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UNIQUE ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK EXPERIENCE!

Grassroots Community Development (GCD): Anthropology 397H 

Application Deadline: November 17

GCD is a 4-credit honors class that meets throughout the spring semester. This course explores how grassroots organizations work to effect social change. During spring break students travel to work with grassroots organizations in Virginia and Mississippi, putting the theoretical knowledge from the classroom into practice with community partners. GCD examines structures of privilege, power and oppression in U.S. society and connects these domestic structures to larger global economic/political trends. GCD is largely student-run; students who have previously taken the class teach and facilitate the course. GCD strives to practice a radical, participatory, engaged form of education that sets it apart from most classes at UMass and across the country. To apply for this course for Spring 2009, contact the University Alliance for Community Transformation at uact@anthro.umass.edu or (413) 545-0696. For more information, visit www.courses.umass.edu/akeene/asb.html.

 

 

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE GARDEN

You can help make a difference in the life of a grieving young person! Sign up today to become a volunteer at The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens. This bereavement support program meets at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton two Sundays a month until June 2009. The monthly time commitment is 9-12 hours. Required volunteer training is scheduled for January 10, 11 and 15, 2009. For more information or to apply, visit www.garden-cgc.org or contact Shelly Bathe Lenn at (413) 584-7084 x124 or slenn@garden-cgc.org.

ACT NOW! NEEDS YOUR HELP

ACT NOW! Inc. is dedicated to building character and confidence in youth, particularly girls, through improvisation and moviemaking. ACT NOW! helps players create their very own improvised movie.  They select a site, invent a story, create characters, improvise each scene on camera and screen the results immediately. The experience leaves participants inspired to play the lead in their own lives. ACT NOW! needs volunteers to help with ticket sales for the "Magical Night of Giving" fundraising event at the Holyoke Mall on November 23. To help with selling tickets before this event, contact ACT NOW! at (413) 256-3471 or actnowinc@gmail.com. 

FIND OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Visit 1-800-volunteer.org for information on community service opportunities across the nation. Use your zip code or city and state to search for opportunities in your area.

 

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN GHANA

Over fifty percent of the poorest countries in the world are in Africa despite the fact that Africa has abundant and rich natural resources. Your participation in volunteer work in Africa will help support and accelerate the developmental efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, charities, community groups and grassroots groups in Africa. Volunteering in Africa offers volunteer and internship opportunities for work in health, social, educational, community service and development programs in Ghana. For more information, visit www.volunteeringinafrica.org/ghana.htm.

 

MENTORS SOUGHT FOR AT-RISK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative in West Springfield, MA, seeks volunteer one-on-one mentors for at-risk high school students.  Both men and women who are caring, good listeners and non-judgmental are asked to give one hour a week for the duration of the school year and to be a friend and role model to a student.  Mentoring is done during school hours on school premises in West Springfield.  You must provide your own transportation.  Training and support is provided.  For more information, contact Maurine Albano at malbano@lpvec.org or (413) 735-2200 x1310.

VOLUNTEER POSITION AT THE CENTER FOR EXTENDED CARE

Located just down the street from UMass and on the bus line, the Center for Extended Care nursing home is a great service opportunity! The center seeks volunteers Monday through Friday 1:30-3:30pm and every other Saturday. To apply, bring the completed application form along with a cover letter (ATTN: Beth Jones) to the center. Applicants must also provide a negative TB test result from a physician and sign a CORI release form.

60 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PLAY!

Upcoming training: November 15

Horizons for Homeless Children is immediately seeking 60 volunteers to interact and play with children living in 17 family, teen parent, and domestic violence shelters in Western Massachusetts. A commitment of two hours a week for six months is required. Horizons for Homeless Children offers daytime and evening shifts, so there is likely to be one that fits your schedule. It is a rewarding and fun experience for everyone involved. The next training session will be November 15, at Mount Holyoke College for Playspaces and shelters in Springfield, Holyoke, Adams, Northampton, Orange/Athol, Greenfield, and Pittsfield. For more information or to register for the training, contact Jennefer Swetland at jswetland@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org or (413) 532- 0526.

DO A GOOD DEED! RECYCLE YOUR CELL PHONE.

Your simple act can create a world of good. The Good Deed Foundation, in a partnership with the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, has launched a nationwide recycling program for cell phones, batteries, chargers and other accessories. About 6% of cell phones collected will be refurbished and resold, with the money going back to initiatives that address climate change and to a network of 128 organizations that help to remove women and their children from poverty. A portion of the phones will be programmed to only dial 911 and given to those who need them. The remaining phones will be properly recycled. Drop off your cell phone and accessories in the Office of Community Service Learning at 610 Goodell. For more information, contact the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Springfield Schools seek volunteers for students in grades K-12. Click here for a list of current opportunities. For more information, visit Springfield School Volunteers or email Maria DeAngelis.

