Change Yourself. Change the World.

Metro Volunteers Hosts Obama Inaugural Bash

2009-01-21T13:02:00.003-07:00

Article written by: Bryan Giovannetti

The red, white and blue balloons hovered high in the sky, and the music filled the air of Denver’s Capitol Hill Neighborhood. On Jan. 20, Metro Volunteers hosted the Barack Obama Inaugural Bash at the Church Nightclub.

Over 100 local residents came for the celebration, many dressed in Obama t-shirts, hats and flashing buttons. Live music added to the atmosphere, featuring performances from local bands such as Wendy Woo, Kristina Ingham and the Demon Funkies.

Barack Obama became officially sworn in as the 44^th president of the United States at 12 noon eastern standard time on Jan. 20. Guests at this event said that they feel optimistic about Obama’s promises and the future of the country.

“I could not be more elated,” said Lindsay, who moved to the United States from Germany 12 years ago, “He’s youthful and he represents my ideals.”

As part of his plan for revitalizing America, Obama is encouraging citizens to commit to serving their communities this year. Metro Volunteers helped to facilitate this process by asking guests at this event to pledge to complete 10 hours of community service by the end of 2009.

“I think it’s always good to give back,” said Janet Kiyota from Ft. Lupton, Co., “I think there’s always a few places that need just a little bit of help.” Several guests responded to the pledge to serve, as well as Metro Volunteers Staff.

“We are living in a world where we need to be less selfish, and more selfless,” said Kellie Reddick from Texas. Michael Charbonneau, from Denver, volunteers at a homeless shelter where he helps students attain their GED.

“It makes my week when someone gets their GED,” said Charbonneau. Metro Volunteers will now help those who have pledged to volunteer find a location that fits their interests.

“I find it rewarding to volunteer, not to be a spectator, but to be a part of it,” said Lindsay. Overall, the guests at the event left feeling a sense of excitement and enthusiasm over seeing Obama’s inauguration.

Reddick said, “I think we made history today. We celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
yesterday, and his dream is coming into affect today.”

MLK Day Health Fair a Roaring Success!

2009-01-21T11:49:00.002-07:00

On MLK Day, hundreds of Kaiser Permanente physicians, nurses, security guards, and other staff volunteered their time to provide health services to the uninsured. As the numbers below illustrate, the Health Fair was a huge success!

Service in Numbers*:
• Over 300 volunteers
• Over 600 families attended the health fair
• Over 1,200 individuals received health services; by the end of the fair it may be as many as 1,500
• 275 women received screening services including pap tests and pelvic exams
• Over 180 children received a physical check-up and health screening
• 100 vision screenings performed
• 470 immunizations administered
• 500 diabetes and cholesterol tests performed
• Over 340 dental screenings and services provided for children and adults
• 30 mammography screenings were completed; 50 additional mammography exams were scheduled
*(approximate estimates as of 3 pm Monday, January 19, 2009)

Obama Makes Call to Serve On MLK Day

2009-01-14T17:29:00.002-07:00

President-Elect Barack Obama released a video today highlighting the many ways to get involved with the Inauguration events, one of the ways is to serve your community this coming weekend in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy.

A Service Stimulus Package

2008-12-10T08:52:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, Stephen Goldsmith, chairman of the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service and former Mayor of Indianapolis, and Harris Wofford, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service from 1995 to 2001, contributed an op-ed calling for a "Service Stimulus Package." This article appeared in the Miami Herald (FL), Fort Worth Star Telegram (TX), The Record (NJ) and other newspapers.

This article includes a ton of pertinent information about how service should, and will be, a part of the solution to the current economic recession.

Here are some of the highlights:

"As the government seeks to deal with the economic crisis and relieve the distress felt by millions of families, we should not overlook the great American tradition of service."

"Lawmakers who will soon consider a financial stimulus package should also consider a 'service stimulus.' Repairing the roads and bridges of our physical infrastructure is urgently needed, but we also need to expand our civic infrastructure dramatically."

"Here are a few examples of what 'We the People' can do right now and in the year ahead:

We can help children in danger of dropping out of school by volunteering as tutors and mentors.
Skilled professionals (lawyers, accountants, et al.) can go door to door in distressed communities to assist families facing mortgage foreclosure.
Volunteers can support displaced families and children by helping them transition from homeless shelters to more permanent housing.
Since financial stress and unemployment can lead to substance abuse, psychological despair and homelessness, community assistance centers and shelters will need many new volunteers and basic supplies."

Click here to read the full article.

AmeriCorps Funding May Be in Jeopardy - Contact Your Representatives Today

2008-12-04T09:25:00.002-07:00

I just received a message from Voices of Service last night with the following message; essentially saying that we must all act now to ensure that funding for AmeriCorps programs is not cut in 2009:

Voices for National Service has learned that funding for AmeriCorps programs for 2009 is in jeopardy, and it is imperative that national service supporters contact their Members of Congress TODAY to intercede with Appropriators.

