Is Your Organization Right for AmeriCorps?

The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service and the Corporation for National and Community Service Virginia State Office are sponsoring a series of orientation sessions for organizations interested in acquiring AmeriCorps members and administering an AmeriCorps State or VISTA program. In-depth informational sessions will be held in Abingdon, Oct. 16; Charlottesville, Oct. 23; Falls Church, Nov. 6; Hampton Roads, Nov. 20; Danville, Dec. 4; and Richmond, Dec. 5. Visit vaservice.org to register for a session and take our assessment to find out if your organization has the capacity for successfully competing for an AmeriCorps grant.

Governor Announces Advisory Board on National and Community Service

Governor Kaine has named the latest appointments to the Governor's Advisory Board on National and Community Service. Governor Kaine established the Board in 2006 and its members work to advance Virginia's volunteerism and community service goals. See the complete list of Advisory Board members.

Virginia AmeriCorps Programs Get Ready for a New Year

Virginia's AmeriCorps members will launch a new year of service in Chester, Oct. 16.  Program members will be sworn in, pledging to "get things done" in the Commonwealth. At the ceremony, a Virginia AmeriCorps member will be honored with the second annual Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. Established in memory of Robert Wone, a former member of the Governor's Advisory Board on Community and National Service, the award recognizes an AmeriCorps member who has exhibited outstanding civic engagement and community service.

Get to Know Dr. Jarris L. Taylor, Jr.

Virginia Advisory Board on National and Community Service

A native of Baltimore, MD, Dr. Jarris Taylor recalls at an early age the importance of community service. "My parents were active in all phases of community service. They laid the foundation which has inspired me to continuously give back to my community." As a 20-year retiree of the U.S. Air Force he states, "Some of my fondest memories were the opportunities to participate in community projects and seeing individuals smile and say thank you. Today as I travel throughout the Commonwealth and visit AmeriCorps sites and interact with the volunteers who make things happen on a daily basis, there is still no greater feeling than to see a glowing smile of appreciation and hear the kind words thank you. The best way to actively engage in volunteerism is to get involved in something you like to do, establish a relationship with a mentor, and make a positive difference each day for the betterment of the organization and its people." Dr. Taylor subscribes to the philosophy of servant leadership and is actively involved in the Va. Dept. of Taxation Advisory Board, Obama Warner Veterans; Va.'s Collegiate Honors Council, and the Va. Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is currently the associate director for the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and The Honors College at Hampton University. His motto for life is from Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he will go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

What are you Doing for Make a Difference Day?

Make A Difference Day is an annual celebration of neighbors helping neighbors in which anyone can participate. This year's event is Oct. 25 (fourth Thursday of October each year). Projects may be as large or as small as you wish! Look around your community and see what needs to be done. For ideas and inspiration, Make a Difference Day's Idea Generator can help you find a project to help your community. Make a Difference Day in Virginia.

2-1-1 VIRGINIA Makes It Easy for You

The 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Web site has recently been updated to make searching for services even easier.  A new feature now incorporates an e-mail option to receive services information. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember online service and toll-free phone number connecting people with free information on available community services. The program now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check it out.

Watch Video from the 2008 ServiceNation Summit

Service leaders from across the U.S. gathered in New York, Sept. 11-12, to celebrate the power and potential of citizen service. Leaders laid out a bold policy blueprint for addressing America's greatest social challenges through expanded opportunities for volunteer and national service. The two-day event featured speakers and forums moderated by nationally-recognized service advocates, including First Lady Laura Bush, both Presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton, and Caroline Kennedy. Watch videos from this event.

Awards Will Recognize Youth Volunteers

The annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will honor middle and high school students who have demonstrated exemplary community service. The awards program is the nation's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Winners will be recognized at the local, state, and national level. National honorees will receive additonal awards of $5,000, medallions, and trophies for their nominating schools or organizations. The deadline for applications is Oct. 31. Find out how to apply.

Join Hands On Greater Richmond for October Service Effort

Hands On Greater Richmond is coordinating a massive volunteerism effort Oct. 18, asking community members to "Be the Change." Join 500 other Richmonders in making a difference at twenty-five local nonprofits and schools. Groups will work to beautify schools, build trails, repair houses, feed the hungry, help child abuse victims, plant trees, care for animals, and more. Reserve your spot today at www.HandsOnGR.org.

New Nonprofit Resources

• "Virginia's Nonprofit Sector: An Economic Force" reveals that Virginia nonprofits generate $30.7 billion. Find out more.
• "Given Half a Chance: The Schott 50 State Report on Public Education and Black Males" examines the low graduation rates, high rates of special education placement, and disproportionate use of suspensions/expulsions among black males. Take a look.
• "Kids' Share 2008: How Children Fare in the Federal Budget" suggest that historically children have not been a budget priority. Read the report.
• 2008 Biennial Assessment of the Disability Services System in Virginia is now available on the Virginia Voice Radio Reading Services' Web site. A downloadable version is also available for listening on a computer, mp3 player, or other compatible device.
• Verizon Foundation Offers Educational Resources on Thinkfinity.org. Nonprofit leaders, educators and families can benefit from lessons, activities and educational games.
• Free Books for Children in Need are available from the U.S. Dept. of Education and First Book. Register now.
• Liveable Streets Network is a free, open source, web-based resource to citizens interested in developing a greener economy, addressing climate change, reducing oil dependence, alleviating traffic congestion, and providing better access to good jobs in healthy communities. Check it out.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Toolkits are available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The tool-kits are a great source for sustainability ideas and practices for faith-based and community organizations. Download toolkit(s).
• Voices of Service E-Newsletter is available from a coalition of national service programs and state commissions committed to expanding opportunities for Americans to serve. Suscribe.

In The News

• "A Sense of Community" - TIME Magazine has published its second annual national service issue which details both presidential candidates positions on service, as well as "21 Ways to Fix Up America." Read the article.
•  "Volunteering to Get Tomorrow's Dropouts on Track" - The Boston Globe reports that the America's Promise Alliance and others are encouraging national service as a solution for America's growing dropout problem. Read the article.
• "Cutting Student Debt by Doing Good" - The Wall Street Journal reveals how new laws that promise to forgive some student-loan debt may provide an incentive for more college students and recent graduates to enter public service positions. Read the article.