Iowa is Ranked Second in the Nation for Volunteers

The Corporation for National and Community Service recently announced new statistical findings for volunteers. For the second consecutive time, Iowa is ranked second in the nation for volunteers.

2010 data shows that 867,412 Iowa residents volunteered 80.3 million hours of service through or for a nonprofit or community organization. Service also takes place informally when people work with neighbors to address or fix a community issue. 10.2 percent of Iowa residents volunteered informally, totaling approximately 239,663 individuals. In Iowa, more than 19,000 people participate in national service each year through 790 national service projects and programs. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will commit more than $18,400,000 to support the national service initiatives (Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and other programs) in Iowa.

Locally, (statistics for Waterloo also include Cedar Falls) the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area had 56,300 volunteers. 37.6% of residents volunteer - ranking them 11th within the 75 Mid-size cities for 6.2 million hours of service. Waterloo-Cedar Falls volunteer 41.3 hours per resident - ranking them 23rd within the 75 Mid-size cities for $132.3 million of service contributed.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley places thousands of volunteers at 72 member agencies. “These statistics demonstrate what we at the VCCV see every day, our residents are generous with their volunteer time.” said Lauren Finke, Executive Director.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is committed to mobilize people and resources to solve community problems. There are currently over 185 active volunteer needs from 72 Member Agencies. The VCCV welcomes all nonprofits to become members free of charge. More importantly, the VCCV welcomes new volunteers. Contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or visit http://www.vccv.org/ to get involved.

Tips for Becoming a Volunteer

Research the causes or issues that are important to you. Look for a group that deals with issues about which you feel strongly.

Consider what you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, or have a knack for teaching, you may want to look for a volunteer opportunity in which your special skills can be utilized. Similarly, think about your personality and how your organizational skills or communication style might fit with different organizations or activities.

Think outside the box! Many community groups that are looking for volunteers, like neighborhood watch programs, prisons, disaster relief organizations, youth organizations, intergenerational programs, and park services may not have occurred to you but could just be the perfect fit.

There’s no need to wait to be asked There are many ways to find organizations that are looking for volunteers. Ask your friends or colleagues about their own volunteering activities. The Internet has great online volunteer referral services, including www.serve.gov. Or try visiting your local volunteer center. These services can help you to find the right opportunity for you.

When you find an organization that is in line with your interests, request an interview and plan for it in much the same way that you would plan for a job interview. Be ready to describe your interests, qualifications, and background, and also be prepared to ask your interviewers about their organization and the benefits they offer to their volunteers. An interview will allow you and the organization to find the right match for your skills and interests.

Would you like to learn something new? Consider whether the organization offers training or professional development opportunities for their volunteers. Volunteering can provide you with the chance to learn about something you’re interested in and develop skills in a new area.

Find the volunteer activity that fits your schedule. Organizations need different levels of commitment for different types of volunteer activities. Serving as a mentor, for example, will require a regular, intensive commitment, while volunteering for a walk-a-thon is a seasonal commitment.

Volunteer with friends or as a family. Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity that would be suitable for parents and children to do together, or for husband and wife or a group of friends to take on as a team. Volunteering with others can be a great way to get to know people better and can help keep you excited about volunteering.

Virtual Volunteering. —yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the internet. This can be a great way to get started in volunteering, and can also provide a way to volunteer at home on a flexible schedule.

Don’t give up! If you find that your volunteering experience is not all that you expected, talk to your volunteer supervisor or coordinator about it. Think of what could make it better and check with them to see if your ideas are possibilities.

Contact  the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or visit www.vccv.org for more information or referrals.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for dedicated and compassionate people to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members support the agency through setting policy and procedures, expanding the agency's network of friends and contributors, and advocating for our work in the community. Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 4 – 6 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• The Family & Children’s Council needs volunteers to assist with the Park to Park half marathon and 5K race on Saturday, September 10th. Opportunities include race check-in, provide route direction, and post-race activities beginning at 6:00 a.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is partnering with the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens to provide a family-friendly volunteer activity in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks. Volunteers will plant trees and shrubs as well as take part in beautification of the gardens at the Cedar Valley Arboretum in Waterloo. The event will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate and preregistration is requested.     

• Individuals age 16 and over are needed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 18th to assist with the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Garden’s Annual Fall Harvest Festival. There are many opportunities available from set up and tear down to assisting with games and crafts, the Scarecrow Silent Auction, Sprout’s Space Activities, parking and selling merchandise.

Contact Lauren at 272-2087 to volunteer!

