VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist with a youth science program on March 9^th from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.
  
  
• Volunteers age 18 and older are invited to work with third graders while assisting staff with printing press and industry assembly line activities at the Grout Museum District. This opportunity will be held on March 6^th  and 13^th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
  
  
• Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center is looking for a motivated volunteers to pair up with residents of our facility to meet on a regular basis. Become a "buddy" and provide visits and possibly one to one activity of some sort. Hours are flexible. Individuals age 16 and over are welcome.

• People's Community Health Clinic needs volunteers to serve as Reach Out & Read Literacy Assistants. Volunteers will read to pediatric patients in the waiting rooms and model early childhood literacy pattern roles for parents. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

 

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

6 Tips for Recognizing Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organizations, therefore it is important to keep them engaged in their work.  To keep a volunteer engaged, it is vital to provide ample recognition, rewards, and opportunities to volunteers.

Recognize volunteers publicly and privately.

Whether you are working with one volunteer, ten, or a few hundred, it’s important to recognize their efforts.   There are many ways to recognize volunteers, from giving them a hand written thank you note, or one of many other ways to say thank you.  Getting to know your volunteers will help you to know how they would best like to be thanked for their work.

Reward volunteers with creative gifts and gestures.

Gifts for volunteers don’t have to be big and they don’t have to be expensive. The best gifts for recognizing volunteers are things that will be useful to them.

Give volunteers opportunity to grow.

It is important to check in with volunteers on a regular basis to make sure they are still interested in their tasks or want to change their responsibilities.  Many volunteers want to learn and grow by doing new tasks over time.  Make time to meet with volunteers once or twice a year or quarterly to catch up on both personal and volunteer related topics.

If you think a volunteer would work really well in a paid position that’s open, ask them to apply for it. Even if they can’t take it, it lets the volunteer know that you and your organization appreciate their work.

Provide food at volunteer functions.

Providing something to eat, in addition to a well planned event,  is a key way to draw volunteers to events. Rather than offer the same cookies and punch at each event, keep it interesting with theme related snacks. Don’t forget to check if your volunteers have any dietary restrictions so everyone can enjoy the food!

Give volunteers a break.

It’s important not to tax volunteers by overloading them with difficult or strenuous tasks that they didn’t initially agree to do. At the same time, try to realize that volunteers’ might not want to do the same task for the entire time they’re working with your organization.

Check in with your volunteers to make sure they’re happy with what they’re doing, and let them try something new or take some time off if they want to.

Say thank you.

At the end of the day, most volunteers just want to know their work is appreciated and they’ve done well.  Strive to say a genuine “thank you” to volunteers whenever you get a chance.

We thank HandsOn Blog for this information.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

Family Volunteering

The following are some tips to help parents broaden their children's perspectives on the world through family volunteer activities. Whether you're planning an intensive international volunteer experience or a trip to the local park, there are plenty of ways to spend important time together as a family while experiencing the true spirit of giving.

·    Plan as a family. As you work to develop socially conscious children, it's important to involve them in your discussions about volunteer opportunities. By bringing them into the planning process, you will help your children understand why you want them to be involved and that their input is important in the decision-making process.

 

·    Decide what you're looking for in a volunteer experience. Increasingly, volunteer organizations are providing opportunities for the whole family to volunteer together. Getting involved doesn't have to be that complex: how about getting started in your own community? Volunteer Solutions can help you find opportunities to give back when and where you want. The key is to figure out what works best for your family.

 

·    Determine the impact you want to have. Are you looking for a onetime experience, like volunteering at a clothing drive, or are you looking for an ongoing effort, like volunteering at a soup kitchen once a week? Would you rather volunteer at a community center, school, retirement center, or hospital?

 

·    Find age-appropriate activities. Naturally, a toddler shouldn't be wielding a hammer on a construction site. When looking at options for your family's volunteer experience, consider first the needs and abilities of your own family. Children should be exposed to how they can help their communities, but this should occur in a thoughtful manner, which will help both the children and those you are trying to help.

 

·    Determine your comfort level. Are you looking to roll up your sleeves and provide a little sweat equity, or would you prefer to work with children or seniors in an air-conditioned building? Make sure everyone in your family is aware of what they are getting into.

·    Incorporate your family's interests. Perhaps you have a child with a strong environmental interest. Or one who likes music. Or a science buff. Whatever your children's interests, try to incorporate them into your volunteering to make the experience more personally meaningful and valuable.

