Virginia Service: News & Media

Nominations Open for Corporate Volunteerism Awards

2008-08-28T13:34:00-05:00

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Corporate Volunteer Excellence Awards, presented by Virginia Business Magazine and VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. The awards recognize the role workplace volunteer programs play in strengthening Virginia's community and the workforce. The awards will be presented during the Annual Meeting of the Hampton Roads Corporate Volunteer Council, Dec. 10, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. For more information, call 757-624-2400 or e-mail jlane@volunteerhr.org. All nominations must be received by Sept. 12. Nomination form.

Hunger Initiative Will Rely on Volunteers

2008-08-25T17:22:00-05:00

USDA Secretary Ed Schafer has introducd the "Fight Hunger Initiative," which utilizes volunteers as it's primary weapon against hunger. The initiative is for individuals and organizations who want to help the USDA fight hunger in communities across America. The USDA has created a downloadable toolkit to assist with step-by-step guides to start community projects and provide additional resources to educate about USDA food and nutrition programs. Find out how your organization can help.

U.S. Low on Latest Climate Scorecards

2008-08-22T14:35:00-05:00

According to the latest G8 Climate Scorecards, none of the leading industrialized nations are on target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to avoid the threshold level for unacceptable risk of catastrophic climate change. The U.S. scored the worst of all G8 countries ranked by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Allianz Group. The scorecards rank the G8 countries according to their GHG emission trends since 1990, progress against specific targets, and their performance in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and development of carbon markets. The report also contains recommendations for G8 leaders. Read the report.

Virginia Launches New Resource for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities

2008-08-18T15:44:00-05:00

Virginia Easy Access is a new Web resource for seniors and adults with disabilities. The site provides information about public benefits and programs for individuals and caregivers, allowing them to search for specific services in their communities. The Web site is specifically designed to be user-friendly with accommodations to make it accessible to individuals with disabilities. Virginia Easy Access is also a gateway to VirginiaNavigator, a listing of more than 21,000 programs and services across the Commonwealth powered by SeniorNavigator. Direct customer service for Virginia Easy Access is provided by 2-1-1 Virginia Call Center Operators. Virginians may utilize Easy Access to e-mail questions and receive assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Beginning this fall, Virginia Easy Access will enable citizens to complete a Medicaid application on-line and electronically submit it directly to the appropriate local social services agency for processing. Take a look now.

MLK Day of Service Grants

2008-08-11T14:13:00-05:00

Volunteer Centers and other organizations are eligible for "Building the Beloved Community" grants from The Points of Light Foundation, the Volunteer Center National Network, and the Corporation of National and Community Service. The grants support programs which seek to continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, 2009. Award amounts will range from $1,000 to $10,000. For more information regarding this RFP or to ask specific questions, potential applicants may participate in one of two conference calls Aug. 15 and Aug. 22 (both at 3pm EST, 1-800-917-9796, passcode 670082). The deadline to apply for MLK Day Grants is Aug. 31. Find out more.

U.S. Homeless Population has Drastically Reduced

2008-08-05T15:21:00-05:00

Data released this week reveals that the number of chronically homeless individuals was cut by nearly 30 percent from 2005 to 2007. This means that more than 50,000 Americans who consistently slept on the streets in 2005, had a roof over their heads in 2007. Virginia's homeless population decreased just slightly and is among states with lower than average homeless rates. Much of this success is attributed to the countless individuals serving in America's faith-based and community organizations who have been partnering with the Federal government to address pressing human needs. The number of grants to these groups through the Continuum of Care alone rose from 1,404 in 2001 to 3,494 in 2007. See the full report.

National Organizations Will Lead 2009 King Day of Service

2008-08-04T15:12:00-05:00

The growing movement to make the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday a national day of service will get a boost from the leadership of seven national organizations selected for King Day of Service grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The organizations include the Points of Light Institute, the Corps Network, the North Carolina Campus Compact, Youth Serve America, Service for Peace, Campus Kitchen, and the National Alliance for Faith and Justice. These organizations will activate their networks, reach out to new partners, mobilize volunteers, and provide cross-sector leadership for the annual King Day of Service, January 19. Participation in the King Day of Service has grown every year since Congress passed legislation in 1994 urging Americans to honor Dr. King by engaging in service on his holiday. Last year, more than 500,000 Americans took part in 5,000 projects from coast to coast -- building homes, delivering meals, refurbishing schools, reading to children, signing up as mentors, and much more. Find out how your organization can become involved in next year's King Day of Service.

Virginia’ Ranking Climbs in Nationwide Volunteerism Study

2008-07-28T13:32:01-05:00

The Corporation for National and Community Service has released its annual Volunteering in America Report, which looks at volunteering trends across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 50 large and 75 mid-sized cities. Despite a slight nationwide drop in the overall volunteerism rate, Virginia increased its ranking to 29th highest volunteerism rate, up from 32nd the previous year. The report reveals that, in 2007, more than 1.6 million Virginians volunteered 233.2 million hours with an estimated economic impact of $4.5 billion to the Commonwealth. Richmond ranked 27th among the nation's largest cities surveyed with an annual volunteerism rate of 27.1 percent, above the national average of 26.2 percent. Richmond ranked 19th for volunteer hours per capita. Find out more.

National Service Hill Day

2008-07-24T16:35:00-05:00

Voices for National Service Capitol Hill Day, Sept. 25, is an annual event bringing together representatives of the national service field, including commissioners, commission staff, alumni, program staff, service partners, and corporate sponsors. Participants will visit congressional offices and discuss the federal investment in AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Senior Corps. Participants will advance an expansive vision of national and community service. Learn more about this event and register today.

Projects Needed for Hands On Greater Richmond Day

2008-07-21T16:14:00-05:00

Hands On Greater Richmond wants to know if your organization is need of volunteers for upcoming projects. On October 18, Hands On Great Richmond in cooperation with Target Stores, will present an annual Day of Service. Hands On Greater Richmond will connect your organization to a volunteer team who will help complete your project. If you have needs and just need the manpower to get things done, contact Hands On Greater Richmond and download an application to be a host site.