Action Item - Call Your Member of Congress:
Please call your Members of Congress immediately and ask them to protect AmeriCorps funding so that programs can deliver much needed services to communities across the country. Below is information on how to contact your Members of Congress and talking points for your use. We have also listed the Appropriators in the House and Senate. We especially need individuals residing or serving in Appropriators’ districts to reach out directly to them. If you do not reside or serve in an Appropriators district, please call your Members of Congress and ask them to weigh in with Appropriators.

To connect to your legislators in the Senate dial the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to connect you. To connect to your legislators in the House dial the switchboard at (202) 225-3121 ask them to connect you.

Background Information: At this very moment, congressional appropriators are in final negotiations on an comprehensive FY2009 funding bill. They expect to finish negotiating the details this week. It has recently been brought to our attention that AmeriCorps State and National and the National Service Trust require a combined appropriation of $420.3 million to sustain the same level of service communities have relied upon in 2008. This figure is $41 million above last year’s appropriations and $14.1 million above the Administration’s original request submitted to Congress in February.

We understand this is a significant increase over last year’s appropriation, but due to a perfect storm of conditions, that includes a significant administrative change at the Corporation, this increase is necessary to sustain the present field of programs and members. Level funding for AmeriCorps will not allow the same number of Americans to serve in 2009 as participated in 2008 due to a number of programmatic factors including: changes in AmeriCorps grant-making from two year to one year funding, the need to transfer funds from programs to the National Service Trust to cover AmeriCorps education awards, and increased support for disaster response and recovery in the Gulf region.

The next 24 hours are critical, as the Appropriations Committee is making decisions on the fiscal 2009 funding bills right now. We need our legislators to weigh in and ask that the appropriation be increased to avoid devastating program cuts. The brunt of the impact would likely fall on programs that are recompeting for funds. Under the present funding assumptions (i.e. 2008 funding levels), the pool of funds available to state competitive programs could be $20 million, 50% less than what is needed.

Talking Points:
1. Right now Congressional appropriators are negotiating fiscal year 2009 funding levels for AmeriCorps.
2. We’ve been told that AmeriCorps State and National and the National Service Trust need a combined appropriation of $420.3 million to sustain AmeriCorps programs that are delivering much needed service to communities. This is $41 million above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation.
3. We understand that this is a significant increase, but due to congressionally-mandated administrative changes at the Corporation for National and Community Service, the additional funds are needed to simply sustain the same level of service in 2009. This additional funding would not grow the program, just sustain it.
4. AmeriCorps grantees engage 75,000 Americans in providing important services through thousands of nonprofit community-based organizations, schools, land management agencies, and other groups that are meeting critical needs. Many of these organizations are already struggling with the recent economic downturn, and a cut in AmeriCorps would further reduce their ability to serve people in need.
5. A significant reduction in the federal appropriation will force groups to cut back or eliminate services to communities, and deprive thousands of young people the opportunity to serve their country and earn education awards to pursue their dreams of higher education. This is not the time to cut services to those in need and limit opportunities for young people to earn stipends and educational opportunities for their service.
6. An increased appropriation for AmeriCorps is urgently needed to prevent the collapse of our programs.
7. Your Congressperson should instruct the Appropriations Committee to increase the FY09 allocation for AmeriCorps.

Denver Families Changed the World

2008-11-24T08:21:00.002-07:00

This past Saturday, November 22, over 100 community members and their families came together to participate in National Family Volunteer Day. These families contributed their time, and in many cases food donations, to four nonprofits in metropolitan Denver.

At Have a Heart, 25 family volunteers came together to help serve 3,000 people who were picking up food boxes and donated clothing items. At Project Angel Heart, 25 family volunteers decorated bags that will e used to deliver food to terminally ill and homebound individuals throughout metropolitan Denver. At Starlight Children’s Foundation, 40 volunteers from McKenna, Long and Aldridge LLP assembled backpacks filled with fun activities for hospitalized children in Denver. At Family Tree, Miller Coors employees and their families donated food items and volunteered to help over 40 families receive food boxes.

Family Volunteer Day is a hands-on experience that teaches children the values of kindness, compassion, community responsibility and good citizenship. Family volunteering strengthens family communication and bonds, allows family members to be role models, builds shared memories, increases commitment to volunteering and community, and provides for quality time together as a family.

Nicola Goren to Run Corporation for National Community Service through Transition

2008-11-19T09:15:00.003-07:00

Washington DC – Nicola O. Goren, an 11-year veteran of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will lead the agency through a transition that will include laying a foundation for the incoming Administration’s service plans.

Goren, who served as the agency’s Chief of Staff for the past two years, begins her tenure as Acting CEO at a time of strong momentum and opportunity for the agency and the larger service and volunteer movement. Goren will lead the agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America until a new CEO is appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate.

“Service and volunteering make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans every day,” said Goren. “I am deeply honored and excited to work with our extraordinary board, staff, and grantees to support our programs, prepare for the transition, and seize the growing momentum for service in America.”