·    Build excitement. Volunteering can be fun! As you research and learn more about your volunteer assignment, encourage your children's curiosity and engage their interests. Have a countdown until your activity, and build in mini-events leading up to your charitable time together. Let your children know that giving back can be fun.

 

·    Reflect together. Throughout your experience and afterward, check in with your children to see how they are doing. Volunteering together as a family can be fun and also extremely educational. Don't miss the opportunity to instill some life lessons along the way.

Make time for family members and friends to reconnect with one another. Don't forget the great gift you can offer together -- your time.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley has over 100 member agencies and over 180 volunteer opportunities. To volunteer visit www.vccv.org or call 319-272-2087.

We thank the Case Foundation for this information.

Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Accepting Nominations for Mayors’ Volunteer and Top Teen Awards

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is accepting nominations now through Friday, March 1 for the 2013 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, Evansdale and surrounding communities in Black Hawk County.

 

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 $1000 Mother Moon Service Scholarship.

 

All nominees and recipients will be recognized at special events on April 23 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

 

Nomination forms are available online at 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.

 

 

For More Information Contact:

Lauren Finke, Executive Director

Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

2101 Kimball Avenue, Suite 1414

Waterloo, IA  50702

(319) 272-2087

lauren_finke@vccv.org

A CALL TO SERVICE

Currently, Iowa is ranked third in the nation for its state volunteer rate (percentage of Iowans who volunteer), however the average number of hours volunteered is near the middle of the pack with Iowans on average volunteering 34.2 hours per year. In other words, Iowans are more likely to volunteer but on average volunteer fewer hours than the national average. As made evident in the Floods of 2008 and the spike in average volunteer hours following the flooding, when Iowans are presented a need and asked to help, Iowans step forward.

Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service is making that ask. Not just because we want Iowa to be # 1 in volunteering; but, because we know that service is the secret ingredient to meeting all of Iowa goals for education, job creation, and health.

Through the “What’s Your 50?” campaign, we hope Iowan’s will increase their service activities to 50 hours per year. Contributing an extra 16 hours annually per resident would provide an additional $1 billion worth of services and improve the well being of the Iowans who volunteer. Research has shown that an annual contribution of 50 hours tends to be a tipping point for maximizing impact; both to the individual who volunteers and the benefactor of their service.

Imagine the difference we can make by working together to meet some of our communities’ toughest challenges!

Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service is a public private partnership consisting of Iowa businesses, volunteer centers, nonprofits, and national service programs working in partnership with the Governor’s Office and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

 

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer! The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is happy to assist you with your volunteer needs.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• North Star Community Services needs someone to read stories to men and women with developmental disabilities who attend North Star's Advantage program. Book Nook is an on-going activity that happens on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.

• Volunteers age 16 and older are needed to help pack sack meals to send home with children in need that include foods that are shelf-stable, kid-friendly and healthy at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

• Operation Threshold is looking for a motivated volunteer interested in filing documents and assisting with large mailings. Hours are flexible. A volunteer is needed to assist at least 10 hours per week between Monday and Thursday. Individuals age 16 and over are welcome.

• Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s annual Maple Syrup Festival is March 2 and 3. Volunteers are needed to assist with kitchen help, table clearing, assist with 'Chris Cakes', sap collection, ticket sales, and parking. Volunteer shifts are 6:30 - 10:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

What to do with deadbeat board members?

There is a blog that I read daily entitled “Katya’s Non-profit Marketing Blog.” Every now and then, Katya shares reader questions. After reading this installment I felt it is interesting enough to share. Thank you, Katya, for sharing your thoughts on some of the more difficult issues faced by non-profits.   

 

Here’s a recent reader question.

I have two board members that I like and want to keep as supporters, but clearly they don’t have the time or don’t make the time to be good board members. Elections will be here soon, should I just call them and tell them that it appears they don’t have time for the board and ask them not to run or do you have a better idea?

This is an interesting one. I find myself asking, what does it mean to be a good board member? I think there are a range of qualities. Good board members are generous - with money, skills, time or preferably all of the above. They are engaged at the right level—they lay out a vision and then let the executive director define the path toward it, without micro-managing. They are reliable, showing up for most meetings and speaking thoughtfully when they are there. They ask for and track results. And they are public champions of the organization, lending their voice to your message and recruiting new supporters.

