Apply to be An Academic Advisor!

The Upward Bound Vision Quest program is looking for two academic advisors. These are 100%, 12 month positions. See description below. For further information and to apply please go to employment.umn.edu. The requisition numbers are 183951 and 183953. The closing date is May 17.

The person in this position will serve as Academic Advisor to program participants at Roosevelt or Edison High School in Minneapolis. He/she will have primary responsibility for delivering program services to the students including conducting weekly academic groups in which program curriculum is delivered and weekly individual meetings with participants to review academic progress and set short term academic goals; assisting program seniors with college and financial aid applications; monitoring attendance and academic performance; and maintaining student files including records of grades, attendance, credits earned/attempted, and academic test scores (MCAII, etc.). He/she will also be responsible for the documentation of student contact including case notes and materials produced by students in program activities, working cooperatively with other program staff in the planning of the program calendar and program activities, and assisting in chaperoning students on program sponsored activities. The person in this position will not have supervisory responsibilities over other staff and will report directly to the Program Director.

DUTIES:  (40%) Provide program services to students including weekly individual meetings to review student progress, delivery of program curriculum through weekly academic groups, and providing assistance to program seniors with the college application and financial aid process.  (10%) Act as advocate, resource, and referral agent for students.  (15%) Provide academic advising to students.  (20%) Monitor students’ school performance, maintain program files, and document student participation.  (5%) Compute/distribute student stipends in a timely manner.  (5%) Staff meetings/professional development activities.  (5%) Chaperone/transport students on field trips.

Intern with the Governor this summer!

The Office of Governor Mark Dayton Internship Program is a great opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and law school students and recent graduates interested in public service to serve their state and work toward building a better a Minnesota.
Internships are split into three trimesters: Summer (June through August), Fall (September through December),  and Spring/Legislative Session (January through May). Minimum number of required hours per week varies by department, but is generally 15-20 hours in the Fall and Spring and 20 hours in the Summer.  Internships are unpaid but we work with professors and advisors to obtain college credit for interns.
Internships are available in five departments:

• Citizen Outreach/ Constituent Services and Appointments
• Communications
• Legislative and Cabinet Affairs
• Office of the Lieutenant Governor
• General Counsel’s Office

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should e-mail, mail or fax a completed Internship Application form, cover letter, resume and a writing sample. Email should be addressed to kathryn.troyer@state.mn.us, mail to Katie Troyer, Office of Governor Mark Dayton, 130 State Capitol, St. Paul, Minnesota 55115; or fax to Katie Troyer at 651.797.1883
Specifics 
Internship Application form: Forms available at http://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/internships/
Cover Letter: Please include a one-page cover letter outlining why you are interested in interning for the Governor’s office and the specific department(s) you applied for.
Resume: Please include resume.
Writing Sample: Please include a writing sample that is no longer than four pages double-spaced that you believe to be most pertinent to the department you are applying for. Those applying to the Communications Department should submit two writing samples.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities

Volunteer Opportunities

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed for NE and SE Minneapolis: Volunteer to deliver lunch time meals to home-bound seniors and disabled clients in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis.  By delivering meals you are enabling them to continue to live happily and independently in their own homes. Once a month, once a week, or on a custom schedule that works for you.  One hour is all it takes!

Roots and Reading Tutor/Mentor: Project for Pride in Living seeks volunteers to work with youth in a summer program at PPL housing communities in St. Paul and New Hope. The program combines literacy education, community gardening, and environment-themed enrichment activities. No previous gardening experience necessary! Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Conversation Circles Facilitator:  Become a Conversation Circle facilitator at Ramsey County Public Libraries. Lead and direct conversation with new English Language learners to assist them in speaking and understanding English. Must be patient and understanding and able to keep conversation flowing and have the ability to multi-task with learners at various English levels. Training provided.

Rein in Sarcoma Party in the Park: On July 22, the Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation will host the 13th annual Party in the Park at Como Park. The evening will include a silent auction, great music, entertainment and family fun. Events begin at 4:30 with a picnic for Sarcoma Families followed by the main event at 6:00 PM which is open to the public. Volunteers are needed from 5:00-9:30 PM to staff a variety of stations for 1-2 hour shifts.

Charity Golf Tournament: FamilyWise Services needs volunteers for its fundraising golf tournament to be held on June 18 at 1pm. Golfers, partners and supporters will again be on one of the most beautiful golf courses in the area – StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater raising money for a critical service – Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange.