Goren said two forces are converging to make this an opportune time for national service and volunteering. First, the economic downturn has threatened our civic infrastructure and put more Americans in need of services that the voluntary sector can provide. Second, this increasing demand comes at the same time as service is gaining unprecedented levels of support across government, business, nonprofit, and education sectors.

From the expansion of corporate social responsibility programs and the embrace of service-learning on college campuses to the introduction of several bipartisan national service bills in Congress and the comprehensive service agenda of President-elect Obama, service is increasingly being seen as a solution to social challenges. “The Corporation has never been stronger, more efficient, and better positioned than it is today, and we are ready to work with the incoming Administration to take national service to the next level of success and impact,” said Goren. In a message to grantees, Goren said her priorities will be to focus on the core work of the agency, ensure a smooth transition, and strengthen the service infrastructure.

The agency has been preparing for the transition for several months. The Corporation’s bipartisan board of directors will also play a key role in the transition. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such as strong board and their leadership and insights will be especially valuable in the transition. Our board is a model of how people from different parties can work together to get things done.”

Board Chairman and former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith also noted the convergence of need and support for national service in welcoming Goren to her new role. “The Corporation is well-respected, high performing and it enjoys bipartisan support. The national service and volunteering agenda also benefit from strong momentum and increasing public awareness. Nicky has the experience, judgment, and ability to ensure that we extend the gains we’ve made and bridge the organization as it prepares for a new CEO to be appointed in the next administration.”

Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Goren worked in the Corporation’s Office of General Counsel for eight-and-a-half years as Associate General Counsel, where she led the AmeriCorps rulemaking effort and other major projects. Before coming to the Corporation in 1998, Goren spent five years in the legislative branch, working first with the Congressional Budget Office and then with the Office of Compliance. She is a graduate of Cornell Law School and Brandeis University. Goren resides in the District of Columbia with her husband and two sons.

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year the Corporation engages more than four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet local needs through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.

ServiceNation Day of Action - September 27

2008-09-16T14:17:00.003-06:00

Metro Volunteers is working with many other community organizations to coordinate the first-ever ServiceNation Day of Action. This event was developed as part of a national effort to promote national service and volunteerism. As of today, there 2,317 Day of Action events planned throughout the country and we are very excited to take part in this critical movement.

ServiceNation’s goal is to unite leaders from every sector of American society with hundreds of thousands of citizens in a national campaign to call on the next President and Congress, leaders from all sectors of society, and our fellow Americans to create a new era of service and civic engagement in America, an era in which all Americans will work together to try and solve our greatest and most persistent societal challenges.

To take part in our upcoming ServiceNation Day of Action project, planting trees at Cook Park in Denver as part of this historic event, go to www.metrovolunteers.org for more information and to register.

Below, we have included video of Senators Obama and McCain, who showed their support of volunteerism at the ServiceNation Summit in New York City on 9/11.

Community Volunteers are Invited to Register for Delegate Service Day Projects

2008-08-22T15:58:00.005-06:00

Building on its ongoing commitment to service and active participation in the community, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced today that more than one thousand Convention delegates from across the country will volunteer at dozens of community service sites in and around Denver on Delegate Service Day, Wednesday, August 27, from 10:00am-12:00pm.

Projects ranging from serving meals for the homeless and park cleanup, to reading to children and aiding military families are being coordinated by Metro Volunteers, Democrats Work and Volunteers of America. Through this effort, and in conjunction with ServiceNation, a national campaign to increase community and national service opportunities and promote service as a core ideal of civic engagement, the DNCC aims to inspire hundreds of thousands of Americans in a renewed commitment to service.

Michelle Obama and Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter are co-chairing Delegate Service Day, the capstone to a year-long DNCC community service effort, in which leadership and staff have contributed more than 850 hours to a variety of local projects. Both Michelle Obama and Ritter will participate in Delegate Service Day activities with their children.

Community members are invited to serve alongside delegates at the following projects:

1. Open Space Revitalization at Cherry Creek State Park
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to motivate and enable citizens to be active stewards of Colorado’s public lands, thereby creating enthusiastic and beneficial stewardship of Colorado’s natural and cultural resources. Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado will lead a volunteer project for delegates to participate in an effort to revitalize and restore areas of Cherry Creek State Park.

2. Graffiti Abatement and Neighborhood Cleanup in Stapleton
Delegate volunteers will have the opportunity to improve the aesthetic appeal and health of the Denver suburb of Stapleton by removing graffiti and litter in the area.

3. Write Letters to Incredible Kids
Each year Camp Fire USA hosts Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, a national, annual letter-writing campaign urging adults to write letters of support to the children in their lives. This year, the Central Rockies Council of Camp Fire USA is extending this campaign to include delegates attending the Democratic National Convention. Delegates are invited to write letters to incredible kids in their lives and in their delegations during the Delegate Service Day. Delegates are encouraged to bring the names and mailing addresses of 8-10 children from their delegation that are making a positive impact in their communities.

