment and Weatherization Skills Training

2011-10-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

Energy Assessment and Weatherization Skills Training.
November 2nd,
Operation Threshold
1535 Lafayette St.
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Learn how to test and improve homes for energy efficiency through in class discussion and hands on training on site. These are valuable skills in the new green industry as well as for individuals to learn how to save energy in their own homes. Participation is rewarded with a certificate in Home Energy Assessment and Basic Weatherization Skills. Women and minorities encouraged. For more information contact:

Jason Jefferson
Education Coordinator
Green Iowa AmeriCorps
University of Northern Iowa
CEEE 109
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
p: 319-273-7233
f: 319-273-7140

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-10-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is looking for volunteers to help with Under the Harvest Moon. This is a benefit dinner and auction that will be held at the Rotary Reserve on November 4 from 5 - 10 p.m. Volunteers are needed for: Wait staff/servers, Kitchen help/dishes, Coat check, Parking attendants, Auction runners and Check-out. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

The Family and Children's Council needs volunteers to serve as Healthy Babies Mentors, working closely with new moms and their service providers to make sure mothers are receiving prenatal care and taking care of themselves. Mentoring times are set between the client and mentor. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

The Grout Museum District needs Saturday Movie Series Assistants to help seat people, answer questions, and clean up after the show from 1 - 5 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

The Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging is looking for Meal Delivery Drivers to deliver meals to home bound senior citizens. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access http://www.vccv.org/ for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!

Phelps Youth Pavilion to Host Trick or Treating

2011-10-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Phelps Youth Pavilion to Host Trick or Treating

Exhibit characters will come to life at October 30 event

Kids are invited to come in costume to trick or treat at the Phelps Youth Pavilion on Sunday, October 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This new event is designed as a non-scary, family-friendly Halloween event for kids of all ages. Characters from the Phelps Youth Pavilion’s exhibits, such as artist Grant Wood, an explorer from the Paleolithic Era, and many others will come to life as children trick or treat through the galleries for festive treats, prizes, crafts and more!

The cost is $3 per trick or treater and accompanying adults are free. Pre-registration is optional, but the event is limited to 500 trick or treaters. For more information or to pre-register, call the Waterloo Center for the Arts at (319) 291-4490 or visit www.phelpsyouthpavilion.org. All children must be accompanied by an adult during this event.

The Waterloo Center for the Arts works in partnership with the community to build a stronger appreciation for the arts and to provide cultural experiences for people of all ages. For more information, call (319) 291-4490 or visit www.waterloocenterforthearts.org.

Pathways Behavioral Services- Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community

2011-10-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

Register Now! Register Now! Register Now! Register Now! Register Now!

Pathways 5k is Saturday and it looks like it’s going to be a great day! Sign up today and help support a drug-free future for our communities. Please feel free to access the Pathways’ 5k registration form at http://www.pathwaysb.org/. We hope to see you all at our “Run, Walk, and Roll for a Drug Free Community” on Saturday, October 29^th at 9 a.m.

Foundation offers training for nonprofits organizations

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa on Monday will host Board Fundamentals, a training session for local nonprofit organizations.

The event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. in the theater at VGM.

Agencies that received foundation funding in the past three years will take part in a workshop presented by Gary Kelsey, principal consultant of Gary Kelsey and Associates in Minneapolis.

The training is designed to engage board members in fundraising and strengthen nonprofit agencies in the Cedar Valley.

The event is free for nonprofit board members who registered.

For information, call the Community Foundation at 287-9106 or go online at www.cfneia.org.

Mark your Calendar! Appetite for Service - Saturday, March 24 from 6 - 10 p.m.

2011-10-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

In 2010, more than 60 million Americans volunteered within our great country. In that same year, our very own Volunteer Center connected over 6,000 volunteers with opportunities to serve 70+ organizations right here in the Cedar Valley. The primary role of the Volunteer Center is to mobilize citizens to meet local needs through volunteer service. The Volunteer Center links people who want to help with organizations where their time and talent can be utilized effectively.

Each year, the Volunteer Center hosts the popular Appetite for Service Dinner to raise funds to support their mission. The 2012 Appetite for Service Dinner is an exciting and fun-filled event to be held on Saturday, March 24 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Sunnyside Country Club.

What is "Appetite for Service"?
A select group of community leaders from the Cedar Valley are invited to "serve" during this memorable evening designed to raise funds for the
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

How can I be involved?

Become a Celebrity Server!
Serve our gourmet dinner to eight of your most generous friends.
Sponsor your table of eight guests for $750.
Decorate your table with a special theme of your choice. Compete against other Celebrity Servers to win the coveted "2012 Silver Tray of Service Award.”

Make a donation to our auction event!
Donate an item for the silent/live auction held during the dinner event.
Give a monetary donation to the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

How does the Volunteer Center use the money raised?
We assist over 70 non-profit agencies by recruiting volunteers and helping them to build their skills in recruiting, managing, retaining, and recognizing volunteers. We also support a thriving service-learning program, encouraging youth to solve community problems through volunteerism in the Cedar Valley.

For more information, call the
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

2011-10-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

Join the race for a drug-free community on October 29! Proceeds of the Run, Walk, and Roll 5k will benefit Pathways Behavioral Services and aid in their work to prevent and treat substance abuse. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed for a variety of jobs.

Cedar Valley Volunteer Emergency Club supplements the CFPD's patrol with 2-person car teams in different areas of the city patrolling for mischief/vandalism during Trick or Treat hours on Monday, October 31 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is looking for volunteers to help with Under the Harvest Moon. This is a benefit dinner and auction that will be held at the Rotary Reserve on November 4 from 5 - 10 p.m. Volunteers are needed for: Wait staff/servers, Kitchen help/dishes, Coat check, Parking attendants, Auction runners and Check-out. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Exceptional Persons, Inc. needs volunteers to serve lunch to participants in the CHOICE Program Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Call or visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087 or access www.vccv.org for a complete listing of
volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley!