Volunteers Needed for AARP's Operation Energy Save

Virginia AARP has launched a new volunteer program to help those in need. With energy costs rising this winter, many older Virginians and those on fixed incomes will be at risk. One way to help is to provide assistance in reducing the amount of energy that is consumed. AARP is working to mobilize an army of volunteers to communicate to their friends and neighbors about the many low or no cost modifications they can make to their homes that can result in significant savings during the heating season. Every dollar saved can make the difference between buying food and medicine or staying warm. Find out more.

What are you Doing for MLK Day?

Nonprofits and community service organizations are urged to plan service projects and events as part of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 19. The holiday has been mandated by the federal government as not just a day off from work set aside to honor Dr. King, but a national day of volunteer service. In Virginia, service projects and special events are planned in virtually every part of the state. View a snapshot of activities in Virginia.

2009 Governor's Volunteerism Awards Nominations Due

The deadline for nominations for the 2009 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards is Feb. 2. The awards highlight the efforts of outstanding Virginians who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities. Honors are given each year to groups, individuals and families whose volunteer and community service efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during Volunteer Week in April. Nominate someone today or review the nomination frequently asked questions.

Get to Know Bobby Shockley

Virginia Advisory Board on National and Community Service

VCU and Virginia Tech alumnus Bobby Shockley has been involved in community service since he was a young boy. Growing up in Philadelphia, Mr. Shockley volunteered with the Police Athletic League. While in college, he participated for three years in the America Reads program. After college, Mr. Shockley served in the Navy Reserves for 15 years. Leaving active duty in 1995, he and his wife Pauletta moved to Richmond from San Diego. In 2007, Mr. Shockley was selected for and served as a Governor's fellow. He and his wife have been married for 16 years and have two children. Mr. Shockley believes wholeheartedly in service saying, "I believe that service to others allows us to gain a better appreciation for what it means to be a community and I have tried to live that belief through my service in the military and as a public school teacher."

New Report Shows Student Service on the Rise

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has released a report showing that community service in America's schools has reached a new peak, with 68 percent of all K-12 schools offering or recognizing service opportunities for their students. Read more.

Resource for Nonprofits during Tough Economic Times

In an effort to assist nonprofits during the economic crisis, the National Network of Nonprofit Organization has launched an online resource center called the "Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center." Updated daily, the new resource will provide economic and nonprofit data, an in-depth analysis of how organizations are being affected, information on how the strain is affecting key issue areas, and proactive measures that nonprofits can use with examples of proven programs. Take a look.

$17 Million Grant to Help Youth Offenders Announced

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has announced a $17.3 million competition for localities who develop strategies to assist youth offenders returning from correctional facilities. Projects funded through these grants will create a broad variety of services, including employment, educational, mentoring and civic-minded services to better equip young people in becoming effective citizens. Find out more.

Notes from the Field: Virginia AmeriCorps in Action

• AmeriCorps member Melissa Martin brings a sense of warmth and commitment to her service with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. She serves as lead teacher at two class sites supporting nearly 100 English for speakers of other language (ESOL) students and coordinates volunteers. She testifies to the benefits of service saying, "My students make me so happy. I am always looking forward to the next class and am so proud to be an AmeriCorps member."
• Virginia Community Corps member Silvia Sisk reflects on the launch of a program at Old Forge Junction saying,  "Although I was anxious and nervous, my concerns quickly washed away when I was invited to play basketball with the children. (I realized that) I am here to connect and prayerfully make a difference in the lives that surround me here."

Nonprofit Resources

• The Directory of Foundation Workforce Development Grant Opportunities booklet for faith-based organizations is now available online. Find it in our Resource Library.
• The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers has published a report entitled "More Giving Together: The Growth and Impact of Giving Circles and Shared Giving." Check it out.
• USA Learns is a Web site launched by the U.S. Department of Education to help immigrants learn English. Users can choose directions in either English or Spanish and then pick which English level they need.
• Action Without Borders at Idealist.org offers young community leaders resources on youth service news, deciding how to get involved, opportunities for service involvement, and impact evaluation.
• Payless ShoeSource's 2008 Holiday Giving Campaign will provide $1 million in merchandise gift coupons to nonprofit organizations to provide new shoes to those in need during the holiday season. Find out how to be a part of the program.

In the News

• "Giving" - This special insert in The New York Times features articles and commentary on the state of philanthropy and nonprofits during the current troubled economy. View "Giving" online.
• "Michelle on the Move" - Newsweek's interview with Michelle Obama references President-elect Obama's plans to expand national service, especially AmeriCorps. Read the article.
• "Training to Lead Nonprofits" - The New York Times reports that the desire of "Generation Y" to help improve the world has sparked a surge in nonprofit management and leadership courses at colleges and universities. Find out more.

• "How Will the Economic Crisis Affect Volunteering?" -  Energizeinc.com explores how the global economic crisis will affect volunteering and service. Read the article.