So let’s assume your two board members are none of the above. That’s a problem. Or maybe they only have some of these qualities. I don’t hear you saying they are toxic - in which case, I would offer different advice than I do here. Basically, I glean that they are checked out. So before calling them up and calling them out, I’d think about why they might be disengaged.

Are they lazy? Is their heart not in the mission? Or do they simply not have the time to make your organization a priority?

Or could it be something you are doing? Maybe you haven’t clearly told them what you expect. Maybe you haven’t asked them to do more. Do you keep them closely updated on your organization? Are you giving them well-organized, clear materials before meetings? Do they get enough time to prepare beforehand? Do you run lively, interesting and engaging meetings?

My advice would be to call them up on a fact-finding mission to get the answer to these questions. Or ask a fellow board member to do it. This is the problem of the whole board, not just yours.

Say something like this:

“I am calling to thank you for your support of ABC nonprofit. We depend on people like you to help us (talk about your mission here). You’ve been with us as a board member for some time, so I wanted to check in and see how you are feeling about your board service. Elections are coming up, so I’m exploring with each board member their interest level in continuing with us.”

Then listen. You may get a simple “Great.” Or you may get a confession (“I’m so sorry I haven’t been to meetings, I just don’t have time”) or an insight (“I am not sure how I can best be involved.”) That tells you where to take the conversation next. If the person said “great,” and they are anything but, you might want to ask another question. Like, “That’s wonderful. Looking forward, we’re going to take steps to make our board more fully engaged. Are you willing to…” then list every single thing they need to do. That should result in their opting out or committing to more. Either way, you get what you need. If they say something like, “I’m sorry I can’t do more” or “Sorry I don’t go to many meetings,” you can gently suggest they don’t run for re-election. Or if they say something like, “I’m not sure how to be involved,” you can tell them. Maybe they had no idea of what was expected.

You say you want to keep them as supporters, so I’d make that clear in any conversation. Be ready with ways they can continue to help, just not on the board.

The bottom line? Rather than calling them and saying “it appears you don’t have time,” ask and listen. You’ll know what to do from there. In my experience, ratcheting up expectations encourages less committed people to be honest about their dedication level, and disengaged people usually are relieved to volunteer themselves for a graceful exit. If you let them do the talking and they don’t want to do more, they’ll walk out the door for you. If the problem is how you’ve communicated or engaged, maybe there is an opportunity to turn things around. Either way, the conversation will be seen as you being a caring partner. And that’s what you want.

Introducing Big-Hearted Families

Big-Hearted Families is a set of service project ideas, kindness activities and inspirational resources that spark meaningful conversations and get children in the habit of thinking about others. Weaving these practices into your daily routine helps parents raise children who develop empathy, think critically and act generously -- and who grow up wanting to make a difference at home and in the world. See our innovative tools at bigheartedfamilies.org.

Our thanks to Jenny Friedman, Doing Good Together.

Harris Wofford Received the Presidential Citizens Medal

by Wendy Spencer, National Service Blog

 

The Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, recognizes American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. Sen. Harris Wofford was honored along with other recipients at a White House ceremony on Friday, Feb. 15.

We are thrilled that Sen. Wofford received this special honor, which is so fitting given his exemplary life of public service. For seven decades, he has served his country. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, advised President Kennedy on civil rights, and helped Sargent Shriver launch the Peace Corps. He represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1991 to 1994 and served as the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) from 1995 to 2001.

All of us connected to national service are especially grateful for his leadership in service and volunteering. From working to pass the trailblazing legislation creating CNCS to expanding service opportunities in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps and expanding service opportunities and building bipartisan support as CEO, to his leadership on service initiatives outside government, no other American has done more to advance the cause of citizen service. Throughout his career, Wofford has worked across party lines to find common ground. To this day, he continues to bring energy and passion to the cause of national service, and we and the nation are much better off for it.

Let us celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our dear friend and mentor. But let us also commit to working harder to carry out his vision and life's work. Harris would be the first to say that we have much more to do to make service the common expectation and experience of every American.

Sen. Wofford and the other Citizens Medal recipients represent America's great tradition of citizen service, which we are proud to carry forward through our daily work.

Those who are inspired by these extraordinary citizens to start their own path of service can visit Serve.gov to find opportunities to match their interests.

