Staff Changes

There have been some recent staff changes in the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.  Kelly Thompson has taken a position at Ronald McDonald House Charities and Jordan Jeffers will be attending graduate school in the spring.  The contacts for the center until a new director is hired will be Pam Hammond-McDavid and Brittany Elder. If you need any assistance in finding volunteer opportunities, feel free to contact us at 217-206-7716.

Mentors Wanted - Progressive Youth Foundation and Athletic League

The Harriett Tubman and Susan B. Anthony Community Center is starting a new program called the Progressive Youth Foundation and Athletic League, an athletic and mentoring program designed to give male youth a positive environment in which to become responsible adult men. The program stresses the importance of education, goal setting, and community building. Male volunteers (college age and up) are needed to act as mentors.

If you are interested, please call the Center at 217-670-0814. You can also stop by in person and find out what the program is all about. The Center is located at 2130 Clear Lake Ave, Springfield IL, 62703.

December Volunteer Opportunities

December Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, November 26 – Monday, December 27 - Holiday Outlet Store
Multiple Shifts Available

Springfield-based Design Ideas is teaming up with Sparc, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Illinois Capital Region, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Junior League, to open the Design Ideas Holiday Outlet Store.

This is located at White Oaks Mall (in the previous World Market location). Products that will be available will include home, office, kitchen décor, organizational products and GelGems, all at drastically reduced pricing.

During store hours (10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays), volunteers are needed to help at the store. To volunteer, contact Todd Spann at 217-726-2206 Ext. 145 or at tspann@spfldsparc.org.

Saturday, December 11 – Habitat for Humanity
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to paint at one of the homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Springfield. If you are interested in volunteering, you can arrive at the site (1001 Knoll Pointe in Springfield) during the build times noted above. When you get there, you can sign the appropriate volunteer forms. The training and supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes to paint in. By doing this, volunteers will be helping a family in Springfield gain a home. If you have any questions you can contact Sarah Mackey at smackey@habitatsangamon.com. 

Wednesday, December 15 Deadline – Spring Mission Trip to Honduras

SIU Medical School is planning a mission trip to Honduras. They will work in a small village and set up a medical center for that week and provide primary care services.

More volunteers are needed; they can be studying a medical field or not. The cost for the entire trip will be around $1200-$1500. This is a great opportunity to give a helping hand to someone from another country. If you are interested please let Lynne Price know by December 15. You can email her at lpric1@uis.edu, and she will help you get in contact with SIU Medical School.

Saturday, December 18 – Habitat for Humanity
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to paint at one of the homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Springfield. If you are interested in volunteering, you can arrive at the site (1001 Knoll Pointe in Springfield) during the build times noted above. When you get there, you can sign the appropriate volunteer forms. The training and supplies will be provided. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothes to paint in. By doing this, volunteers will be helping a family in Springfield gain a home. If you have any questions you can contact Sarah Mackey at smackey@habitatsangamon.com.

Ongoing – Girl Scouts HERO Program

Girl Scouts has a 6 week program within elementary schools in the Springfield 186 schools. This program is called HERO (Helping Everyone Respect Others). Girl Scouts takes this program in the schools during the lunch hour/recess for students. The program teaches the girls about self-esteem, building positive relationships, avoiding cliques, and making good choices. Girl Scouts is still looking for volunteers to help with this program. If you are interested, you can contact Jamie Osborne at josborne@girlscouts-gsci.org.

Ongoing – Girl Scouts Series Program

There is a new way to join Girl Scouts, called series. This program was created because so many girls are too busy for a year round troop opportunity, and they want to join just for a focused topic. This 6 week opportunity allows girls to focus on a specific topic such as community service, arts, travel, events, etc. Girl Scouts is just starting to customize their programs and they need people to help them to get this up and going. The volunteers would need to recruit girls to join, and offer the 6 week series. The volunteers would work 10 hours a week for each of the 6 weeks. Girl Scouts would provide the curriculum, supplies and everything else needed. If you are interested, you can contact Jamie Osborne at josborne@girlscouts-gsci.org.

Looking for Treasure Hunters

Camp Care-A-Lot Volunteers

July 16-23, 2011

Camp Care-A-Lot seeks volunteers, age 21 and over, for a one week residential camp for low- and no-income children. This is a great opportunity for people who want to provide a marvelous educational and recreational experience for children but don't have time to give all year. Camp Care-A-Lot counselors are called Treasure Hunters, because they believe that all children are capable of success, with no exceptions.