4. Moving Party at YouthBiz Offices
YouthBiz's mission is to advance the social and economic empowerment of youth through a focus on business, academics, and leadership. At YouthBiz, through after-school and summer programs that incorporate hands-on activities, real-world experience, and peer-to-peer facilitation, youth become active participants in their learning and success. Delegates will volunteer at YouthBiz by assisting the staff in moving the organization into their new 6,500 square foot facility.

5. Science Experiments with Students at Cole K-8 School
Cole K-8 school, a Denver Public School, is reopening for the 2008-2009 school year after shutting its doors four years ago. Delegates are invited to join Cole students in their classrooms for two hours of reading and other activities.

6. Play with Children at Warren Village
Warren Village helps motivated low-income, single parents move from public assistance to self-sufficiency through subsidized housing, on-site childcare, counseling, and education or job training. One of Warren Village's programs, The Greta Horwitz Learning Center, provides quality childcare and early childhood education for 130 children, ages six weeks to twelve years. The Learning Center uses a multi-cultural and gender-fair curriculum developed for at-risk urban kids. Delegates will volunteer at Warren Village by playing and interacting with the Learning Center's children.

7. Make Blankets with the Visiting Nurse Association
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), in its second century of service, improves quality of life by providing excellent health care to people where they live and work. The VNA is Denver’s oldest non-profit home health agency, providing home care, hospice services and community wellness programs. Delegates will volunteer with the Visiting Nurse Association by making fleece lap robes for patients in the VNA's hospice, palliative care and other programs.

8. Read to Children at the Blair-Caldwell Library
The mission of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is to serve as an educational and cultural resource for the people of Denver, Colorado, and the world, focusing on the history, literature, art, music, religion, and politics of African Americans. Delegates will host a reading event for children and distribute books at the library.

9. Sort Food and Clothing and Serve a Meal at the Volunteers of America Mission
Volunteers of America (VOA) seeks to identify and serve the basic needs of the most vulnerable individuals and families in the Denver community. With nutrition, residential, youth, and volunteer programs, VOA assists citizens of all ages and levels of need in the Denver metro area. Delegates from the District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Virginia will have the opportunity to sort food and clothing, to give to local families in need. In addition, volunteers will serve a lunch time meal to downtown Denver citizens in need.

10. Block Party and Park Cleanup in the Curtis Park Neighborhood
Delegates will have the opportunity to volunteer alongside residents of the Curtis Park neighborhood, located near Downtown Denver. Volunteers will be participating in a park clean-up and tree-planting project, as well as interacting with area citizens during a block party.

Click here to register for a Delegate Service Day volunteer opportunity today.

Volunteering in America Report Released: Retention is a Major Issue

2008-07-28T09:30:00.003-06:00

According to the Volunteering in America report released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), last year, 60.8 million Americans or 26.2 percent of the adult population gave 8.1. billion hours of volunteer service worth $157 billion.

These numbers are astounding, clearly we leave in a country where volunteering is a way of life for many people. But, this report also highlighted a problem plaguing volunteerism - it is a leaky bucket. In 2007, 21.5 million new volunteers served with organizations across the country. However, more than one out of every three volunteers (about 22 million) who served in 2006 did not volunteer in 2007. (Volunteering In America)

It's clear that the causes most important to our communities would be better addressed if the length of a volunteer's life-span increased. So, why do people stop volunteering?

The Volunteering in America Report found that people cited the following reasons for leaving volunteering:

Volunteer opportunities aren’t challenging or meaningful enough.
Volunteer management is inadequate. Most nonprofits don’t have volunteer managers or follow best practices. Volunteers aren’t free; it takes an investment and infrastructure to get the most out of volunteers.
Volunteering is too rigid and needs to be more flexible to meet the demands of today’s volunteers. New models need to be weekends, nights, virtual, family, employee-supported, and voluntourism.

Do you agree with the causes cited above for a lack of volunteer retention? What practical recommendations do you have for nonprofits to stop the leaky bucket effect?

Hands On Schools Kicks-off at Force Elementary

2008-07-15T18:34:00.004-06:00

Last Friday, July 11, The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce employees helped kick-off a series of Hands On Schools projects at Force Elementary. 43 individuals volunteered as part of a staff retreat to begin work on a new playground and learning landscape for the school. This playground will not only replace very outdated metal play structures, it will honor the memory of former student Auralia Cisneros who was shot and killed in her home in November 2007. (CBS 4 News)

Metro Volunteers will be hosting a community volunteer day, on August 2, to finish the playground and unveil it to the community. Click here for more information or to register as a volunteer.

Apocalypse Now?

2008-06-16T11:12:00.006-06:00

When I was driving home from work on Friday afternoon, I felt myself gripped with anxiety, thinking: My god. There have been a ton of natural disasters recently, is it the apocalypse? Then, as I fought my way through traffic and thought about it a bit more, I realized: No. This won't be the apocalypse - we have volunteers who are responding to the disasters and those in need! What was I thinking? Thanks to volunteer efforts, I am sure that our world will be safe.