 

It only takes a little to BE BIG!

BE BIG™ is a national campaign that invites everyone, big and small, to take action and raise awareness for how CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEAS (Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be A Good Friend, Help Others, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe In Yourself) can make the world a better place. The mission of BE BIG is to recognize and reward others for their BE BIG actions, catalyze change in local communities and provide resources for everyone to share BIG Ideas.

It’s time to bring YOUR BIG Idea to Life! If you have a BIG Idea that demonstrates Clifford's BIG Ideas, let us know! The BE BIG Fund can help bring YOUR winning idea to life with the help of Scholastic, HandsOn Network and, of course, Clifford!

The 5th annual BE BIG In Your Community Contest opens today on Clifford's BIG 50th Birthday! Be sure to come back then to enter for a chance to bring your BIG Idea to life with a chance to win a $5,000 community grant.*

Remember: It only takes a little to BE BIG! To submit YOUR BIG Idea, click on the below links or visit Scholastic's BE BIG website.

Call 319-272-2087 to help others in the Cedar Valley!

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• ManorCare Nursing and Post Acute Rehab has a need for members for a Long Term Care Resident Advocate Volunteer Committee. Volunteers spend at least 2-3 hours per month at the facility talking with the residents to better understand the conditions of the facility from the residents' point of view. The Resident Advocate Committee convenes on a regular basis to share information gained during the visits. Volunteers age 18 and over are welcome.
  
  
• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to play cards, board games, or watch entertainment on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings with our Recreation Therapy Department from 6 - 7 p.m. where we have interactive activities for the residents at NewAldaya Lifescapes.
   
• Newel Post Adult Day & Respite Services is in need of someone to play the piano on a regular basis. Times and days are very flexible. We would appreciate someone playing a few times a month. We are a fun loving group of people who really enjoy singing! Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
  
  

• Rensselaer Russell House Society will present a Victorian five course dinner and program on Victorian Customs: Mourning Mother, Weeping Widows at the Snowden House. 10 volunteers are needed to help with the dinner. They will help plate, serve, bus, and clean up on February 23 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 272-2087 to volunteer!

Community-Wide Volunteer Fair to Be Held

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is involved in a collaborative effort with the Cedar Falls Blue Zones Project to coordinate and execute two volunteer fairs in Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls non-profit organizations have been invited to attend both events. On February 19 community members are invited to attend the fair at Western Home Communities Windridge site from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On February 27 community members are invited to attend the fair at NewAldaya Lifescapes from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Volunteerism is a big component of the Blue Zones Project and is another way to live happier, healthier lives. These events are a significant opportunity for local nonprofit organizations to connect with citizens, matching specific volunteer needs to volunteers' skills and personal interests.

Both events are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend.

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

Please contact Lauren Finke at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to express interest in volunteering. Opportunities are flexible. To secure additional volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org.

Acts of Kindness for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to share your love with others. Besides the usual chocolates and roses, you can make this holiday more meaningful by doing small acts of caring that reach beyond your circle of family and friends.

 

Make a Difference...

• Host a Valentine's Day party that spreads the love. Collect fun supplies to make valentines for those in need of cheering up. Or choose another service project such as tying fleece blankets to donate. Adorn your house with hearts, serve pink and red foods, and decorate heart-shaped cookies. For other project ideas, check out bigheartedfamilies.org
• In the tradition of May Day, create a "love basket" to leave anonymously on the doorstep of a neighbor or friend. Here'smone way to make them: Fill with candy and small gifts, along with a special note citing what you love about the person. (If you decide to do this project, be sure to read Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch with your kids.)
• Print out these fun, kid-friendly valentine inserts from Global Exchange and teach friends and loved ones a bit about Fair Trade issues.
• Send Valentine's Day e-card from Care2.com and generate donations to some great causes!
• Practice stealth kindness. For example, leave valentines for people to find at a gas station, in a park, or on a table at your local coffee shop. Find more ideas here.
• Expand your Valentine's card-making efforts beyond your child's classroom to neighbors, friends, and even residents of a local nursing home or hospital. If possible, see if you can deliver them to the recipients yourselves!
• How do you feel about guerilla art? Check out this sweet idea for Paper Heart Garland Tree Bombing and bring a little Valentine's Day cheer to your community!
• If you are a Valentine's Day gift giver, consider gifts that give back to more than just the recipient.

