Happy Holidays from the VCCV!

Happy Holidays!

The gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness... May these be yours.

From, Lauren, Jean and Anne Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• The Catholic Worker House is serving meals on December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 2 for approximately 50 people nightly. Volunteers are needed from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. There are no age limitations on who may volunteer.

• The American Red Cross needs volunteers age 18 and over on December 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to assist with blood donation registration, unload the truck, assist at the canteen, and reload the truck.

• January 12^th is Family Fun Days at the Phelps Youth Pavilion. Volunteers are needed to help families in the art room and to help staff with upkeep of the Pavilion throughout the day. Shifts are 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

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

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Who is Volunteering?

The Corporation for National & Community Service just posted the role of volunteerism in our communities. Learn more here.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Resiliency During Crisis

I read a great article by Jessie Sholl on “The 5 Best Ways to Build Resiliency.” During this time of questioning and sadness following the unimaginable situation in Newtown, Connecticut, I thought this to be a timely reminder of the abilities that many of us have, but sometimes forget.

1. Be Positive.  “Resilient people are characterized by an ability to experience both negative and positive emotions even in difficult or painful situation. They mourn losses and endure frustrations, but they also find redeeming potential or value in most challenges.”  If you work for a good cause, you have this quality. You find hope amid terrible tragedies in the course of advancing a mission.

2. Live to Learn. When resilient people encounter pain, they look for solutions. That would be you.

3. Open Your Heart.  Counting your blessings and committing acts of kindness and service boost resilience. That’s your day job!

4. Take Care of Yourself.  Good physical and mental health boosts resilience. 

5. Hang on to Humor.  This is so true.  A laugh goes a long way.  Do you bring levity to the job?

For more on these qualities, read the whole article.

Mobilizing Volunteers for MLK Day

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Volunteers are at the heart of every community service effort, and whether you have a volunteer base to draw from or are building your team from scratch, it’s always helpful to implement both tried and true ideas along with a few new ones  Here are some suggestions: 

• Ask colleagues and friends
• Use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to get the word out
• Have information tables at community events
• Make presentations to community groups
• Put an article or a press release in local or community newspapers
• Write a guest blog post about your project
• Host a presentation on your local cable television channel
• Add a volunteer sign up page on your website. 
• Register your project at MLKDay.gov

Basic Volunteer Recruitment Tips  and the ABC’s of Volunteer Recruitment will provide some additional tips for successfully recruiting volunteers

Inclusive Volunteer Recruitment

Engaging a broad cross-section of your community in your MLK Day of Service project is a great way to increase your volunteer pool:

• Recruiting Diverse Volunteers – A diverse team of volunteers may mean you have people of different genders, races, languages and/or socioeconomic groups.  Having a diverse team of volunteers will help ensure that you have an array of skills and experiences to draw from.
• Choosing Appropriate Outreach Techniques for Different Generations – Some recruitment strategies work better for different age groups.  Take a look at these suggestions to target youth, college students, boomers, etc. 
• Identify Barriers to Volunteering – Take a moment to analyze how your recruitment efforts might be limiting your volunteer base and take steps to make it as inclusive as possible.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is your “go to” agency for MLK volunteer opportunities representing 93 nonprofit agencies with over 160 opportunities. Call 272-2087 for more information.

Thanks to the Corporation for National and Community Service for this information.

Volunteers in Iowa Provide Vital Civic Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Adam Lounsbury

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service

515.725.3099, adam.lounsbury@iowa.gov

Volunteers in Iowa Provide Vital Civic Support

As Volunteering Among Americans Hits Five-Year High

December 13, 2012 (Washington, DC) - Volunteers in Iowa demonstrated their commitment to improving their communities in a variety of ways last year and helped Iowa once again earn one of the top three spots for state volunteer rankings according to the Volunteering and Civic Life in America (VCLA) report released December 13. More than 910,000 Iowa volunteers served more than 99 million total hours, which is valued at more than $2.1 billion.

"Involved citizens do so much to make our communities stronger," said Governor Terry E. Branstad. "People here in Iowa take pride in helping their neighbors and dedicating their time to address critical issues. Our residents are committed to strengthening our state and our nation through service to others. If this trend continues, Iowa will take over the number one spot by 2017 - three years earlier than we had originally predicted!"

The percentage of Iowans reporting involvement in volunteer activities increased from 37.9% to 38.4%; and the number of hours served grew from an average of 34.3 hours per resident to 41.9 hours.

"This report shows that we are more dedicated than ever to serving our communities," said Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. "Increasing the volunteer rate and number of hours served per citizen are top goals of our new What's Your 50? campaign, which challenges all Iowans to serve at least 50 hours per year."