Board of Directors 2011/12

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley welcomes and thanks its 2011/12 Board of Directors!

Chelley Pratt, President
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo

Alan Stalnaker, Vice President
Veridian Credit Union

Nick Hildebrandt, Secretary
Struxture Architects

Carrie Moorman, Treasurer
Bergan Paulsen & Co.

Julie Kacher, Past President
GMAC Mortgage

Charlie Allen
CBE Group

Cindy Braatz
VGM Group

Amy Costliow
University of Northern Iowa Student

Laura Folkerts
Dutton, Braun, Staack and Hellman

Dr. Juli Gassman
University of Northern Iowa

Stacey Hall
Lane and Waterman, L.L.P.

Abby Howie
MidWestOne Bank

Julie Pitzen
Family & Children's Council

Tom Schutte
John Deere Product Engineering

Chris Vadner
Matt Parrott and Sons

Floyd Winter
Cedar Falls Community Schools Foundation

Bob Wright
Community Advocate

In the Spotlight - Western Home Communities

Western Home Communities is a charitable Christian service organization that assertively creates fulfilling lifestyles for seniors, their families and our employees. Western Home Communities is a Continuous Care Retirement Community offering active lifestyle residences as well as retirement communities for independent living, assisted living, nursing facilities and a dementia specific assisted living residence.

Western Home Communities has volunteer openings available for those who enjoy crafting. You will be working closely with Western Home Communities Leisure Services employees as you assist individual and groups of residents with craft projects. Additionally, if you like to be out and about in the community and provide assistance so others may too, working as an Excursion Assistant may be the perfect opportunity for you! Your role would be to 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 must be at least 16 years old.

To volunteer at Western Home Communities, call Lauren at 272-2087

In the Spotlight - Waterloo Senior Center

Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for persons who are aged 60 and over to allow them to remain in their home and to maintain the independence they desire utilizing available funds to serve the most persons possible. The Waterloo Senior Center is an agency of HVAAA.

The Waterloo Senior Center utilizes volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels. Volunteers age 18 and over are needed to deliver hot meals to homebound, frail, and elderly residents in Waterloo.

Volunteers will provide their own vehicle and auto insurance. Mileage is not reimbursed. A valid driver's license is required.

Contact the VCCV at 272-2087 for more information.

10 Reasons Why Family Service Matters

1. It’s a chance for busy parents to spend time with their kids while giving back to the community. 
2. It enables parents to pass on key values to their children, such as good citizenship, community responsibility, compassion and kindness.  
3. It can help your kids stay out of trouble: Studies show that children who volunteer just one hour per week are less likely than other kids to get involved in destructive behaviors, such as smoking or drug and alcohol abuse. Another bonus: Adults who volunteer are happier and healthier than those who don’t. 
4. It brings family members closer, gets you all talking to one another, and can spark meaningful discussions about important personal and social issues.  
5. It can make you smarter. Hosting a foreign student can teach you about another culture; working to save the rainforest can teach you about ecology and biodiversity. Not to mention the lessons in responsibility and team work. 
6. It can make us grateful for what we have, especially if the volunteer job involves homeless families, lonely seniors or hospitalized children. There’s nothing like volunteering for putting our own problems into perspective. 
7. It breeds a generation of future volunteers. According to a 2002 report, adults who volunteered as children are two times more likely to be involved in community service as adults who didn’t.  And those who volunteered as youth and whose parents volunteered are most generous of all. 
8. It helps children appreciate their own talents, gain self-confidence and feel good about making a contribution.  
9. It helps break down stereotypes at a young age, and teaches greater tolerance and understanding. Through volunteering, children often meet people from diverse cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, ages and income levels.  
10. It’s fun. There can be great joy in serving others, especially when you’re doing it with the ones you love.
     

Reprinted from Doing Good Together

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• On August 27^th, NewAldaya Lifescapes will host the annual 5K Promise Run and needs volunteers to help as route guides from 7:30 a.m. - noon. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• KBBG-FM 88.1 will launch its first On-Air Membership Drive Monday, August 22nd – Sunday, August 28th. The daily Membership Drive will be from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. with three 5-minute pitching segments each hour. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for dedicated and compassionate people to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members support the agency through setting policy and procedures, expanding the agency's network of friends and contributors, and advocating for our work in the community. Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 4 – 6 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• The Family & Children’s Council needs volunteers to assist with the Park to Park half marathon and 5K race on Saturday, September 10th. Opportunities include race check-in, provide route direction, and post-race activities beginning at 6:00 a.m. Volunteers age 16 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!

