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

Great Ways to Engage

Engaging in our communities is a powerful way to build understanding about a piece of our social and physical environment that influences our cultural context, behaviors, and beliefs, and impacts our work with students. Consider volunteer and community engagement opportunities as a way to develop cultural competency while benefiting the communities that we live and work in.

The University of Minnesota Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Pledge Drive (http://www.engagement.umn.edu/stories_servicedrive) is an opportunity to honor King’s vision through community service and public engagement. To discover new volunteer opportunities for the drive, visit HandsOn Twin Cities and United Way of Olmstead County Volunteer Center.

Earth Day is April 22^nd. In honor of this day, consider community engagement and advocacy opportunities as a way to address and learn more about issues of environmental racism and justice. For additional viewing/reading about this important topic:

http://z.umn.edu/tedtalk

http://z.umn.edu/environmentaljustice

Upcoming Events:

OED Certificate Workshop 5: Engaging Universal Design Concepts to Increase Access and Inclusion

– April 18, 2013: 1:00-4:00 pm, Givens Conference Room (120), Andersen Library

OED Certificate Workshop 10: GLBTQ Identities and Communities

– April 16, 2013: 1:00-4:00 pm, Minnesota Commons Room, St. Paul Student Center

Trans 101

– April 19, 2013: 10 am-12 pm, Appleby Hall 41

Understanding and Valuing Equality and Diversity: Communications, Interactions, Policies, and Procedures

– April 23 9:00- 12:00 pm, TBA

OED Certificate Workshop 6: Educating about Equity and Diversity: Facilitating Challenging Conversations

– April 24, 2013: 1:00-4:00 pm, Minnesota Commons Room, St. Paul Student Center

For more information or questions, contact Tara Dillon at dillo089@umn.edu or 612-624-2710

Spring Opportunities with HandsOn Twin Cities

Spring has finally arrived (or at least is right around the corner!) At HandsOn Twin Cities spring means there are parks to clean, flowers to plant, walls to paint, yards to rake, weeds to pull and much, much more.

 

April 21-27: National Volunteer Week

 

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

Sponsored by Points of Light, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each subsequent year, with literally thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled nationally throughout the week. With the fourth year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund and the resonant call to serve from the President, this year will be even more energizing and inspiring.

Tell us your story! We love to hear about great volunteers and the organizations where they serve. If you know extraordinary volunteers, please tell us about them. We’ll be sharing inspiring stories of service and honoring outstanding volunteers on our social media channels throughout National Volunteer Week.  Be sure to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to hear about the amazing things happening in our community.

Special thanks to General Mills, who will engage over 400 employees in service at 15 locations and Best Buy, who will engage 100 employees at 3 locations throughout the metro to honor National Volunteer Week.

 

 

Join the YAB in Fighting Hunger on Global Youth Service Day!

As a part of “What Will You Bring to the Table,” generationOn’s national campaign to fight child hunger, the HandsOn Twin Cities Youth Advisory Board is organizing a series of projects around the issue of hunger.

The YAB welcomes you and your family to participate in their Hunger Walk-a-Thon aimed at raising money and awareness to alleviate hunger in the Twin Cities. The walk-a-thon and many family-friendly accompanying activities will take place on April 27, Global Youth Service Day, from 10am to 12pm at Coon Rapids High School. Come to walk, cheer on the walkers, participate in speed volunteering, learn about hunger issues, and have fun!

Look for more information at www.handsontwincities.org soon!

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities

Opportunities in an Office

Office Assistant Presbyterian Homes – Johanna Shores in Arden Hills seeks office help in the Volunteer Department.  Various clerical duties including data entry.  Computer experience a plus, but not necessary – training will be provided. Once a week on a Monday or Tuesday is preferred – hours are flexible, but generally about 4-6 hours.

Frequent Filer (Office Assistant) Ramsey County Community Human Services is looking for volunteers in the the office. File–dont pile! Provide supplementary and auxiliary clerical services to agency staff. Being a Frequent Filer might not be as glamorous as being a frequent flier, but this type of volunteer service is invaluable to this large social service agency.

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Tutoring Opportunities

Adult Reading, Writing and GED Tutor Minnesota Literacy Council seeks volunteers to help adults master the reading, writing or other skills needed to get their GED and go on to college or find a job. No teaching experience is required-training provided. Suggested time commitment is 1-3 hours once a week, with morning, afternoon and evening opportunities available. Locations all over the Twin Cities.