NEW ENGLAND FARM WORKERS COUNCIL SEEKS MENTORS

NEFWC is looking for men and women to mentor a child for ONE hour ONCE a week by being a "friend," doing group activities and offering one-on-one mentoring. Our major goal is academic improvement, but the mentor is not there to be a tutor, but simply to build a friendship. At one point in time we've all had someone who has impacted our life or made a difference by simply listening, being a positive role model or just being a friend and these are the qualities these children/youth lack. It's been proven that if a child has a positive role model in their life, who they can trust, their grades increase and absences decrease. For more information or to volunteer, email Shamika Santos or call (413) 536-5403 x228.

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE PROJECT GRANTS

Application deadline: Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is pleased to release the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Initiative Request for Proposals. MSA offers grant money to expand service for people of all ages throughout Massachusetts in conjunction with the King Day of Service. Projects must engage volunteers in service during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (January 16-19, 2009). Projects can meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. For more information, contact Lisa Frederick at (617) 542-2544 x226 or lfrederick@mass-service.org. To apply, visit www.mass-service.org. 

 

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DOROT COLLEGE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Applications due: November 17, 2008

DOROT is offering up to nine $500 grants for programs that enable college students to volunteer with the elderly in the community. In addition, $10,000 two-year grants are available. For more information, visit DOROT online.

2009 ECHOING GREEN FELLOWSHIPS

Deadline: December 1, 2008

Each year, Echoing Green awards 20 two-year fellowships to entrepreneurs creating new social change organizations. Fellows receive up to $90,000 and plenty of support to help them launch their bold idea. For more information, visit www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship.

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APPLY TO ATTEND CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE UNIVERSITY

Early decision application deadline: November 7, 2008
Final application deadline: December 12, 2008

President Clinton established the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) to turn ideas into action. A non-partisan initiative, CGI moves beyond discussion, fostering a shared responsibility to address major global problems. President Clinton will host the second annual meeting of CGI University at the University of Texas at Austin, February 13-15, 2009. CGI U is more than just an event. It is a growing community of young leaders who don't just discuss the world's challenges -- they take real, concrete steps toward solving them. Prior to attending the meeting, each student and university must develop and submit a "Commitment to Action:" a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus or in the wider global community. Commitments range from installing energy-efficient light bulbs to establishing campus bike share programs, from distributing life-saving water filtration kits to designing medical backpacks for nomadic doctors in Africa. For more information and to apply, click here.

CANCER CONNECTION WORKSHOP
November 15, 2008; 9am- 1pm

Cancer Connection will be holding a workshop on the cancer journey from the perspective of the patient. This workshop is a comprehensive look at the resources in the community for people with cancer and their caregivers, and is the cornerstone of the volunteer training course at Cancer Connection. For more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org

 

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TEACHING FOR DEMOCRACY AFTER THE VOTES ARE COUNTED: ADVANCING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND VOICE IN SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS

November 17, 2008, 10am-3pm, The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA

Regardless of the results of the 2008 election, young people have been activated in politicsin ways we haven’t seen in decades. New technologies, along with messages and strategies for reaching out to young people have potentially revolutionized the ways we understand engagement in the political process. At the same time, a series of books and journals have been documenting some of the practices to politically engage students through courses and programs. This institute is geared for faculty, staff and student teams interested in infusing this surge in political interest and lessons from research and practice in higher education into their service-learning courses and programs. Specifically, the interactive workshop will focus on advancing student leadership and voice in service-learning programs as a strategy for maintaining the civic energy generated by the 2008 election. Registration fee: $35/person or $100/4 people. To register, complete registration form.

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CALL FOR PROPOSALS: Reexamining the Engaged Campus - Community, Reciprocity and Social Justice

Submission Deadline: December 8, 2008

The 2009 New England Regional Campus Compact Conference brings together practitioners, including community service and community service-learning staff, faculty members, campus administrators and other stakeholders from across New England to engage in discussions, presentations, workshops and intensive institutes to explore emerging issues, the intersection of civic engagement and social justice and best practices in civic engagement (including service-learning and co-curricular programs) to gain practical tools to apply on any campus. The conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, March 30-31, 2009. For more information, visit www.masscampuscompact.org or contact Allison Reid at ajreid@honors.umass.edu. To submit a workshop proposal, download the Call for Proposals.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service

Application deadline: November 15, 2008

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the world's largest annual gathering of service and volunteer leaders. The conference is seeking workshop proposals that engage participants in new skills, practical tools, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge information in four strategic focus areas, including service as the solution; innovation and entrepreneurship; best practices for success; and advancing the sector. The conference will be held June 22-24, 2009. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit www.volunteeringandservice.org to submit a proposal.

