As the new year begins for schools and universities, we dedicate this edition of Volunteer Virginia to organizations who promote the spirit of helping others to Virginia's youth.
Time Magazine Focuses on National Service
The Aug. 31 cover story of Time magazine poses the question: "Is now a prime opportunity to promote national service to Americans?" Writer Richard Stengel unveils a 10-point plan for universal national service compiled from a variety of suggested ideas. The article states the case for creating a "National Service Baby Bond" similar to the GI Bill which would generate a pay-out between ages 18 and 25 contigent on at least one year of national or military service. Other concepts include raising the federal government's national service agency to a cabinet-level position and expanding existing programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. Stengel suggests that other national service programs could include an Education Corps, Health Corps, Green Corps and a Rapid-Response Reserve Corps. Read the article now.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Virginia's Youth: Mountain Empire Community College
Against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, a group of Virginia's children are expanding their minds thanks to the Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) AmeriCorps Program. The program focuses on literacy tutoring of children (K-3) in public schools in the counties of Wise, Lee, Scott, Dickenson, and the City of Norton. "There are so many children we have as 'tutees' who touch our hearts," says Sue Graham who heads the program. "It is such a satisfying feeling to see the smile on a child's face after he or she overcomes an obstacle to literacy." Last year the program also helped enroll children in the Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library in which children received one new book each month. During National AmeriCorps Week, MECC AmeriCorps collaborated with the Rural Areas Development Association (RADA) to help renovate two homes. "One of the elderly homeowners (in the RADA project) became so overjoyed and touched by what we did to help her that she cried tears of joy," says Graham. The members also helped paint a faith-based summer camp's new dorm and cafeteria. Read more about MECC's 2006-2007 projects.
Making a Difference: Corrie Nixon
Corrie Nixon is a rising senior at the University of Richmond enrolled in the Jepson School of Leadership and is a Bonner Scholar. She volunteered this summer as an intern at Boaz and Ruth, a faith-based nonprofit and AmeriCorps program located in Richmond's Highland Park community. Her projects included strengthening communications by creating a comprehensive "A to Z" reference guide, making internal communication systems improvements, and building community among the Boaz and Ruth trainees, staff and interns. "Corrie dove right in and quickly became an integral part of the Boaz & Ruth family, says Lloyd Price, AmeriCorps program director. "She set an example for all to follow due to her excellent work ethic and leadership ability." Read more about how Boaz and Ruth is making a difference.
America's Youth Approaches Volunteerism in New Ways
The Wall Street Journal reports that young donors and volunteers are "snubbing traditional appeals such as direct mail and phone calls," and "are satisfying their philanthropic urges on the Internet." The report goes on to explain that America's youth are turning to blogs and social-networking Web sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, to spread the word about their favorite nonprofits and causes. As a result, a growing number of charities, from start-ups to established names such as the Salvation Army, are launching profiles on popular social-networking sites, hoping that young people will link up to the pages. Read the article.
First-Ever National Learn & Serve Challenge
The National Learn & Serve Challenge, Sept. 17-23, is a concentrated week of special events and activities designed to spotlight service-learning successes around the country. The new event also seeks to show support for Learn and Serve America and inspire other schools and communities to launch their own service-learning initiatives. By the year 2010, Learn and Serve's goals are to engage 5 million college students in service and ensure 50 percent of K-12 schools incorporate service-learning into their curricula. Visit the Web site to access ideas and tip sheets for how you can recognize the Learn & Serve Challenge in your own school, organization or community.
Fredericksburg Churches Come Together to Help Kids with Back-to-School Needs
School Dressing Days, a program started in 1971 by the Fredericksburg Interfaith Community Council, has grown over the years to provide relief to the hundreds of families who cannot afford the expense of school supplies and clothing. The annual program provides a new outfit, used clothes, school supplies, toiletries, and a voucher for shoes to needy families. In Fredericksburg, approximately 900 children are served in the program. Many families just hear about the program and show up, in addition to those who are referred by social services, churches and schools. School Dressing Days in the news.
National Community Service Honor Roll for Colleges
The 2007 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is currently accepting nominations for colleges and universities displaying support for noteworthy student community service efforts. Institutions named to the Honor Roll will be featured on the Corporation for National and Community Service Web site. Presidential Award winners will be invited to an awards ceremony at the American Council on Education's national conference in San Diego, CA, in February. Applications are due October 5, 2007. Find out more and nominate a college or university.
State Farm Grants for Teens
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is accepting grants for funds for student-led service-learning projects in the U.S. and Canada. Grants should address the issues of disaster preparedness, driver safety, accessing higher education/closing the achievement gap, or financial education. At least one service-learning project will be funded in each of the thirteen State Farm zones which include the three provinces in Canada. Grants will range from $25,000-$100,000. Applications are due October 12. Grant eligibility requirements and information.
"100 Best Communities for Young People" Nominations
The 2008 "100 Best Communities for Young People" competition seeks to recognize outstanding community-wide efforts designed to improve the well-being of youth and to inspire other localities to take action. Sponsored by the America's Promise Alliance, winning communties will receive national exposure, will be eligible to bid on $300,000 in grant funds, may participate in Regional Best Practice Forums, and will receive networking opportunities through the Alliance and its partners. Learn more about the "100 Best" competition and apply online.
New Data on Status of Children
The Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private foundation assisting vulnerable children and families, has released the 18th annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the U.S. By providing policymakers and citizens with benchmarks of child well-being, KIDS COUNT seeks to enrich local, state and national discussions concerning ways to secure better futures for all children. Data from the book is also available online featuring tools for graphing, mapping, reporting and state-by-state profiles. Read the report.
Financial Expertise for Non-Accountants
One of the most daunting tasks of operating a community service organization or nonprofit is managing its financial operations. With a little basic knowledge and understanding, however, anyone can develop a strong financial system and learn the art of prioritizing action steps for their fiscal plan. Read the Financial Literacy Presentation from the Corporation on National and Community Service. Highlights inlcude:
- Top Five Fiscal Responsibilities of Executive Staff
- Top Five Components of Financial Literacy
- Top Five Red Flags (for fiscal problems)
- Top Five Audit Findings
- Top Five Qualities of High Functioning Organizations
- Top Five Ways to Use a Financial System Survey