Here are a few stories illustrating the enormous impact volunteers are making throughout the world in response to recent disasters:

1. Burma Cyclone: The UN is launching a massive program to combat dengue fever amongst cyclone victims. Up to 1,700 volunteers from the Burma Red Cross and other organizations are going to help. (The Guardian UK)

2. China Earthquake: There has been an outpouring of volunteer support amongst youth in China following the devastating earthquake in Sichauan Province. In the city of Mianyang nearly 10,000 volunteers have joined the "Red Ribbon" volunteer action. And throughout the disaster area 200,000 young volunteers are working feverishly on the frontline with local Communist League offices acting as coordinators. (中国日报网)

3. Windsor, CO Tornado: On May 28, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter toured the town of Windsor, CO and could find only one word to describe the progress: amazing. "If you had relied upon government to do this, it wouldn't have been done; it couldn't have been done," Ritter said. "I am truly impressed by the volunteerism of this community." (Denver Post)

4. Midwest Flooding: In Iowa City, IA, several hundred people turned out to help protect the University of Iowa campus by sandbagging. "The volunteers have just been incredible," Sullivan said. "Some of these people, they've lost their homes, they've lost their businesses, but they're still down there helping." (CBS News)

Barack Obama visited Cedar Rapids, IA, and stressed the importance of volunteers for disaster recovery.

Inspired to help in times of disaster? Register as a disaster volunteer.

- Al

Why AmeriCorps? Why Not!

2008-06-10T12:47:00.004-06:00

The Corporation for National Service announced the winners of the AmeriCorps Video Contest last week. After watching the video winners, you should certainly be able to answer the question: why AmeriCorps?
First Place Video

Second Place Video

Be a patriot. Take action to change the world.

2008-05-27T10:13:00.001-06:00

Recently, it seems there has been an increased level of public discourse about national service, and how service relates to patriotism for our country. To be a true patriot, according to some, you need to contribute to community health through civic action.

E.J. Dionne, in a recent article “Progressive Patriotism”on truthdig.com, eloquently defined what patriotism is in today’s world. “Patriotism has to involve definitions, commitments and actions.”

Patriotism does not come down to whether or not you have an American flag hanging outside your front door, it comes down to what you do to make our country a better place. And, this country is made a better place everyday because of those who choose to participate in national service.

AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities all across America, including:

Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth
Fight illiteracy
Improve health services
Build affordable housing
Clean parks and streams
Manage or operate after-school programs
Help communities respond to disasters

Not only do AmeriCorps members make an impact while they are serving, they continue to make a positive impact in our country as AmeriCorps Alumni. A longitudinal study of AmeriCorps members, Serving Country and Community: A Longitudinal Study of Service in AmeriCorps, demonstrates the impacts of national service on members’ civic engagement. Findings of the study reveal that AmeriCorps alumni are:

More connected to their communities;
More knowledgeable about problems facing their communities;
More likely to participate in community activities; and
More likely to choose public service careers.

All three presidential candidates appreciate the important positive outcomes derived from national service programs for our country’s health. I am happy to report that John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama have clearly stated their support for national service, acknowledging the importance of civic action in being a patriot.

Obama will expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 slots today to 250,000 and he will focus this expansion on addressing the great challenges facing the nation.

Hillary will double the education award – now called the Segal Education Award – to $10,000 to get it back on pace to covering a meaningful portion of the cost of going to college for people who devote a year or two of full-time public service to our country.

John McCain stated: “We should support, not oppose, efforts to encourage more Americans to enter public service. We should do everything in our power to reward the American men and women who have chosen to serve the country and their communities in the hope of meeting the nation's critical education, safety, health, and homeland security needs.”

The Millenials Are Coming. Sweet!

2008-05-05T16:01:00.005-06:00

The Case Foundation recently released a study, "Social Citizens", which examines the Millenial generation and their manifestation as social citizens. As a proud Millenial, I was very pleased to read about all that my fellow generation members are doing to change the world.

Who are these Millenials, you ask? Millenials are defined as people born between 1978 and 1993. They are the largest living generation, outnumbering Baby Boomers 77.6 million to 74.1 million.

As, Sean Stannard-Stockton, put it in a recent blog pos t, "Millennials have been derided as having “helicopter parents” being “boomerang kids,” having an excessive snese of self-worth and generally being a pain in the butt in the corporate world."

Last fall, Thomas Friedman further developed this negative sentiment in The New York Times, by describing young people as being members of Generation Q. He meant “Q” for quiet, inactive, on the important social questions of the day.

I am happy to report that, in light of the "Social Citizens" study, the previously held stereotypes of Millenials have been proven wrong. In a nutshell, my generation rules.