After School Tutoring and Mentoring Urban Battle’s Tutoring/Mentoring Program (St. Paul) needs volunteers to help children grades 1-12 with homework skills in reading, math, science and technology. Monday and Tuesday p.m.

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.

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Asssisting Those with Disabilities

Room Organizer Restart, Inc., needs volunteers to assist residents with organizing living space and closets and cleaning room.  Minneapolis, Robbinsdale and Brooklyn Center locations. Two hours twice per month, flexible scheduling. Mileage reimbursement available.

Companion Animal Visitor Bring your gentle pet to visit individuals with disabilities at Kaposia in Roseville and Golden Valley. This is an opportunity that doesn’t require a great deal of time, but has a big impact! Your pet must be socialized and well-trained enough to enjoy and behave in new and strange surroundings. Weekday mornings.

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Other Opportunities

Carousel Ride 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.

Hospice Companions AseraCare Hospice seeks caring, compassionate volunteers to spend an hour a week visiting terminally ill patients and families. Spend sacred time together with patients and families simply by accompanying them during their final journey. Requirements: Be able to provide own transportation. Complete 8 hours of on-line training. Attend 2 four-hour orientation and companion trainings.

Book Illustrator Fraser provides a range of services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in the Twin Cities. Their offerings include early childhood services, autism evaluations and services, mental health services, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, products and information. Volunteer to redesign and create updated illustrations for an existing Fraser product.

Interesed in working with Native American youth?

Want to get involved in a Native American organization and make a difference in the lives of Native youth?  The American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s (AISES) Student Chapteris accepting nominations for officers.

AISES is not just about science or engineering, it is about educating all our Native youth.  They invite Native students from all disciplines to get involved. This past year, chapter members made several trips up to Circle of Life School in White Earth, worked with youth from Little Earth of United Tribes in south Minneapolis, and attend local and national AISES events.  Next year they expect to be equally involved with our Native youth and will be partnering with the North Star AISES Alliance and Professional (NSAAP) Chapter to co-host the Region Five AISES Conference in Minneapolis. 

If you are currently involved in AISES or want to become involved, you are encouraged to nominate yourself or someone else for an AISES officer (president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer).  It looks great on your resume and helps you build your leadership skills.  Contact Mark Abotossaway aboto001@umn.edu, Donovan Begaybegay008@umn.edu, or Mark Bellcourt bellc001@umn.edu, to nominate yourself, someone else, or to get further information.  Elections are scheduled for April 23^rd.

Graduating this spring? Join VISTA!

City of Saint Paul VISTA Program-2013-2014 Year-of-Service

Are you graduating this spring and not sure what you will be doing next year? Then join the Saint Paul AmeriCorps VISTA program and:

1.    FIGHT POVERTY

2.    GAIN EXPERIENCE

3.    PAY BACK STUDENT LOANS

AmeriCorps VISTA is anational service program designed to fight poverty with passion by responding to local needs through organizations working to improve education, increase housing opportunities, improve illiteracy and health services, and more.

The Saint Paul VISTA program, hosted through the Office of Mayor Chris Coleman, works to close the education opportunity gap and supports the education goals of the city. As a VISTA member, you will serve in a local non-profit organization, government agency, or public, private, or charter school, and be charged with erasing poverty by building the capacity of your organization. In addition to your grassroots and city work, you will gain important professional development and leadership experience through trainings and one-on-one support within the Mayor’s Office. Benefits for VISTA members include a living allowance for 12 months of service, an education award of $5,550 upon successful completion, health benefits, personal and sick leave, and student loan forbearance.

To apply:

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our website at www.stpaul.gov/VISTA and submit an application through www.myamericorps.gov. For more information, please contact Angela Brown, VISTA Leader, at angela.brown@ci.stpaul.mn.us or (651) 266-8517.

Considering Archival Studies? Check out EASP!