Two mid-size cities in Iowa have already exceeded the 50 hours per resident goal: Iowa City residents volunteer an average of 57.6 hours per year, while Davenport citizens spent 51.2 hours per person volunteering last year. Cedar Rapids is closing in fast with people there reporting 48 hours of service each year.

The VCLA data is part of the most comprehensive study of volunteering and civic engagement across the country. The annual report is issued by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as part of its efforts to expand the reach and impact of America's volunteers, in partnership with the National Council on Citizenship, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Bureau for Labor Statistics.

The report shows the national volunteer rate reaching its highest level since 2006. More than 64 million Americans - or roughly one in four adults - volunteered approximately 8 billion hours, valued at $171 billion. In addition, two out of three citizens nationally (65.1% or almost 144 million citizens) engaged in informal volunteering by doing favors for and helping out their neighbors, an increase of 9.5 percentage points from last year.

"Volunteering and civic engagement are the cornerstone of a strong nation," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS, the agency that administers AmeriCorps and Senior Corps and leads the federal effort on volunteering. "We have a prime example of the importance of people working together in the Northeast, where volunteers have really stepped up to support recovery and relief efforts from Hurricane Sandy. People working together and talking to each other help solve problems and make their communities better places to live and work."

The report also ranks all 50 states and the nation's largest cities and metropolitan areas for their volunteering and civic engagement rates. It has become a useful tool for elected officials, civic leaders, and nonprofit executives who recognize the economic impact of an engaged community. These officials and leaders also use the report as a tool to develop strategies to mobilize more Americans in service to address local needs and problems. The complete report can be accessed at VolunteeringInAmerica.gov.

Volunteers can contribute as little or as much as their time allows-their ideas and talents are important to strengthening our communities and the nation. To learn how you can volunteer in your community, visit volunteeriowa.org.

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About the Volunteer Center of Cedar ValleyThe Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley serves 93 nonprofit agescies with over 150 volunteer opportunities. Visit www.vccv.org to learn more or call 272-2087 to volunteer.

About the VCLA Report

The Volunteering and Civic Life In America report is a joint effort of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National Conference on Citizenship, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Bureau for Labor Statistics to collect volunteering data annually through the Current Population Survey (CPS). The CPS is a monthly survey of about 60,000 households, (approximately 100,000 adults) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Selected supplements collect data on the volunteering and civic activities of Americans age 16 and older for volunteering and 18 and older for the civic supplement. Volunteers are considered individuals who performed unpaid volunteer activities through or for an organization. The report includes information for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., more than 50 major metropolitan areas, and more than 140 other cities. For more information, visit VolunteeringInAmerica.gov.

About CNCS

The Corporation for National and Community Service is the federal agency that engages more than four million Americans in service through its Senior Corps and AmeriCorps programs. It also leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, please visit NationalService.gov.

About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with volunteerism on two main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need. The second is helping to engage Iowans in their communities by facilitating service opportunities. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Lowell School needs individuals to adopt a family for the holidays. Wish lists will be provided. Gifts need to be wrapped and delivered to Lowell on December 19. Volunteers are also needed to unload gifts and assist families during pick-up on December 19. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.

• LifeServe Blood Center is offering free gift wrapping for blood donors and needs volunteers to help at the gift wrapping table on Friday, December 21 from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• The Catholic Worker House is serving meals on December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 2 for approximately 50 people nightly. Volunteers are needed from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. There are no limitations on who may volunteer.

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

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Tips for Volunteering

10 TIPS ON BECOMING A VOLUNTEER

(adapted from materials compiled by the nonprofit coalition Independent Sector )

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

2. 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, you may want to think about your specific personality and how your organization skills or communication style might fit with different organizations or activities.

3. 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.

4. 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.volunteer.gov. Or try visiting the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. These services can help you to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 computer. 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.

10. 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.

Information from http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/VIA/VIA_tips_volunteering.pdf

In the Spotlight - Newel Post Adult Day & Respite Services

Newel Post, located in Waterloo, is North Star’s adult day and respite care center, and has been providing quality daytime care since 1975. Fully licensed and accredited, it is a practical, low-cost way to assist care-giving families with their senior care responsibilities, keeping loved ones at home, in the community, and with family and friends for as long as possible. Utilizing this service can actually decrease the costs to Medicaid, insurance, individuals, or families by reducing or eliminating the need for much more costly full-time institutional care. Newel Post provides care in a safe, supervised, and fun setting and is meant for adults with a wide-range of age-related disabilities. The center provides social opportunities with peers, therapeutic activities, some health services, transportation, and much more. Since day services are provided outside the home, they can help reduce the isolation and loneliness experienced by some elders. Newel Post offers respite to caregivers from the demands of what can be a “24/7” job, allowing the caregiver to work, keep appointments, visit with friends, or simply to rest. Newel Post provides support, help in times of crisis, and can improve the overall quality of life for everyone.