The Health Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering has long been a common ethic in the United States, with people each year giving their time without any expectation of compensation. While these volunteer activities may be performed with the core intention of helping others, there is also a common wisdom that those who give of themselves also receive. Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive, including the positive feeling referred to as “helper’s high,” increased trust in others, and increased social and political participation.

Over the past two decades we have seen a growing body of research that indicates volunteering provides individual health benefits in addition to social benefits. This research has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. Comparisons of the health benefits of volunteering for different age groups have also shown that older volunteers are the most likely to receive greater benefits from volunteering, whether because they are more likely to face higher incidence of illness or because volunteering provides them with physical and social activity and a sense of purpose at a time when their social roles are changing. Some of these findings also indicate that volunteers who devote a “considerable” amount of time to volunteer activities (about 100 hours per year) are most likely to exhibit positive health outcomes.

These findings are particularly relevant today as Baby Boomers—the generation of 77 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964— reach the age typically associated with retirement. Based on U.S. Census data, the numbers of volunteers age 65 and older should increase 50 percent over the next 13 years, from just under 9 million in 2007 to more than 13 million in 2020. What’s more, that number can be expected to rise for many years to come, as the youngest Baby Boomers will not reach age 65 until 2029.

Information published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Why Get Involved?

The Value of Volunteering—Top Reasons to Volunteer
 
There are as many reasons to serve as there are people who serve. Volunteering is not just an altruistic act. It's an opportunity to advance in all areas of your life. Here are a few of the things you can gain when you give your time and yourself:

• Connect with your community.
• Conserve funds for charities, nonprofits and faith-based and other community organizations by contributing your time.
• Share your skills and gain new ones.
• Develop self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Meet new people from all walks of life.
• Enhance your resume and make important networking contacts.
• Promote a worthwhile activity.
• Feel needed and valued.
• Experience something new.
• Serve your country.

What's on your list of top reasons to volunteer?

9/11 Day of Service

Local Volunteers are Encouraged to Join the 9/11 National Day of Service
and Remembrance Initiative

 Opportunities are Available for All to Get Involved

Through the nationwide 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is joining hundreds of other organizations around the country that are planning to commemorate Sept. 11 with community-based service programs.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is partnering with the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens to provide a family-friendly volunteer activity in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks. Volunteers will plant trees and shrubs as well as take part in beautification of the gardens at the Cedar Valley Arboretum in Waterloo. The event will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate and preregistration is requested.     

“The Volunteer Center is excited to see this day become a powerful motivator for engagement in our community as we strive to make the Cedar Valley a great place to live,” said Lauren Finke, Director of the Volunteer Center.

To register for the Volunteer Center’s 9/11 Day of Service activity, contact the VCCV by calling (319) 272-2087 or emailing information@vccv.org.

Individuals interested in commemorating Sept. 11 through service and volunteerism can also visit www.911day.org, the official site of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, and explore and support charitable causes of interest, find volunteer opportunities and post personal good deeds.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program is hosting an Open House for community members to learn more about the program and services provided for individuals with disabilities on August 14, 2011 at 1 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to assist with event preparations including set-up and tear-down.

• The American Red Cross-Hawkeye Chapter needs volunteers to serve as parade walkers on August 20 from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers must be able to walk or travel at least a half mile comfortably under own power. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• On August 27^th, NewAldaya Lifescapes will host the annual 5K Promise Run and needs volunteers to help as route guides. Volunteers are needed from 7:30 a.m. - noon. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• Volunteers are needed to sell or take tickets at the “Thunder In The Valley Air Show” at the Waterloo Regional Airport on August 27 and 28th starting at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers will work a 3-4 hour shift, receive free admission and a free event t-shirt. Volunteers age 16 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!

Do Something Clubs Need Activities

The ‘Do Something Club’ is dedicated to giving youth the tools and support to bring their unique vision to life. “Do Something” works with young people to shape beliefs and behaviors about participation before negative attitudes and cynicism develop.

The "Do Something Club" will be starting in September and is in need of hands on activities.

‘Do Something Club’ is looking for projects. Each participating agency needs to provide the supplies for the projects that students will work on. Materials can be picked up and taken to the schools. DSC can sort, package, create, stamp, group, and organize. With each project students are educated about the agency and its purpose in the community. Agency fliers for students are encouraged so they can share their work with teachers and parents.