Emerging Archival Scholars Program (EASP)

The Archival Education and Research Institute (AERI) is pleased to announce a recruitment and outreach scholarship program to encourage minority students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to consider undertaking doctoral education focusing in Archival Studies, a multidisciplinary field that examines the social, cultural, political, and technological imperatives and professional practices of record keeping and remembering in society. The program, which is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is designed to introduce students to the nature of doctoral education and the rewards and demands of a research-oriented career, e.g., as a professor, in the archives field. Their goal is to stimulate and begin to nurture the growth of a new and more diverse generation of scholars who are versed in interdisciplinary research that addresses issues in Archival Studies, broadly conceived. Up to 12 Emerging Archival Scholars will be selected and awarded a scholarship that will cover round-trip travel, accommodation, and most meals to attend the annual weeklong Archival Education and Research Institute, attended by faculty and doctoral students from the U.S. and around the globe. The next Institute, AERI 2013, will be held at the University of Texas at Austin from 17-21 June 2013. During the Institute, each scholarship recipient will be assigned both a faculty research and a Ph.D. student mentor who will help Scholars navigate the Institute and the intellectual and social environments. In addition to mentors, scholarship recipients will participate in a workshop discussing application processes and expectations for Ph.D. programs in the U.S. and internationally as well as the nature and scope of future possible careers. They will also participate with other AERI attendees in workshops, seminars, and field trips. For Scholars who indicate an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in this field after attending AERI, mentors will be selected for them to work with on a continuing basis and they will be alerted to other possible opportunities, such as bridge programs, additional scholarships and research opportunities that might be available through AERI or at different academic institutions. Scholars may also be selected or volunteer for fuller immersion into the research process and be assigned (with their agreement) to a research team that will involve the student in a supervised research project that will last no longer than a year. In this case, participants may be invited and funded to present their research results in a poster session at AERI in 2014. For more information or to apply go to: https://www.ischool.utexas.edu/aeri2013/emerging_scholars.html

Volunteer Opportunities from HandsOn Twin Cities

Event Opportunities

Spring Sorting Event in Richfield: Come and celebrate spring with Arc of Greater Twin Cities at a Spring Sort-a-thon at Arc’s Value Village Richfield on Saturday, April 6 from 9am-12pm. Volunteers will help unpack, sort & stock the sales floor with great spring clothing and accessories. All volunteers will also earn a 20% off coupon! Both individual volunteers and groups are welcome.

Saint Paul Citywide Cleanup: Assist the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department clean up the city on Saturday morning, April 13. This is a citywide effort to clean parks, neighborhoods, and streets. This event is a fun and effective way to improve our natural environment while also contributing to the overall beautification of Saint Paul

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Active Volunteer Opportunities

Activity Assistants: Cerenity Senior Care seeks Activity Assistants at its Humboldt Campus in St. Paul. Assist Therapeutic Recreation staff in helping residents while on outings or events. Volunteers will assist with transportation of residents. Must have ability to maneuver a wheel chair and lift 5 pounds. Variety of dates and times, at least one hour a month.

Rake It: Neighborhood Involvement Program is looking for volunteers to assist senior citizens in Minneapolis with lawn raking. You choose the date and time. Perfect for individuals, groups (small to large), and families (kids age 7 and older and supervised by an adult). Mid –April through mid- May (depending upon the weather). Supplies needed: rakes, gloves, brooms, and bags.

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Other Opportunities

Become a Foster Parent: Volunteers of America-MN is looking for skilled parents to provide 6-9 months care for youth, ages 12-17.  Foster parents receive lots of friendly training, 24-hour support, and a monthly stipend. Must live within 40 miles of office in Edina and attend a two day training prior to first placement.

Data Entry Assistant: RESOURCE is seeking a volunteer to assist with data entry and other tasks starting May 2013.  The volunteer will be responsible for entering data, developing electronic files for volunteers, and assisting the volunteer coordinator with reports and queries and other projects. Must have experience with databases and data entry. Flexible schedule – 3hours, 2-3 times per month. Six month commitment.

Readers: Catholic Eldercare, located in northeast Minneapolis, seeks volunteers to read to residents/tenants in a one-on-one or group setting.

Computer Lab Assistant: Tubman is seeking computer lab assistants at various sites to assist those with limited computer skills. Strong knowledge in Microsoft products and the internet. Able to do simple PC troubleshooting and train others. Commitment of 2 to 4 hours a week for six months.

Airport Travelers Assistance Service Specialist : Provide information and assistance to travelers at the airport. Direct passengers within the terminals, provide information. Assist travelers with special needs, such as non-English speaking travelers, the elderly, and people with developmental or physical disabilities. One four-hour shift every other week. Seven days a week.  Training provided.

Visitor Services Assistant: The Science Museum of Minnesota seeks Visitor Services Volunteers.  Positively shape each visitors’ experience as they enter and exit the museum’s special exhibits and answering their questions.  Also assist in the lobby to be the first smiling face visitors see, a hub for information about SMM and St. Paul, and a guide for exploration and fun.  Days, evenings, weekends; 4 hour shifts once or twice per month.

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