Thursday, January 28, 2010

February 2010 Volunteer Opportunities

The UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement blog is back! UIS has made some new rules regarding campus-wide e-mail, so now this blog is your best place to find all the latest updates on volunteer opportunities, our upcoming podcasts, photos, videos and more. We hope this blog is a fun and useful resource for you as we continue to work together to make Springfield a better place to live and thrive. So, without further ado, we present...


February Volunteer Opportunities


Saturday, February 20 – “Fight for Air” Climb
*Featured Service Splash*

The American Lung Association’s “Fight for Air” Climb is a vertical 60-flight stair climb to the top of the Hilton Springfield. Over 70 volunteers are needed to run this event! All proceeds will benefit the ALA's many lung health and safety programs. You can find out more about the event at http://ala.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1271&pg=entry. If you'd like to help out, e-mail the Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu by February 6. Volunteers will be needed starting at 7:30 AM.

Friday, February 5 – GoodGuides Youth Mentoring

The Volunteer Center is partnering with Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois to start a new mentoring program for 12-17 year old youth. GoodGuides mentors can mentor youth in a one-on-one relationship, or engage in groups mentoring with small groups of young people.

Stop by the Volunteer Center in SAB 60 or e-mail volunteer@uis.edu to find out how you can become a GoodGuides mentor. Applications are due by Friday, February 5.

Saturday, February 6 – Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery Walk-a-Thon

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery is holding a fund-raising walk on Saturday, February 6, starting at White Oaks Mall. Registration begins in the central Food Court at 7:00 AM, with the walk beginning at 7:30 AM. If you’d like to participate in the walk, call Mini O'Beirne at 525-6800 or visit http://www.miniobeirne.org/.

Thursday, February 11 – Maple Syrup Time Volunteer Naturalists

It’s Maple Syrup Time again, and Volunteer Naturalists are needed to lead tours of the Garden and continue LMG’s environmental outreach programs. A training session for interested volunteers will be held Thursday, February 11th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

To register or for more information call Jim or Betsy at 217-529-1111. For more information about Lincoln Memorial Garden, visit http://www.lmgnc.org/.

Saturday, February 13 – Great Backyard Bird Count

The Illinois Audubon Society needs help with their annual Backyard Bird Count, an important assessment period that helps determine environmental policy every year. The count is taking place Saturday, February 13 at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, Springfield’s only urban wildlife sanctuary. No bird ID experience necessary.

For more information, e-mail Jo Skoglund at jskoglund@illinoisaudubon.org or call 217-544-5473.

Ongoing – Sojourn Shelter Domestic Violence Training

Sojourn Shelter and Services is currently scheduling their next round of 40-hour domestic violence training sessions. This training is aimed toward those who are interested in learning more about the issues surrounding domestic violence and is required by the state for volunteers who wish to serve clients directly. The training is free to all previously screened and accepted Sojourn volunteers.

For more information, contact Candi Clouse at sojprevention@aol.com or call 217-726-5100 ext. 213.

Ongoing – Contact Ministries Babysitters

Contact Ministries currently needs volunteers to babysit children living in their shelter during their adult improvement classes. Volunteers are needed during the following days and times each week.

Tuesday: Bible Study (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Wednesday: Budgeting and Job Skills Class (4:30 – 5:30 PM)
Thursday: Parenting Class (9:30 – 10:30 AM) and Nutritious Cooking Class (4:00 – 6:00 PM)

Please contact Latrice Nettles if interested at 753-3939 or latricenettles@sbcglobal.net

Upcoming – Springfield Art Association Summer Camp

It may still be winter, but the Springfield Art Association is currently accepting resumes and seeking out interested individuals who would like to instruct, teach, intern, or simply volunteer for the SAA’s incredibly popular and well-established Summer Art Camp. Any interested persons or parties can contact Katie Rasmussen at education@springfieldart.org or at 217-523-2631.