Questions may be directed to Jean Seeland, Program Director at 272-2087 or mailto:Jean_Seeland@vccv.org

Local Volunteers are Encouraged to Join the 9/11 National Day of Service

Through the nationwide 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is joining hundreds of other organizations around the country that are planning to commemorate Sept. 11 with community-based service programs.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is partnering with the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens to provide a family-friendly volunteer activity in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks. Volunteers will plant trees and shrubs as well as take part in beautification of the gardens at the Cedar Valley Arboretum in Waterloo. The event will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate and preregistration is requested.     

“The Volunteer Center is excited to see this day become a powerful motivator for engagement in our community as we strive to make the Cedar Valley a great place to live,” said Lauren Finke, Director of the Volunteer Center.

To register for the Volunteer Center’s 9/11 Day of Service activity, contact the VCCV by calling (319) 272-2082 or emailing information@vccv.org.

Individuals interested in commemorating Sept. 11 through service and volunteerism can also visit http://www.blogger.com/www.911day.org, the official site of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, and explore and support charitable causes of interest, find volunteer opportunities and post personal good deeds.

UNI Volunteer Fair

The VCCV would be delighted to have your agency join us for this collaborative effort between the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and UNI’s Non-Profit Leadership Alliance on Thursday, September 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Maucker Union. Last year’s event attracted more than 50 non-profit agencies from the Cedar Valley area and over 300 students.

The Volunteer Fair is a wonderful opportunity for your organization to connect with students, matching your specific volunteer needs to students' skills and personal interests. Agencies may recruit students for one-time or semester-long volunteer opportunities, internships or employment. This is a great chance for you to take advantage of valuable one-on-one contact with UNI students, faculty and staff.

Registration information may be found at http://www.vccv.org/about_us/UNI%20Volunteer%20Fair.asp. Please complete the form and return it via email to Lauren_Finke@vccv.org.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities Update

                     

• The Cedar Valley Derby Divas need volunteers for the ticket sales window, will call window, ticket takers and merchandise table for roller derby bouts on August 13 from 5:15 - 9 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program is hosting an Open House for community members to learn more about the program and services provided for individuals with disabilities on August 14, 2011 at 1 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are needed to assist with event preparations including set-up and tear-down.

• The American Red Cross-Hawkeye Chapter needs volunteers to serve as parade walkers on August 20 from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers must be able to walk or travel at least a half mile comfortably under own power. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

• On August 27^th, NewAldaya Lifescapes will host the annual 5K Promise Run and needs volunteers to help as route guides. Volunteers are needed from 7:30 a.m. - noon. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

To volunteer, contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087 or Lauren_Finke@vccv.org.

Changes for VOLUNTEERS!

Volunteers are the backbone of the Cedar Valley! Due to a recent change in the VCCV’s online database, we would like you to rejoin us at our new site: http://volunteer.truist.com/vcocv/volunteer and create an account under Volunteer Login, Not registered? Sign up now.

For more information on the changes the VCCV is undergoing, please contact Anne Nass at 272-2087 or mailto:Anne_Nass@vccv.org

Retired teacher passing on volunteer message

CEDAR FALLS (KWWL) -

Marilyn Young volunteers her time at the general store at Newaldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. But helping people isn't a new thing for her, in fact it has happened all her life.

Learn more about Marilyn and volunteering locally at http://www.kwwl.com/story/15191855/retired-teacher-passing-on-volunteer-message

Written by Nikki Newbrough, Multimedia Journalist

Calling All Non-profit Organizations!

Calling All Non-profit Organizations!

Are you associated with an organization needing volunteers? The state of Iowa is ranked 2nd in the nation for individuals who volunteer. Let’s get the nearly one million individuals volunteering in the state to help you!

As of July 2011, the VCCV is accepting registration of all 501(c)3 organizations that need assistance with the recruitment of volunteers. With this free service, all agencies registered are able to post opportunities on the VCCV’s online database. This database has thousands of visitors each year and allowed the VCCV to match nearly 4,000 people last year. As an agency of the VCCV, you will receive access to the online database, trainings, networking opportunities with other non-profit professionals, participation in volunteer fairs and partnerships with area schools, programs and clubs. Some benefits with your online account include:

· Quick and easy posting of volunteer opportunities

· World wide access by potential volunteers to see and respond to agency opportunities

· Built in function for ongoing communication between volunteers and agency

· Tracking reports that recap postings, responses, volunteer hours, and much more

· Gift Connections to list needed goods and services

· Post news items and community spotlights

· Disaster Management tool to help plan disaster preparedness and the

· Coordination of volunteers in time of disaster.

Don’t waste time or resources… get started with the VCCV today! Contact Anne_Nass@vccv.org to register your non-profit organization today!