Here's how:

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, teenage volunteerism more than doubled between 1989 and 2005 (from 13.4 percent to 28.4 percent).
"Millenials are set apart from other generations by their cause lifestyle-a youth that is infused with giving and volunteering, eventually complemented by careers dedicated to causes. They are a generation defined by the fervent belief they can change the world one donation, one voluntary activity, or one purchase at a time. They are less interested in and adept at interacting with government agencies and more interested in hands-on ways of improving the lives of people domestically and internationally." ("Social Citizens," The Case Foundation, 2008)
Social Citizens are “individuals who are energetic and passionate about social causes; brimming with new approaches and ideas for problem-solving; disposed toward sharing of responsibilities and rewards of affecting change in the world; and equipped with the digital tools and people power to make it happen." (“Social Citizens,” The Case Foundation, 2008)

Now that we know that Millenials are seeking out ways to create to positive community change, the question becomes, how do we best engage them in volunteer service? Is it taking better advantage of web 2.o? Offering cause-based volunteer activities?

-Al

President Bush Celebrates National Volunteer Week

2008-05-02T10:16:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, April 29, President Bush honored "America's Armies of Compassion." The president hosted Peace Corps volunteers, USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano, and members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. This reception was developed to recognize the millions of Americans who volunteer to create positive change in their communities and around the globe.

This year's National Volunteer Week theme is "Volunteer to Change the World" and the information presented in the White House's 2008 National Volunteer Week Fact Sheet shows how volunteers have, and will continue to, change the world:

Peace Corps has mobilized more than 190,000 volunteers since its creation.
AmeriCorps has deployed more than 540,000 members since 1994. Members serve in various capacities, such as mentoring and tutoring youth, responding to disasters, building homes, preserving the environment, and mobilizing other volunteers.
Last year, more than 60 million volunteers from across the United States provided critical social services in communities at home and abroad.

Click here to watch President Bush's speech on National Volunteer Week.

On behalf of Metro Volunteers, I would also like to recognize the critical work that volunteers do everyday to change the world - thank you for volunteering!

-Al

Community Service Prevents Student Disengagement

2008-04-17T09:20:00.004-06:00

This morning, I came across the article, “A Different Way to Fight Student Disengagement” by Donald Harward, and was struck by the argument that community service results in increased student engagement and academic achievement.

What is student disengagement? Student disengagement is an increasingly apparent problem in higher education. Patterns of disengagement include avoidance of rigorous study, defining education by degree attainment only, and bouts of depression that adversely affect academic achievement. One of the most alarming indicators of student disengagement is the increase of binge drinking among current students. “Over 35 percent of current students engage in binging with alcohol or other drugs with the intent of passing out — emotionally and physically disengaging.” (Source: Harward).

So, how do we combat this epidemic of student disengagement? Harward posits that: “signature practices that reverse student patterns of disengagement include service learning, residence-based learning communities, joint student and faculty research, and institutional initiatives that model and value active and reciprocal engagement with the community — near and beyond.”

This argument is affirmed by the findings in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This study looks at different forms of student engagement resulting from the implementation of community-based learning pedagogies at many colleges and universities. In 2007, the key findings, from a volunteerism lens, were:

More than half (54%) of all seniors never participated in a community-based project as part of their regular coursework. (Source: 2007 NSSE Study)
It can be life changing to participate in service learning. Such an undergraduate experience deepens learning and brings one’s values and beliefs into awareness; it helps students develop the ability to take the measure of events and actions and put them in perspective. As a result, students better understand themselves in relation to others and the larger world, and acquire the intellectual tools and ethical grounding to act with confidence for the betterment of the human condition. (Source: 2007 NSSE Study)

I feel that nonprofits need to consider their place in this recent trend of engaging students in the community as a way to decrease student disengagement. As more educational institutions move towards the inclusion of community engagement activities, we (the nonprofit community) need to be prepared to engage students in meaningful service-learning experiences. And, in doing so, we will be able to not only prevent a further increase in student disengagement, but more effectively meet the needs of our organizations. What do you think?

-Al

CBeyond Service Day

2008-04-04T15:29:00.003-06:00

On April 1st, over 50 CBeyond employees volunteered at Manual High School.

Volunteers painted Manual High Logo murals.

They also painted walls!

Call For Stories of Change!!!

2008-03-31T10:05:00.001-06:00

Send us your personal change story! Points of Light & Hands On Network is looking for the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their world. Your stories may be highlighted and celebrated during National Volunteer Week, at the 2008 National Conference on Volunteering, for national recognition programs and with media.

Tell us your story and include the following:
- Inspiration: What motivated you to get involved?
- Action: What did you do?
- Results: What's different now?

Stories can be submitted in one of two ways: video or narratives with photos.
1. Video:
Please upload a video (two minute maximum) that illustrates the change that occurred. Finished, edited video with opening and closing titles and music (Do not use copyrighted music, including samples).
Mail raw footage (beta), not to exceed three minutes, with accompanying paragraph describing: Inspiration: What motivated you to get involved? Action: What did you do? Results: What's different now?

2. Narrative and photos:
Upload a 500 words or less description that answers the three questions above. Narratives must be submitted with hi-res photos (300 dpi) that illustrate the change that occurred (no headshots please).

Important Note: All individuals featured in photos or video must sign release forms. You can find release forms at the Call for Stories page located at www.nvwstories.org.