Patient & Family Support Hospice Volunteer-Bloomington: HealthPartners Hospice & Palliative Care seeks compassionate volunteers to make a difference in the lives of individuals at the end of life. Provide support through activities such as running errands, caregiver relief, continuous support during the patient’s last days/hours of life, and emotional support to patients and their families. A 24-hour volunteer training, background check and references required.

Recovery Activities Leader: Resource, Inc. is seeking an energetic volunteer to design and lead activities for recovering clients to participate in. Some of the activities include game night, bingo, parties, beauty salon, yoga, etc. Creative individuals with new ideas encouraged! Flexible scheduling.

Donor Recruitment Communications Assistant : Assist the Memorial Blood Centers Donor Recruitment Department and individual Donor Recruiters in communicating with Blood Drive Sponsors and Blood Donors. Volunteers will use Microsoft Office skills as well as learn new skills in helping facilitate successful blood drives in the community.

Clerical Assistant:  Fraser is seeking a volunteer in Bloomington to assist with clerical entry such as transferring and editing of existing books into electronic format. This individual needs familiarity of Microsoft Word and Adobe products, excellent typing skills, and strong writing and editing abilities.

Looking for more opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities? Check out their website or contact them at info@handsontwincities.org

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities

Physically Active Opportunities

Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park Planting Event
On May 18, help out with planting at this wetland and shoreline restoration project in Scott County. The event is sponsored by Great River Greening. Preregistration is required.

Help Seniors Pick Up Free Monthly Groceries
Help distribute groceries to seniors at Second Harvest Heartland in Maplewood. Position is physical, fast-paced and a direct way to help those at risk of hunger. Morning and afternoon shifts. Commitment: three hours per week for six months.

MN AIDS Walk Volunteer
Volunteers needed for the 26th annual Minnesota AIDS Walk on May 19. They have a large variety of volunteer roles and times for both small and large groups so you can be sure to find something that works for your group. In addition to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment all volunteers will get a free MN AIDS Walk Volunteer T-Shirt as well!

Carousel Operator
The historic Cafesjians Carousel in Como Park is a treasure that has been preserved and restored for the public’s enjoyment. Volunteers needed to work on and around the carousel itself. Operate the machine, greet & assist visitors, sell tickets & gifts, and sharing historic carousel information, ensuring a fun a safe time for all. Daytime – seven days a week. Must be able to work 2 or more shifts per month.

Summer Day Camp Assistant
Help out as a Summer Day Camp Assistant with Saint Paul Parks & Recreation at Como Zoo and Conservatory. Serves children ages 4-14 with experiments, games and tours as everyone learns about plants and animals. Weekdays – morning or afternoon shifts. Must commit for at least two weeks.
Opportunities Involving Marketing Skills

Affiliation Specialist
HandsOn Twin Cities is the central source for volunteerism in the Twin Cities. They are seeking volunteers to assist with providing support services to affiliate members (nonprofit organizations). Position involves outreach and site visits. Must be self-starter. Able to work 15 hours per month with mostly weekday daytime hours. Flexible schedule. Must have own transportation.

Web Marketing Volunteer
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, seeks help with Web-based content management systems, online marketing and Web communications. Must have some experiece with HTML and Web-based content systems. 10-15 hours per week.
Other Opportunities

Volunteer Speed Mock Interviewer
Goodwill-Easter Seals assists people with barriers to education, employment and independence in achieving their goals. Volunteers needed for Employment Readiness Training mock interviews on May 30 from 9 to 11:30am in St. Paul. Should be comfortable interviewing and giving constructive feedback to interviewees with a wide variety of skills and abilities.

Daytime Front Desk Volunteer
Join Our Saviour’s Housing in Minneapolis as a crucial and valued part of their staff team! Daytime Front Desk volunteers are needed to help with daily operations, including: answering door and phone and light clerical work. Commitment: one daytime shift (4+ hours) per week, Monday through Friday.

Adoption Application Screener
Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society is a volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of companion rabbits. They seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits and eliminate need for euthanizing. They are seeking volunteers to help screen adoption applicants.

Looking for more great volunteer opportunities? Check out the HandsOn Twin Cities website or contact them at info@handsontwincities.org.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities

Volunteer Opportunities

Lawn Mower Volunteer : DARTS is seeking volunteers to help older neighbors stay independent in their home.  Adopt the yard of an older adult in Dakota County and take care of mowing their lawn all summer.  Hours are flexible.

Project Coordinator for Mock Interviews @ Goodwill : Great leadership opportunity! The Project Coordinator is a liaison between HandsOn Twin Cities, Goodwill, and volunteers, who are providing mock interviews for people with barriers to employment. Training provided by HOTC and a Goodwill/Easter Seals representative will be on-site. Monthly, third Thursday morning. Six month commitment.