 

Talk about it...

Valentine's Day provides the opportunity to talk to your kids about love, generosity, and friendship. Here are some questions to prompt discussion:

• What is friendship? What does it mean to be a good friend?
• How does it make you feel to do something nice for others on Valentine's Day?
• How would it feel to receive a valentine from someone you didn't know?
• What are some ways we can show people we love them throughout the year?

We thank Jenny Friedman of Doing Good Together for this information. Please contact Jenny (jenny@doinggoodtogether.org) to learn more about any of these opportunities. We hope you will consider becoming involved.

THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IS READY TO ROLL!

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN RECRUITING YOUTH WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM!

This program responds to a need for youth employment and youth employment readiness as identified through a yearlong community planning process that began in November, 2011.

This program is for youth between the ages of 16 and 18. Youth who are not yet 16 but will be turning 16 by June 1, 2013 may also participate.

Stage One of the program is the Youth Employment and Leadership Readiness Workshop, which will be held from March 18 through March 22, 2013. (Spring Break) This weeklong workshop will educate youth in the "soft skills" needed for success in applying for and retaining jobs: commitment, deportment, timeliness, appearance, attitude, successful applications/interviews, career planning, and many other issues.

Stage Two of the program consists of support offered to youth who complete the program in finding and retaining summer or part time employment. The Program Coordinator will be recruiting businesses who are interested in employing youth, and s/he will support youth through the application process and while they are employed.

This program is currently receiving funding through the McElroy Trust, the Guernsey Foundation, UNI, and United Way. Operation Threshold will house the Program Coordinator at its offices.

Application forms will be disbursed in the near future. However, if you know of a young person whom you believe would benefit from this program; you may contact us with his or her name. For now, you can send names to Al Hays, at allen.hays@uni.edu. He can also answer questions about the program. Once we have our Coordinator on board, which should be within the next 5-6 days, we will provide that person's contact information for applicants and other inquiries.

This program has the potential to benefit the youth of our community. Please help us make it a success by sending youth our way.

Al Hays, on behalf of the Youth Employment and Leadership Committee *

* This committee includes representatives of Iowa Works, United Way, Iowa State Extension, Waterloo Leisure Services Division, Operation Threshold, UNI Public Policy, and UNICUE.

YWCA’s 7th Annual Women of Persimmon Luncheon

Nominate an extraordinary woman or business/organization today

Persimmon is the YWCA color of strength and confidence. On April 4, 2013, the YWCA of Black Hawk County will recognize extraordinary women, businesses and organizations who exemplify the mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women at the seventh-annual Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon luncheon.

You may know a woman whose life, talents or passions have impacted you and influenced our community and nominating her for this award will not only show her how important she is, but also your appreciation and respect for her.

The Women of Persimmon luncheon celebrates women and their contributions; the YWCA invites the community to honor a friend, relative or colleague with a nomination. Women and businesses/organizations will be recognized in the following categories: Professional/Business Woman; Volunteer; Young Woman of Tomorrow (for ages 15 - 25); Youth Advocate; and Business/Organization that Empowers Women. Descriptions of each category and more information about the luncheon are included in the nomination packet.

 

 

Nominations forms must be postmarked by Friday, February 15^th. Nomination packets are attached or also available to at the YWCA front office, online at www.ywcabhc.org; by calling or emailing Cindy Mohr at 319-234-7589 or lmohr@ywcabhc.org. Please share with your friends, colleagues and family and please consider nominating a woman you know!

 

The public is invited to attend the seventh-annual Cedar Valley Women of Persimmon luncheon on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the new Hilton Garden Inn in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park; tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call the YWCA at 319-234-7589.

VCCV Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers will help Cub Scouts earn their Astronomy Pin & Belt Loop at the Grout Museum of History & Science in three sessions from 9:00 -11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., and 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on February 16. Volunteers age 16 and over.
  
  
• Volunteers age 16 and older are invited to assist children with activities on the engineering process, scientific method and more while using Legos on February 23 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.
   
• Rensselaer Russell House Society will present a Victorian five course dinner and program on Victorian Customs: Mourning Mother, Weeping Widows at the Snowden House. 10 volunteers are needed to help with the dinner. They will help plate, serve, bus, and clean up on February 23 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.
  