Commitments for qualified persons need to be made by December 2010, so we know how many children we can serve. Camp Care-A-Lot will pay for transportation and expenses, train and orient you, and plan the week's activities. We need people with bright outlooks, smiles, big hearts and patience. Your job is to nurture and teach our campers that they can be great leaders and productive citizens of their schools and communities. This is a great opportunity for retired people, college students and people who take vacation from work who are looking to give back to their communities.

New counselors will be partnered with experienced ones. Camp Care-A-Lot has served more than 1500 children in 17 years and has utilized over 600 volunteers. Our camp is located in Pittsfield, but we serve with children from Christian, Sangamon, Morgan, Scott, Pike, and Cass counties. Please take a moment to consider whether Camp Care-A-Lot is right for you.

Give us a try. We bet you will come back!

Qualifications/requirements

• Must be 21 or older - there is no upper limit on age if you have stamina and patience! 
• Must pass a background check, with fingerprinting
• Must be able to work in teams in close contact with other staff members and campers in a dorm living situation
• Must fill out an application and participate in an interview
• Must commit to July 16-23, 2011 (Campers are accepted based on the commitment of the staff.)
• Must be willing to take this as a volunteer position (expenses will be paid to and from camp for the week)

If you are interested, contact Eydee Schultz at 217-546-4777 or e-mail carelot3@aol.com. You can find more information and a volunteer application at http://campcarealot.org/Volunteer.htm.

 

Call for Volunteer Tutors

Do you have some free time after 3:00 PM? Would you like to help a student prepare for college? Capitol College Prepatory Academy is looking for volunteer tutors for their Discovery Program, especially in the subjects of math and science. The overarching goal of the Capital Academy is to graduate 100 percent of their students from college. To achieve this goal, the Academy provides all students, beginning in the sixth grade, with a rigorous curriculum aligned to the College Board Standards for College Success.

If you can help, please contact College Prep at (217) 535-2752 and leave your name and contact info for Leonard Shanklin.

November Volunteer Opportunities

November Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, November 12 – Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Times available throughout the day

Can you ring a bell for 2 hours? Do you know 2 friends who can ring for 2 hours? If so, you and your friends will be part of changing people's lives. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to ring bells during their annual Tree of Lights Campaign, starting November 12 and running through Christmas. Volunteer for a day or a weekly shift, all help is greatly appreciated. To sign up, go to http://www.tsaspringfield.org/ringbells.html and choose your shift time. Or call the Salvation Army at 217-525-2196 x 206.

Featured Service Splash
Tuesday, November 16 – Thursday, November 18 – Hunger and Homelessness Week
Multiple events

The Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center and Lincoln Land Community College are teaming up to organize a number of awareness raising activities during the 2010 National Hunger and Homelessness Week.

Tuesday, November 16 – Closing the Food Gap
5:00 – 7:00 PM, SLB Gym

As part of the ECCE speaker series, author and activist Mark Winne will be speaking about the myriad relationships between American agriculture, food security, and obesity. Extraordinary people all over America are taking action, changing the way we eat to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Join us at Closing the Food Gap for a two part exploration and discussion of their ideas. We’ll finish the night with an Oxfam Hunger Banquet, a meal/metaphor meant to spark discussion of a big question. How should we, as American students and citizens, react in the face of global hunger?

Wednesday, November 17 – Faces of the Homeless
1:00 – 2:30 PM, Trutter Center, LLCC

Lincoln Land Community College continues their powerful Faces of the Homeless panel, a facilitated discussion among university students, staff, and Springfield citizens who have personally experienced homelessness. This is your chance to ask questions and get real, unfiltered information on why people become homeless, the struggles they face on a day to day basis, and how they can be empowered to escape life on the streets and in shelters. A shuttle will be leaving from the Volunteer Center (SAB 60) at 12:50 PM for any student that would like a ride to this event.

Thursday, November 18 – Sleep Out for the Homeless
Starting at 4:00 PM, Outside Menard Hall, LLCC

Our newest event, the Sleep Out for the Homeless is a chance for you to demonstrate your support for the end of homelessness in Springfield. The night will start with a cookout meal at 5:00 PM, followed by a viewing of Have You Seen Clem?, a comedy/ documentary about the triumphs and struggles of American men and women who have no home to turn to. Willing participants will spend the whole night outside (weather permitting). Participants should bring their own shelter, and may bring tents, sleeping bags, boxes, tarps, or anything else that might serve. Others are welcome to join us for the activities portion of the night, and may leave afterwards if they are not comfortable sleeping outside.

Any questions about H&H Week activities? Call 217-206-7716 or e-mail volunteer@uis.edu.

