National Volunteer Week is our time to say thank you to all of the incredible people in our community who volunteer
Maybe you are motivated by an issue: animal welfare, education, health, children, the environment, aging, arts and culture, or others.
Perhaps you have a specific skill or talent that you like to share: building, public relations, web 2.0, accounting, playing games, drawing or painting, writing, making videos, listening, reading, research, or fundraising (just to name a few).
Thank you for taking the time to find or to create a volunteer opportunity, based on addressing a specific social issue or based upon your skills or interests.
Thank you for becoming a volunteer and supporting local nonprofit and governmental agencies.
Thank you for stepping up to play an active role in our community.
Thank you for being a force for positive social change.
Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in Howard County, throughout our region and around the world.
And if you aren't volunteering yet, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. You can check the key word search or calendar on the volunteer center's website (www.volunteerhoward.org) or register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests! You'll be glad that you did.
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Supporting Local Agencies During Challenging Times
A kind community member sent me a link to the following New York Times article earlier today:
From Ranks of Jobless, a Flood of Volunteers
It's an interesting article, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Basically, it's telling us something that we already know: recently we're seeing a significant increase in the number of people seeking volunteer opportunities.
Some were inspired by President Obama, some can no longer afford to donate money and have chosen to donate time, others have lost their jobs and want to gain new skills (or hone existing skills) while they give something back to the community.
So that's great news, right? On the surface, yes, it is (hey, I'm always in favor of more people volunteering).
But at the same time, many nonprofits have lost at least some of their funding while being asked to address the increased community issues that go hand-in-hand with an economic downturn. This means that they have less funding available to pay Volunteer Managers, or that some Volunteer Managers are being asked to take on other positions within nonprofits. Some part-time Volunteer Managers are being given fewer hours, and some were volunteers to start with.
At a time when more people than ever are interested in volunteering, the nonprofits that need them the most aren't in a position to manage them effectively. More and more volunteers are being turned away by overwhelmed nonprofits focused exclusively on meeting their core mission, and who can blame them? It's a common response to stress - shut down all superfluous actions in order to focus on that which is most important.
Believe me when I say that managing volunteers can be hard (yet rewarding) work - the best Volunteer Managers are able to offer experiences that benefit both the volunteer and the agency. It takes planning, and understanding what the volunteer wants to gain from the experience. It takes trust that, in putting the time and effort into making an opportunity happen, the volunteer will show up. It takes time to manage and supervise volunteers, and to be available when they have a question or need a hand.
Don't get me wrong - local agencies greatly value the insights, enthusiasm, and dedication of their volunteers. I am just trying to explain that quality volunteer opportunities typically don't happen by themselves.
Some questions for you to consider:
Thanks, as always, for all that you do to make a difference in Howard County!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
From Ranks of Jobless, a Flood of Volunteers
It's an interesting article, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Basically, it's telling us something that we already know: recently we're seeing a significant increase in the number of people seeking volunteer opportunities.
Some were inspired by President Obama, some can no longer afford to donate money and have chosen to donate time, others have lost their jobs and want to gain new skills (or hone existing skills) while they give something back to the community.
So that's great news, right? On the surface, yes, it is (hey, I'm always in favor of more people volunteering).
But at the same time, many nonprofits have lost at least some of their funding while being asked to address the increased community issues that go hand-in-hand with an economic downturn. This means that they have less funding available to pay Volunteer Managers, or that some Volunteer Managers are being asked to take on other positions within nonprofits. Some part-time Volunteer Managers are being given fewer hours, and some were volunteers to start with.
At a time when more people than ever are interested in volunteering, the nonprofits that need them the most aren't in a position to manage them effectively. More and more volunteers are being turned away by overwhelmed nonprofits focused exclusively on meeting their core mission, and who can blame them? It's a common response to stress - shut down all superfluous actions in order to focus on that which is most important.
Believe me when I say that managing volunteers can be hard (yet rewarding) work - the best Volunteer Managers are able to offer experiences that benefit both the volunteer and the agency. It takes planning, and understanding what the volunteer wants to gain from the experience. It takes trust that, in putting the time and effort into making an opportunity happen, the volunteer will show up. It takes time to manage and supervise volunteers, and to be available when they have a question or need a hand.
Don't get me wrong - local agencies greatly value the insights, enthusiasm, and dedication of their volunteers. I am just trying to explain that quality volunteer opportunities typically don't happen by themselves.
Some questions for you to consider:
- How can we help our local nonprofit and governmental agencies during these challenging times?
- How can we keep them from feeling overwhelmed?
- How can we offer them volunteer support without inadvertently creating even more work for them?
Thanks, as always, for all that you do to make a difference in Howard County!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Finding and Thanking Local Volunteers
Think about the people you know. It could be someone you work with, someone in your school or faith-community, or someone in your neighborhood. It could be a friend or a person in your family. It could be someone from a community or social group.
