Virginia Announces Request for Proposals for 2010 AmeriCorps State Programs

The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service is now accepting Request for Proposals for the 2010 AmeriCorps State program year. Grants are available to public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs throughout Virginia, including faith-based and community organizations, higher education institutions, and public agencies. These grants assist groups in recruiting, training and placing individuals, as AmeriCorps members, to meet critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

The deadline for sealed proposals is 5pm, March 11, 2010. Organizations interested in learning more about AmeriCorps funding and becoming a sponsoring organization can watch informative presentations and take an online assessment [DOC 277 KB] to find out if they are eligible. Download the AmeriCorps State Request for Proposals [PDF 274KB].

MLK Day Service Projects in Virginia

Faith-based and community organizations have planned service projects and events to honor the holiday across the Commonwealth. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is 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 and include efforts concerning education, the environment, mentoring, and more. If your organization has plans for a service project, ensure it is registered online at a partner site of Serve.gov. View a list and map of Virginia AmeriCorps MLK events and volunteer opportunities in your community. This January 18th, engage in your local community in some way, find a project to be a part of, and celebrate the idea of our 'Beloved Community.'

Time is Running Out for Governor's Volunteerism Award Nominations

Monday, Feb. 1, is the nomination deadline for the 2010 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. This is your last chance to nominate outstanding individuals and groups who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities. Winners will be honored at a special ceremony in April. Find out more and submit your nomination.

Virginia Prepares for Haitian Relief Efforts

Virginia is one of many states sending help to Haiti after the strongest earthquake to hit the country in almost 200 years struck recently. Dozens of firefighters in Fairfax, Us Navy ships stationed in Norfolk, and doctors and relief workers from around the state will be traveling to Haiti to bring supplies and help in the rescue efforts. Learn about the number of ways you can help through reputable organizations.

January is National Mentoring Month

Start off the new year by honoring the commitment, energy, and enthusiasm of devoted mentors across the Commonwealth. Mentors help to shape character, teach skills, and instill compassion and responsibility in young people. Jan. 22 will serve as "Thank Your Mentor Day". Visit Mentor.org and NationalMentoringMonth.org to learn more, find lists of local partners, get ideas for getting involved, and find mentoring programs by zip code. Your organization can also order a variety of free printed materials designed especially for National Mentoring Month 2010, including posters, thank-you notes, and bookmarks.

Get to Know Ashley Gregory

Virginia Advisory Board on National and Community Service

The newest board member to the Governor's Advisory Board for National and Community Service is also the youngest. Ashley Gregory of Mechanicsville is a vibrant 16 year old who, although only a sophomore in high school, has a resume of volunteer service which far exceeds most young people her age. At age 13, Ashley founded a free dance camp for children with disabilities called Ashley's Angels. The professionally run dance program, Miracles in Motion, is today operated by a host of volunteers and educators who have been touched by her dream. Because of her passion and commitment to the special needs community, Ashley was selected to serve on the Hanover County Special Education Advisory committee. Ashley volunteers annually with the Anthem Lemon Aid Program where she has raised hundreds of dollars for the Children's Miracle Network. Last January, Ashley began speaking to local youth organizations and in classrooms to promote volunteerism. In 2009, she was recognized as Virginia's outstanding youth volunteer receiving a Governor's Award for Volunteerism and Community Service.

Virginia is for Heroes

The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program is proud to host the annual Virginia is for Heroes statewide conference addressing combat/operational stress and traumatic brain injury. This year's conference will be held on Thursday February 18, 2010 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Conference participants include veterans and their family members; local, state and national leaders; subject matter experts; and those serving on the "front lines" of behavioral healthcare and supportive services. Register and learn more about the conference.

Notes from the Field: Virginia AmeriCorps in Action

• When asked about his Virginia AmeriCorps experience, Mountain Empire Community College AmeriCorps member Cody Rutherford remarked, "I've learned more over the past few months from each of the other members than they'll ever know. I can't say that I have contributed anywhere near as much as I have gained from my training and direct service at my placement sites as well as events. It's a wonderful thing to say that I have gained experience in AmeriCorps, but it is truly a blessing to know that I can touch a child's life. I'm proud to be a service member."

Nonprofit Resources

• The Community Foundation announces $878,800 in new grants - Star Tribune
• Five Internal Controls for the Very Small Nonprofit - BlueAvocado.org
• New Year's Resolutions for Board Members - GuideStar
• New Funding Opportunity for Higher Education Service-Learning - Corporation for National and Community Service

In The News

• Make It a Day On, Not a Day Off - Richmond Times Dispatch
• Mountain Empire prepares to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. - TriCities.com
• Gov.-elect McDonnell inaugural festivities include community service - Richmond Times Dispatch
• UVA Preparing Haiti Medical Package - NBC29.com
• Study: Youth now have more mental health issues - Richmond Times Dispatch