Entries will be judged based on the following:
a. Social change impact (metrics of success)
b. Innovativeness of solution to community problems
c. Originality and creativity of storytelling approach
d. Emotional impact

When you submit your stories online at www.nvwstories.org, you will be asked to include the following:
- Name, organization (if applicable) personal or organization's address, e-mail, phone number and signed releases (attached pdf). If you are unable to submit your story online, please mail directly to Jennifer Geckler at Points of Light & Hands On Network, 600 Means Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

Deadlines:
Stories received by April 12, 2008 will be considered for use as features stories for National Volunteer Week.
Stories received by May 12, 2008 will be considered for use as features stories at our 2008 National Conference on Volunteering.
Any stories submitted after May 12, 2008 will be considered for use as feature stories in ongoing media, web site features and other marketing collateral.

If your story is selected as a feature, you will be contacted for further information.

State Farm and Manual Team Up!

2008-03-25T12:54:00.007-06:00

The State Farm Catastrophe Team has been at it again -- out there changing the world!

On March 19, State Farm partnered with Metro Volunteers, Manual High School and Colorado Youth at Risk for some spring cleaning. More than 80 volunteers spent the afternoon on a variety of projects. Their energy was FABULOUS! In just a few hours they accomplished the following:

Removed 500 square feet of wallpaper
Painted 3000 square fee of wall space
Created four murals with the Manual thunderbolt logo
Painted three stories of stairwell railing
Repaired badly damaged stage curtains
Trimmed and mulched
Donated over 250 hours of service!

Check out the murals!

A highlight of the afternoon was hearing Reggie White, an intern with Colorado Youth at Risk, share his story. Reggie reminded all of us that we are a community – and it is vital that we take care of each other.

State Farm agents distributed gifts to the volunteers to thank them for their efforts. “Be the Change” is a collection of quotes and anecdotes from people who have found meaning and transformed their lives by helping others.

Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” The State Farm Catastrophe Team is a shining example!

Say "YES" to the gift of life!

2008-03-21T14:30:00.006-06:00

Did you know that eighteen people die each day waiting for a life-saving organ?

Please, please consider registering as an organ donor.

One organ and tissue donor can save eight people, and give up to fifty people an increased quality of life.
Nine out of ten people support the concept of organ and tissue donation, yet organs are donated less than one-half of the time.
Acceptable donors can range in age from newborn to senior citizens.

The top myths that keep people from registering as donors:

People think they are too old or sick or unhealthy to be eligible. The truth is, even people with serious diseases or a history of cancer can join the donor registry.
There is distrust of the medical system and of the donation process. In fact, the law prohibits donation from being considered until death has occurred. The first priority is ALWAYS to save lives. And the doctors and nurses involved in a person’s care before death are never involved in the recovery of organs, eyes or tissues.
The idea that donating will prevent one from having a regular funeral. In reality, donations do not usually delay or change funeral arrangements and an open viewing is still possible.
Many people believe that donation is forbidden by their religion. Actually, the vast majority of religions support donation and transplants. Most organized religions in the US consider donation and act of altruism and actively encourage it.

Many who don’t sign up as donors have just not thought about it – or intend to register but assume their relatives know their wishes.

I lost my best friend waiting for a heart transplant. She was 36 and the mother of a three-year old daughter. Less than a year later, my godson was killed in a car accident. Fortunately, by the age of twelve he was educated about donation and was registered. His tissue and bone were able to help several others live a healthier life. More people than one may realize have connections to donation – either a donor or a recipient a hope-to-be recipient. It’s up to us to talk about donation and do all we can to increase awareness.

To learn more about organ and tissue donation:

Check out www.donor-awareness.org, including the recently published 2007 State of Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation: Colorado and Wyoming report.
You can also read the stories of transplant recipients: The Faces of Donation which bring to life the gift of donation.
Join us for breakfast on May 6 to learn all about the Donor Awareness Council. Please let me know if you're interested, paulah@metrovolunteers.org.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for considering donation. And if you’re already registered, thank you for the promise of the gift of life.

Paula

Young Volunteers 'Digg' Community Service.

2008-03-13T16:14:00.004-06:00

This morning, USA Today reported that youth volunteers are using the internet to become engaged in volunteerism. "More than 22,000 non-profit groups have signed up to rally supporters on the teen-and-young-adult site MySpace since it began in 2004, says Jeff Berman, the site's executive vice president for marketing. He says more young people are engaged in activism online and their creativity in using the Internet to do good works is 'off the charts.'"

Luckily, at Metro Volunteers this is not new news. From Facebook, to MySpace, to this blog Metro Volunteers has made the move to engaging volunteers in an online community. That being said, there are many other online venues for youth volunteers to take advantage of. Here are just a few that I like:

Be Hands On

Youth volunteerism has experienced a significant increase in recent years; contrary to the USA Today article, I would venture to say this increase is not strictly due to online recruiting and community building efforts. "A growing number of college freshmen volunteer in their last year of high school, says John Pryor of the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA. He found in a survey that 83.3% did so last year, up from 66% in 1989. Some high schools make community service a graduation requirement, but 70% of those who volunteered were not required to do so." (USA Today)

So, why are youth more interested in volunteering today versus 20 years ago? According to the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy the motives for youth volunteering has changed over time, resulting in an increased motivation to volunteer. "Four fundamental motives for volunteering with youth-oriented programs emerged. The motives identified were: Involvement of children or family members; Interest in the activity itself; Creating something better; and Sense of obligation."