Research Assistant – Group Residential Housing :Seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to provide technical support to the Research and Evaluation Unit of Ramsey County Community Human Services (CHS) in St. Paul.  Activities such as data collection, analysis, and report drafting. Experience in data gathering methods. Comfortable with culturally diverse population. Ten hours per week for six months with flexible scheduling.

Patient & Family Support Hospice Volunteer-St Paul: HealthPartners Hospice & Palliative Care seeks compassionate volunteers to make a difference in the lives of individuals at the end of life. Provide support through activities such as running errands, caregiver relief, continuous support during the patient’s last days/hours of life, and emotional support to patients and their families. A 24-hour volunteer training, background check and references required.

Game Night Volunteers :Fraser provides a range of services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in the Twin Cities. They are seeking volunteers to help lead game nights (bingo, yard games, board games or other) for residents.

Harriet’s Closet :Tubman is seeking a ¬Clothes Closet Coordinator Assistant to be responsible for the daily running and operating of Harriet’s Closet, a free clothing closet that provides casual and business appropriate attire to women in need at Tubman Center West in Minneapolis. Daytime, six hours per week for six months.

Card Player: Hammer Residences works with adults and children with developmental disabilities. They are seeking a male volunteer who would enjoy playing cards with a male resident. Flexible scheduling.

Volunteer Mentor :Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota is looking for volunteers to mentor adult male and female reentry participants that have transitioned out of correctional facilities and are in the reentry program. Must be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds. Mentoring will be focused on goals such as securing employment, family relationships or financial literacy.

Family Volunteering: Looking to volunteer with your family?  Trying to find opportunities suitable for young children? Doing Good Together helps people raise compassionate and socially conscious children through family volunteerism.  www.doinggoodtogether.org

Usher The States Theatre Company in Hopkins seeks volunteer ushers. Have a blast while you see great youth theatre for free! Taking tickets, handing out programs, seating guests. Wednesday through Sundays.

Looking for more opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities? Check out their website or email them at info@handsontwincities.org

Looking for your next volunteer opportunity? Volunteer at Banaadir!

Do you love working with kids?

Are you looking for a worthy cause to be a part of?

Do you have a spare hour or two?

Banaadir is the place for you!

Banaadir Academy is a k-8 school with a mostly Somali population. Because the Academy’s students respond well to adult one-on-one attention, the Academy would like to work with a number of adults in the area who would be interested in experiencing this kind of environment and volunteering with the Academy’s new “Banaadir Reading Buddy” program.
Attached is a flier, job description and application.

Tutors will meet with students one-on-one and spend time with the student reading aloud to them, as well as working with the student on basic reading strategies. The Academy can work with you and your schedule to find a time slot that works for you and will provide books, reading materials and guidance. Please, serious inquiries only.

Benefits:

Volunteers will be given the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with a child by assisting that child in developing an essential skill in today’s society.
Volunteers are invited to engage their creativity and innovation to facilitate learning literacy skills.
Volunteers will receive relevant experience for careers in education, childcare, and literacy related fields.
Knowing that your time and energy are making a difference in a child’s life.

Interested?
Contact:
Brady Fossenbell
(612) 928-2496
bfossenbell@emailmtcs.org

Do you know what TAP is?

Get involved with TAP!

The self-identification empowerment and education project known as the Trans Awareness Project (TAP) was founded by Kristen Eid and Devyn Goetsch. TAP was launched in March of 2013 and was originally inspired by the Washington D.C Transgender and Gender Identity Respect Campaign. Organizations such as the Transgender Commission, GLBTA programs office (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, transgender, Association), University of Minnesota Libraries, and Queer Student Cultural Center have all joined the movement of TAP by becoming sponsors.

As stated on the project’s official website, “the Trans Project captures the complexity and diversity of gender identity and expression by individuals who transgress gender boundaries”. The purpose of this project is to challenge gender stereotypes and shape an environment that celebrates and respects people of all genders.

The Trans Awareness Project addresses issues such as discrimination and exploitation of the Transgender community. The launching of TAP has received a large amount of support from students and staff on campus. With the success of the project, its founders intend on expanding the resources to achieve even greater awareness.

The project has several resources available for anyone who wants to get involved. The first is its official website with all the information you need about the Trans Awareness Project. Secondly, there are flyers and cards available to be posted and passed out. To get these items, visit the official website and request them or visit the GLBTA program offices.

Trans Awareness Project official website http://www.transawareness.org/about.html