Adults love music at Newel Post! Our agency is in need of someone to play the piano on a regular basis. Times and days are very flexible during the summer months and are welcomed year-round. We would appreciate someone playing a few times a month. We are a fun loving group of people who really enjoy singing!

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

CEDAR BEND HUMANE SOCIETY

The Cedar Bend Humane Society commits itself to providing humane care for all animals under its protection,  educating the community about responsible pet ownership,

and advancing the cause of kindness to all animals.

The Cedar Bend Humane Society

Holiday Open House

will be

Saturday, December 15, 2012

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

1166 West Airline Highway, Waterloo

1/2 Price Adoptions just in time for the Holidays!

 If you donate an item from our wish list or make a cash donation you can stroll along our Holiday Trail with one of our adoptable dogs. 

Santa will be waiting to give them a toy to unwrap!

Punch and Cookies for everyone.

Stop in our Paws Awhile Gift Shop to do your Holiday Shopping!

We have Holiday Collars, Leashes and

Christmas Stockings for your favorite furry friends! Not sure what to buy? How about Gift Certificates. We have them available in $10, $25, $50 amounts!

__________________________________________

Wishing for "forever homes"

 this Holiday Season!

Dear Santa, please help us find loving, warm and caring homes!

 Please click here to complete an adoption form.

Your financial assistance is also needed to help better the lives of

all homeless animals in the Cedar Valley.

Click here to donate on-line

Thank you for being a lifesaver.

____________________________

Your vote would make us so happy!

You can help CBHS win $1000.

Click the link below and vote for the Cedar Bend Humane Society. You can vote everyday and we have the opportunity to win every week as well as
the grand prize at the end.

Thanks for your support!

Please share this with your friends and family on Facebook!

Click here to vote for the Cedar Bend Humane Society!

_______________________________________

Looking to Volunteer?

Click here to fill out the on-line volunteer application. Dates and times of informational orientations will be emailed to you after you submit your applications. After completing the orientation, volunteers will also go through the basic dog-handling and kennel cleaning class, plus learn how to use the online volunteer database. We look forward to seeing you!
_______________________________________________

Adopting with the Cedar Bend Humane Society.

All members of the household should meet and spend time with the animal. Complete our pre-adoption application. If the application is approved, sign the contract, pay the adoption fee and

take your new family member home!

_________________________________________________

DID YOU KNOW...that last year 985 stray animals were taken in and given refuge at the Cedar Bend Humane Society from other towns and counties that do not have a Humane Society to provide animal control services.

_____________________________________________________________

Cedar Bend Humane Society

1166 West Airline Highway, Waterloo, IA 50703-9634 Ph: 319-232-6887 www.CedarBendHumane.org

Adoption Center Hours Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Animal Intake Hours Sunday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.                    

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In the Spotlight - NewAldaya Lifescapes

NewAldaya Lifescapes is set apart from the rest as a stand-alone leader in non-profit senior services! Steadfast perseverance has perpetuated a tradition of quality for NewAldaya Lifescapes that no other organization of its kind can touch!

Nestled on 17 acres in the metropolitan community of Cedar Falls, in Northeast Iowa, NewAldaya is not just a home but a place to live for nearly 300 independent living, assisted living and acute and extended care residents. As identified in the organization’s corporate name (Cedar Falls Lutheran Home) NewAldaya Lifescapes was founded by a group of seven Lutheran churches; today it serves a diverse community with a wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds.

NewAldaya Lifescapes is an award winning organization that recently embarked on a unique lifestyle center concept. Built with the thought of a favorite downtown parkade in mind, NewAldaya’s Main Street offers beautiful amenities that residents are sure to love!

Volunteers are needed in the following roles: Art Club Assistant, Baking Group Assistant, BINGO Assistant, General Store Attendant, General Store Volunteer, Recreation/Activity Assistant, and Senior Companion.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

·         Volunteer to assist staff with printing press and an industry assembly line demonstration activity at the Grout Museum District’s Museum School Day on Wednesday, December 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

·         Waterloo Community Schools needs numerous volunteers to help at the Battle of Waterloo Wrestling Tournament by selling merchandise, providing hospitality, running errands, controlling various entrance points, and assisting with bracket postings on December 14 & 15, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. at Young Arena. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

·         Lowell School needs individuals to adopt a family for the holidays. Wish lists will be provided. Gifts need to be wrapped and delivered to Lowell on December 19. Volunteers are also needed to unload gifts and assist families during pick-up on December 19. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.