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Valley Community Development Corporation

Valley CDC is looking for a Community Relations Specialist to assist with creation/distribution of informational materials and organizing programs, trainings, and community events. The ideal candidate must have basic literacy and phone skills, the ability to communicate clearly, and the willingness to interact with individuals and organizations, and to learn new skills. The position requires 1600 hours of service between November 1, 2008- August 31, 2009. The position offers a $10,000 stipend and an additional $2,000 completion bonus. For more information, visit www.valleycdc.com. To apply, download application or send resume and/or letter of interest to jc@valleycdc.com.

TUTORIAL ORGANIZER

The Literacy Project

The Literacy Project seeks a part-time Tutorial Organizer for its North Quabbin site in Orange, MA. The Organizer will provide tutoring and related services to teen and adult GED and ABE students and recruit, train and support other volunteer tutors. In addition, the Organizer will conduct outreach, promote community collaboration, and provide administrative support to the Instructors and Site Director. Hours will require flexibility based upon needs of students and the site. This position is part of the Governor's new Commonwealth Corps. The stipend for full-time Corps members is $12,000 for 1600 hours of service plus $3,600 toward health insurance premiums; the part-time stipend is $6,000 for 800 hours of service. For more information, visit www.literacyproject.org. To apply, send resume and brief letter of interest to Cathy King at cking@literacyproject.org or call (978) 544-8917.

YOUTH NETWORK COORDINATOR

Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES)

YES, based in Orange, MA, seeks a full-time (or two part-time) Youth Network Coordinator to coordinate participant recruitment, outreach, intake, program support and transitional services for teens and young adults participating in programs at YES, The Literacy Project, and other youth-serving agencies. YES’ mission is to help teens and young adults in the rural North Quabbin and Franklin County regions unlock their potential through entrepreneurship, job readiness, financial and technology education. This position is part of the Governor's new Commonwealth Corps. The stipend for full-time Corps members is $12,000 for 1600 hours of service plus $3,600 toward health insurance premiums; the part-time stipend is $6,000 for 800 hours of service. For more information, visit www.yes-inc.org. To apply, send resume and brief letter of interest to Tim Cohen-Mitchell at tim@yes-inc.org or call (978) 544-1869.

COORDINATOR

North Quabbin Time Bank

The North Quabbin Time Bank, based in Orange, MA, seeks a full-time (or two part-time) Coordinator to help grow its membership. The Time Bank is a free web-based community currency system that enables residents and organizations in the nine towns of the rural North Quabbin region to exchange hours of neighborly services without the use of cash. The Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting new members through publicity and outreach and for helping existing participants utilize the system to its fullest. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain community development experience with supportive mentoring and training available. This position is part of the Governor's new Commonwealth Corps. The stipend for full-time Corps members is $12,000 for 1600 hours of service plus $3,600 toward health insurance premiums; the part-time stipend is $6,000 for 800 hours of service. For more information, visit www.nqtimebank.org. To apply, send resume and brief letter of interest to Karen Werner at kwerner@montaguema.net or call (413) 367-2858.

PHENOM SEEKS INTERN

PHENOM (The Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts) is seeking to immediately hire a student intern for the remainder of the fall semester, with the possibility of continuing through the spring. Duties include maintaining and updating PHENOM’s website www.phenomonline.com , providing organizational and office support, and there may be opportunities to participate in PHENOM’s organizing/outreach activities. The ideal candidate must possess experience/skills at website development/maintenance, be in good academic standing, have strong interest in sociopolitical issues affecting higher education, high self- motivation, reliability, and strong-time management skills. This is a 10 hour per week position, with some flexibility. The compensation for the position is $10 per hour. To apply please send a letter of interest to Ferd Wulkan at wulkan@external.umass.edu. The letter should include a summary of relevant experience and skills, a brief statement about why you are interested in the position, and basic information about your academic status and schedule.

HOLYOKE TUTOR/MENTOR PROGRAM

Holyoke tutor/mentor program seeks someone to help with volunteer tutor recruitment including contacting media, updating online listings/postings, researching outreach opportunities and speaking at public events. Additionally, duties include administrative tasks, such as data entry, copying and filing, as well as facilitating tutor trainings. This is a 20 hour per week position funded from 11/3/08- 8/31/09 with a stipend of $6.25 per hour and a completion bonus of $1,000. For more information or to apply, contact Emily Fox at holyoketutor@holycham.com or (413) 534-3376 x103.

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