  

• Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s annual Maple Syrup Festival is March 2 and 3. Volunteers are needed to assist with kitchen help, table clearing, assist with 'Chris Cakes', sap collection, ticket sales, and parking. Volunteer shifts are 6:30 - 10:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Volunteers age 16 and over are welcome.

Call 319-272-2087 to volunteer!

Why Every Jobseeker and New Grad Should Volunteer [6 Reasons]

By Stacy Donovan Zapar
Stacy Donovan Zapar is a 15+ year recruiting veteran for Fortune 500 tech companies, CEO of Tenfold Social and the Most Connected Woman on LinkedIn. Follow Stacy on Twitter @StacyZapar.

I recently had a childhood friend make a career change in her late thirties: she went back to school full-time, investing significant time, effort and money to turn her nursing dream into reality. She recently graduated and was so very proud to have those two new initials after her name – R.N.

Everyone was so happy for her, congratulating her on her achievement. Her Facebook page was blowing up with a flurry of happy activity and optimism for her future.

Then reality set in.

While nurses are in great shortage everywhere, it seems the industry is only really interested in experienced RNs and new grads need not apply. Ouch! The job search has been pretty brutal and she’s not alone - 43% of newly licensed RNs still do not have jobs within 18 months after graduation. It’s the old cliché: You must have experience to get the job yet you must have a job to get experience. What a vicious cycle! (And it certainly isn’t just limited to the nursing industry).

How can you break it?

My advice to my friend? Find the very best hospital you can and volunteer your way to your next position. (This advice also applies to any other new grad, career changer, pink slip recipient or jobseeker out there who needs to bridge a gap in employment).

Why volunteer?

1. It puts work experience on your resume

Duh! This is obviously the most important strategy in your job search right now, especially if it’s the only thing keeping you from landing that dream job. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, your resume will now say “XYZ Company (or XYZ Hospital), January 2013 – present” instead of having a big gap. Way, way, way better than having no current employer on your resume, which is an automatic deal-breaker for many recruiters. (Hey, I’m just the messenger here!)   Added bonus? You will probably learn a thing or two (or twenty!), which builds your resume and makes you that much more marketable to employers.

2. It enables you to line up solid references in your field of choice

If/when you need someone to vouch for your skills in this new industry, volunteering will provide you with experienced people who have seen you in action and can recommend you for that job. Think about it… most new grads look exactly alike on paper. Your recommendations and references could be just the thing that separates you from the rest (side note: make sure to add these recommendations to your LinkedIn profile while you’re at it).

3. It allows you to build your network

We’ve all heard it before: it’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know. In a bad economy / job market, those words were never more true. People are hiring employee referrals because these referrals are a known quantity and there’s much less risk. If you don’t know many people in your field, then you are at a distinct disadvantage. Volunteering allows you to grow your network (in real life AND on LinkedIn) and you can now leverage those connections to network, find out about new positions and be at the forefront of people’s minds if/when they learn of a new opening. Don’t be afraid to get the word out that you’re actively looking for that foot-in-the-door position.

4. It shows your passion for what you want to do

“I love nursing (or whatever it is that YOU do) so much that I would do it even if they didn’t pay me.” Even if that’s not EXACTLY true, this is the message that volunteering conveys. How wonderful is that? You are suddenly much more attractive to future employers because they want those top performers who love what they do, not the employees who are just phoning it in.

5. It keeps you busy and keeps your spirits up

There’s nothing worse during a job search than getting up every morning with no where to go. You lounge around in your pj’s, mope about the horrible situation, pop online to try to find a job, end up getting discouraged and it’s just not good for your self-esteem or mental outlook. How are you going to be able to sell yourself to employers if you aren’t in a good place? Volunteering gets you out of the house, doing the work you want to do and staying busy. You will keep your batteries recharged and, let’s face it, volunteering just feels good. Give and get back, I always say!

6. It puts you at the top of the list if a job becomes available

Picture it: there you are, volunteering at that company / hospital and suddenly an opening becomes available. Do you really think they’ll just go with an unknown person over you? Assuming you fit the requirements for the role, the odds are pretty good that you’ll be hired since you’re right there in front of them and have already proven your skills, your dedication and your passion for the role. It’s also a great way for them to say “thank you” for your time and effort! Hey, they might even CREATE a job for you that wouldn’t have existed otherwise. Knock their socks off and they’ll want to keep you!

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