·         The Catholic Worker House is serving meals on December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 2 for approximately 50 people nightly. Volunteers are needed from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. There are no limitations on who may volunteer.

To volunteer, call 272-2087.

VCCV VALU Training

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

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

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

This is a "Bring Your Own Lunch" event. Dessert snacks provided. The training will be no longer than 1 hour.

RSVP to Anne Nass.

UNI Virtual Volunteer Fair

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

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

This event is a fun way for students to find Cedar Valley volunteer opportunities without needing to

take time out of volunteer managers’ day. Get your volunteer listings updated today!

Questions? Contact Lauren Finke at 272-2087.

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

The holidays are a terrific time of year to share your many talents while helping others. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley has listed a number of great ways to get involved. Here are a few to consider:

December 6 is Family Fun Days at the Phelps Youth Pavilion. Volunteers are needed to help families in the art room working on the make and take activities and to help staff with upkeep of the Pavilion through out the day. Shifts are usually 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Volunteers are asked to cover two hour shifts for the Family and Children’s Council to gift wrap for holiday shoppers for a donation on December 8 for 2 hour shifts throughout mall hours; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Times are flexible. Volunteers age 14 or older are welcome.

The Salvation Army has teamed up with Waterloo and Cedar Falls Wal-Mart for a fill the truck event. The event will take place December 8 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Volunteers will hand out wish lists to Wal-Mart customers as they enter the store asking to help “Fill the Truck with Toys and Coats for Local Kids.” Customers can purchase toys and coats while shopping and provide them to the Salvation Army volunteers. Salvation Army will make the toys and coats available to local children in need in the area in which they were donated.

Lowell School currently needs individuals to adopt a family for the holidays. Wish lists will be provided for individuals and families. Gifts need to be wrapped and delivered to Lowell on December 19. Volunteers will also be needed on December 19th to unload gifts and bring into the school (12-4 p.m.) and to assist families when they pick up gifts from school (4-7 p.m.). Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome.

The Grout Museum District needs volunteers to assist at the Bluedorn Imaginarium with “Club Fetch” on December 8 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

On December 11th, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley is having its annual “Fun with Frosty” event from 5:00-6:30. Volunteers are needed for set up and tear down and will be stationed at different areas throughout the Club. Some areas include: games in the gym such as a snowman race, a holiday craft in the art room, bingo, holiday musical chairs in the teen center, and serving food to the kids in the cafeteria. This event is a great way to interact with children in the community and making a positive difference in their lives! Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Volunteer to assist staff with printing press and an industry assembly line demonstration activity at the Grout Museum District’s Museum School Day on Wednesday, December 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Waterloo Community Schools needs numerous volunteers to help at the Battle of Waterloo Wrestling Tournament by selling merchandise, providing hospitality, running errands, controlling various entrance points, and assisting with bracket postings on December 14 & 15, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. at Young Arena. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

Assist the Science Educator with Discovery Days: "A Creepy Crawly Christmas"at the Grout Museum and Imaginarium December 26 - 28 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.

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.

The Catholic Worker House serves a free Community Meal three nights a week where all are welcome. We have several open dates around the holidays; December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 2. We need a meal prepared to serve approximately 50 people at 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed on those dates from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. There are no limitations on who may volunteer. 4 and 8 people is a good sized group to serve dinner.

Contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 to get involved!

Readiness Roadmap Increases Impact of Pro Bono Service for Nonprofits

This year, U.S. corporations will provide $15 billion in pro bono services to nonprofits. For this generous support to make the most impact, nonprofits must understand their needs and determine the best way to engage skilled volunteers. The new Readiness Roadmap, created by the Nonprofit Collaborative convened by Capital One Financial Corporation in partnership with Common Impact, Points of Light and Taproot Foundation, does just that.

The free, online and accessible resource for nonprofits addresses:

• Organizational readiness assessments
• Project readiness assessments
• Pro bono and skills-based volunteerism sourcing
• Project planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation and post-project volunteer recognition.

 "As leaders in the skills-based volunteer movement, we recognize that it takes both strong nonprofit and corporate partners to execute impactful community programs. Our goal is for every business, from Main Street to Wall Street, to have the opportunity to work with strong nonprofits," said Jackie Norris, Executive Director of the Points of Light Corporate Institute. 

Material reprinted from the HandsOn Network.