Maybe you've always thought of them as the person who is always helping other people. You know the one - always volunteering or doing a fundraiser or talking about a particular community issue. Sometimes they do all three at the same time. Maybe they've tried to get YOU to volunteer before, or asked you to sign a petition or attend a rally or car wash or walk for a cause.
Well, now is the time to recognize that person's efforts. Take a moment to nominate them for the Governor's 26th Annual Volunteer Service Awards. Categories include:
Please nominate outstanding volunteers for the Governor's Annual Volunteer Service Award. Nominations are due no later than March 6, 2009.
Need help with the nomination? Check out this short presentation:
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
Maybe you've always thought of them as the person who is always helping other people. You know the one - always volunteering or doing a fundraiser or talking about a particular community issue. Sometimes they do all three at the same time. Maybe they've tried to get YOU to volunteer before, or asked you to sign a petition or attend a rally or car wash or walk for a cause.
Well, now is the time to recognize that person's efforts. Take a moment to nominate them for the Governor's 26th Annual Volunteer Service Awards. Categories include:
- Youth
- Individual
- Senior
- Faith-Based
- Lifetime Achievement
- National Service
- State Government
- Public Safety and Emergency Response
- Youth Group
- Group
- Senior Group
- Business Group
Please nominate outstanding volunteers for the Governor's Annual Volunteer Service Award. Nominations are due no later than March 6, 2009.
Need help with the nomination? Check out this short presentation:
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Young People Making a Difference
The Volunteer Opportunities for Teens guide was just updated and is available in the side bar as well as on the website at www.volunteerhoward.org.
The guide includes a variety of local non-profit and governmental agencies that welcome younger volunteers, and the entries include contact information, minimum age requirements and website links to help you learn as much as possible about the agency and the opportunity. There is also an index in the back to help young people find opportunities based on their interests.
April 24 - 26, 2009 are Global Youth Service Days. The goals of this event are pretty straightforward:
We'll be sure to keep you updated, so check here or the website to learn the latest about this exciting event. Please save the date and we hope to see you there!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
The guide includes a variety of local non-profit and governmental agencies that welcome younger volunteers, and the entries include contact information, minimum age requirements and website links to help you learn as much as possible about the agency and the opportunity. There is also an index in the back to help young people find opportunities based on their interests.
April 24 - 26, 2009 are Global Youth Service Days. The goals of this event are pretty straightforward:
- To MOBILIZE youth to identify and address the needs of their communities through service.
- To SUPPORT youth on a life-long path of service and civic engagement.
- To EDUCATE the public, the media, and policymakers about the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders
We'll be sure to keep you updated, so check here or the website to learn the latest about this exciting event. Please save the date and we hope to see you there!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Resolve to Get Involved!
Why not ring in the New Year by resolving to volunteer?
If you already volunteer, please consider sharing your experiences and encouraging others to volunteer!
There are so many opportunities out there just waiting for the right person to come along and help. There are boards and committees seeking new members, non-profits looking for people to assist with outreach and education, carpentry, mentoring, and fostering animals (just to name a few).
If you have specific skills or knowledge, you can also contact an agency that interests you directly to see if they might have a need for your talents.
Volunteering can help you meet new people, have fun, learn about our community, discover pressing issues and needs, share what you know, learn something new, and discover ways in which you can be a force for positive change.
So much is happening here in Howard County. Start the New Year right by resolving to be more active in our community through volunteering!
Wishing you all the Happiest of New Years and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2009!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests! You can also visit our website at www.volunteerhoward.org to search for current opportunities, view the calendar, fan us on Facebook, or find agencies addressing a social issue that interests you.
If you already volunteer, please consider sharing your experiences and encouraging others to volunteer!
There are so many opportunities out there just waiting for the right person to come along and help. There are boards and committees seeking new members, non-profits looking for people to assist with outreach and education, carpentry, mentoring, and fostering animals (just to name a few).
If you have specific skills or knowledge, you can also contact an agency that interests you directly to see if they might have a need for your talents.
Volunteering can help you meet new people, have fun, learn about our community, discover pressing issues and needs, share what you know, learn something new, and discover ways in which you can be a force for positive change.
So much is happening here in Howard County. Start the New Year right by resolving to be more active in our community through volunteering!
Wishing you all the Happiest of New Years and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2009!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests! You can also visit our website at www.volunteerhoward.org to search for current opportunities, view the calendar, fan us on Facebook, or find agencies addressing a social issue that interests you.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Blog for Volunteers!
Welcome to the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County's Volunteer Blog!
Our hope is to keep you informed and inspired about issues related to volunteering, everything from local needs and efforts to national news and trends.
We also plan to spotlight what volunteers are doing in our community, so please let us know if you have a great story, pictures, or videos to share.
Thanks for all that you do to make a difference in our community!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
Our hope is to keep you informed and inspired about issues related to volunteering, everything from local needs and efforts to national news and trends.
We also plan to spotlight what volunteers are doing in our community, so please let us know if you have a great story, pictures, or videos to share.
Thanks for all that you do to make a difference in our community!
Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!
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