November 17-29 – Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Multiple shifts available

Memorial’s Festival of Trees is one of the largest holiday festivals in central Illinois, and depends largely on volunteers to make the event a success. Multiple positions are available, including admissions, floor ambassadors, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread village, Holiday Kitchen, Holiday Market, Little Elves’ Workshop, Santa's House, and train crossing guard. For more information about this event, call (217) 788-4301 or email Festival of Trees at foundation@mhsil.com. To register to volunteer online, go to: https://www.memorialmedicalfoundation.com/FestivalOfTrees/Volunteers.aspx

Ongoing throughout the Winter – Springfield Overflow Shelter
Multiple shifts available

The Springfield Overflow Shelter has opened its doors again for the winter and needs volunteers. The SOS is a seasonal shelter that opens during the coldest months of the year, when men and women who don’t have homes are at risk of serious cold exposure if they remain outside. Volunteers are needed to serve meals or work in the shelter, along with donations of food and disposable paper products. Contact Cori Charlson at sos.hhos@comcast.net or by telephone at 217-744-0470 to help.

November Volunteer Opportunities Coming Soon

It's been a busy week! Trick or Treat for Canned Goods, Political Pick'em, and the Holiday Stars Project all kicked off. We will have multiple updates coming soon, including November Volunteer Opportunities. Check back by Friday, November 5 for the latest.

October Volunteer Opportunities

October Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday, October 2 – Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary Fall Work Day
9:00 – 11:00 AM

The Illinois Audubon Society continues their improvement of Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary, beginning with the removal of the fencing along Forrest Avenue. The first step will be to remove all of the shrubs that have grown along and through the fencing. Volunteers are needed to cut, pull and stack brush. All tools will be provided. Gloves are available, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own if possible. For more information, please call Jo at 217-544-2473 or e-mail her at jskoglund@illinoisaudubon.org.  

Saturday, October 2 – Washington Park Volunteer Work Day

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join the Friends of the Sangamon Valley as they remove invasive weeds from wooded areas in Washington Park. Most equipment will be provided, but bring work gloves and a beverage. Meet at the parking lot below the Carillon (Rose Garden parking lot) at the Nature Trailhead. For more information contact George Rose at 217-787-1940.

Featured Service Splash

Friday, October 8 – Homecoming Prairie Star Service Event

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Take a few hours during Homecoming Week to do something good for your community. The Ball Charter nature trail that we started in August needs more mulch to be completed and ready for outdoor education classes this fall. We will be leaving from the Volunteer Center (SAB 60) at 12:45 PM and returning by 4:15 PM. Water and snacks will be provided. Call 217-206-7716 or e-mail volunteer@uis.edu to register. Transportation provided.

Saturday, October 9 & Sunday, October 10 – Indian Summer Festival

Multiple shifts available throughout the day

Lincoln Memorial Garden is hosting their annual Indian Summer Festival in October and needs volunteers for a variety of tasks. Paint faces, lead hikes, carve pumpkins, guide activities and crafts, and just enjoy the beauty of an Illinois autumn in the gardens. Call Betsy Irwin at 217-529-1111 or e-mail lmg2301@comcast.net to participate.

Sunday, October 10 – Out of the Darkness Walk

Registration begins at 11:00 AM, Walk begins at 12:00 PM

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in over 200 communities across the country this fall, with the proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). By participating in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, you will be joining with thousands of other walkers nationwide to raise money for AFSP's vital research and education programs to prevent suicide, save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, and provide support for survivors of suicide loss. To register to walk to donate, go to http://afsp.donordrive.com/event/springfield. For information contact Linda Williams Hammer at lwhammer@aol.com.  

Thursday, October 14 – Friday, October 22 – WUIS Fall Fund Drive

6:00 – 9:00 AM, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, or 4:00 – 6:30 PM

It’s that time of year! The WUIS 2010 Fall Fund Drive is just around the corner, and volunteers are greatly needed to help keep public radio going in central Illinois. WUIS is a community organization that depends on listener donations to continue to provide high quality programming year round. Volunteers will answer phone calls and enter all donor information directly into computers. WUIS is especially in need of help the following week, starting October 24, to make thank you calls to donors. For a list of avaiable shifts, click this link:

https://illinois.edu/sb/sec/9394266. For more info contact Randy Eccles at 217-206-6403 or reccl2@uis.edu.  

Thursday, October 14 - Saturday October 16 - United Cerebral Palsy Canister Campaign
Mulitple shifts available

United Cerebral Palsy of the Land of Lincoln is looking for volunteers to collect donations at four area businesses during their annual Canister Campaign in October. UCP provides comprehensive services to over 1,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities in 27 counties in Central Illinois. If you'd like to volunteer for one of these shifts, call Michelle Gorden at 525-6522 or e-mail her at mgorden@ucpll.org.