Regardless of the many theories behind the recent surge in youth volunteerism, it is very exciting news! We, in the volunteer world, are ready to welcome youth volunteers and activists with wide-open arms.

Will Superdelegates Jeopordize Renewed Civic Engagement?

2008-03-03T14:34:00.005-07:00

Yesterday, Robert Putnam of "Bowling Alone" fame, published a fabulous article in The Boston Globe -"The rebirth of American civic life." Putnam takes a dynamic look into the renewed civic engagement of young Americans. Putnam posits that "the sharpest increase in civic engagement among American youth in at least a half-century" is largely due to their shared experience of the 9/11 attacks occurring during their formative years. As Putnam writes, "the effects of the attacks on their civic consciousness were more enduring."

Putnam continues: "The 18-year-olds first eligible to vote in 2008 were in sixth grade when the twin towers fell, and their older sisters and brothers who were college seniors in September 2001 are now 28 or 29. It is precisely this group, above all others in America, that has pushed participation rates in this spring's caucuses and primaries to record levels."

Nonetheless, this renewed civic engagement among young Americans could be threatened by superdelegate system. "If the results of the caucuses and primaries are, despite record-breaking rates of popular participation, overturned by unelected (though officially legitimate) superdelegates, the lesson for young civic stalwarts would be unmistakable - democratic politics is a sham...Civic engagement is for suckers."

The chosen superdelegates could very well leave the young, civic minded Coloradans disenchanted, threatening the recent Renaissance of civic engagement in our state and the country.

According to CBS-4 News: "In Colorado, Obama received about two thirds of the precinct caucus vote and Clinton about a third. Most of the regular delegates who will go to the national convention in Denver to represent Colorado will be chosen to follow that vote. They will go either pledged to Obama or Clinton along the same percentages. Not the super delegates. Of the 14 chosen so far, four are backing Obama, four are backing Clinton. Six are still undecided. Those six are: Ritter, Salazar, Congressman Rep. John Salazar, Congressman Rep. Mark Udall, party chair Pat Waak and former Gov. Roy Romer. "

For more information on the chosen superdelegates, click here to visit HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation.

So, will superdelegates jeopardize renewed civic engagement? Tell us what you think!

Volunteers Have Proven Their Importance: CA Adds a Cabinet Post for Volunteer Management

2008-02-27T10:58:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the incredible response amongst Northern Californians to the recent oil spill in San Francisco Bay demonstrated that “volunteerism can be moved a notch” (NY Times). In moving volunteerism up a notch, the Governator is creating a cabinet post to manage volunteers; this decision will make California the first state to do so.

Click here to see Karen Baker, Secretary at the Governor's Office of Service and Volunteering, share her comments on how volunteers are "California's Greatest Resource."

Here is some additional proof of why "volunteerism can be moved up a notch":

10,000 California residents registered to volunteer during the San Diego wildfires last fall

Across the nation, volunteers provide adequate blood supply for 4.5 million patients every year

Over 90 volunteers are helping rebuild Gassville, Arkansas; a town destroyed by a band of tornadoes on February 5

Since Hurricanes Rita & Katrina hit, Hands On New Orleans has mobilized over 5,000 volunteers in order to provide over 400,000 hours of service

Hundreds of volunteers are continuing to rebuild the town of Holly, CO, as the one-year anniversary of the tornado approaches

Should Colorado be the next state to create a cabinet post for volunteerism? If your answer is yes, then contact Governor Bill Ritter today and let him know that you feel Colorado volunteers deserve to "be moved up a notch."

Corporate Hearts @ Work!

2008-02-15T08:47:00.008-07:00

This week, volunteers from the State Farm Catastrophe Team made a big impact on our local community. By giving an afternoon of their time at Share Colorado, these volunteers helped feed people in need in the metro Denver area. Imagine your colleagues lifting, sorting and packing 834 boxes along an assembly line. For the State Farm crew, this led to a little sweat, a lot of laughter, and big feelings of satisfaction knowing they made a difference.

In addition to time, State Farm gave arrived armed with two full grocery carts of donations for the food bank. Inventory is typically low at food banks following the holiday season. It’s especially tight this year due to the current economic climate as the number of those in need has risen and the amount that folks can give has dropped. State Farm’s donation filled many formerly bare shelves!

If you’d like to offer your time to Share Colorado, check out their site: http://www.sharecolorado.com/. Volunteering is always big fun with a group, so bring some coworkers along with you! And please contact me if you’d like to discuss opportunities for corporate volunteering, paulah@metrovolunteers.org.

You truly can change yourself and change the world!

- Paula Henry