Friday, October 15 & Saturday, October 16 – Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM; 5:00 – 9:30 PM

Enjoy the beauty of 2,010 sparkling jack-o-lanterns surrounding the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon and the Washington Park Botanical Gardens in this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Volunteers are needed to unload the pumpkins starting at 8:00 AM Friday. Additional help is needed starting at 5:00 PM to light and place candles, assist with decorating (lights, fall décor, etc), and some shuttle transport for the event. Cleanup help is also needed on Monday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Contact Jennifer Johnson at jols@ameritech.net or 217-494-1949 to find out how you can help.

Saturday, October 16 & Sunday, October 17 – Feline Fanciers Cat Show

Multiple shifts available

The Animal Protective League is holding their annual Feline Fanciers cat show on Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17, in the Illinois Building at the State Fairgrounds. Lots of volunteers are needed to show cats, bake and sell goodies in the Sweet Shoppe (proceeds go to the APL), and act as ring stewards. Please contact Trish Gorda at trishy9989@yahoo.com or Kathy Floyd at kcjdf501@gmail.com if you’d like to help out. The volunteer schedule needs to be set up a bit in advance so contact APL soon if you’re interested.

Wednesday October 20 – Trick or Treat for Canned Goods Team Registration Deadline

Due by 5:00 PM

If you are a student group leader or just have a few friends with nothing to do on Halloween, come join us and do your part to help feed the hungry. From 4:30 – 9:00 PM on Halloween night, teams of students will spread throughout the neighborhoods of Springfield, collecting canned goods and other nonperishable food items for the Central Illinois Foodbank. Prizes will be given out to the top three groups: $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $75 for third. Come by the Volunteer Center, SAB 60, to pick up and fill out the registration forms. All registered participants receive a free Trick or Treat for Canned Goods t-shirt. Contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or 217-206-7716 for more info.

Saturday, October 30 – Motor Activities Training Program

Event begins at 9:00 AM

Special Olympics is holding its annual Motor Activities Training Program on Saturday, October 30, at the Hope Institute. This event is for athletes who are incapable of participating in other events. If you’d like to volunteer, please call Darrin Burnett at 217-544-3023 or e-mail him at dburnett@soill.org.

Saturday, October 30 – Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary Fall Work Day 2

9:00 – 11:00 AM

The Illinois Audubon Society continues their improvement of Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary, beginning with the removal of the fencing along Forrest Avenue. The first step will be to remove all of the shrubs that have grown along and through the fencing. Volunteers are needed to continue the work from October 2, cutting, pulling and stacking brush. All tools will be provided. Gloves are available, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own if possible. Lunch will be provided for volunteers on this date. For more information, please call Jo at 217-544-2473 or e-mail her at jskoglund@illinoisaudubon.org.

Featured Service Splash

Sunday, October 31 – Trick or Treat for Canned Goods

4:30 – 9:30 PM

The Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center is once again organizing our popular Halloween event: Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods. From 4:30 – 9:00 PM on Halloween night, teams of students will spread throughout the neighborhoods of Springfield, collecting canned goods and other nonperishable food items for the Central Illinois Foodbank. Hang out in the Student Center afterwards and enjoy some free pizza, soda, and music while we weigh the food and award the prizes.

Deadline for registration is Wednesday, October 20. If you are a student group leader or just have a few friends with nothing to do on Halloween, come join us and do your part to help feed the hungry. Prizes will be given out to the top three groups: $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $75 for third. Come by the Volunteer Center, SAB 60, to pick up and fill out the registration forms. All registered participants receive a free Trick or Treat for Canned Goods t-shirt. Contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or 217-206-7716 for more info.

(Don’t have a group to go with? Not to worry! We welcome all “free agents” who would like to meet some new people. Come by the Volunteer Center, and we will get you signed up.)

And finally…

Here’s a link to one of our favorite articles about the nature of volunteering and service in the 21st century, “What We Don't Talk About When We Don't Talk About Service,” by Adam Davis.

Full text can be found here:

http://www.civicreflection.org/resource/d/76496/Davis_What_we_dont_talk_about%E2%80%A6pdf

APL Event Assistant Needed for Saturday September 18

The Animal Protective League is holding a fundraising event Saturday, September 18. Teresita Gonzalez, chair of the event and UIS alum, is looking for an assistant to take photographs during the event and do other small errands to help things run smoothly. The event is 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

Call Teresita at 217-816-2556 for more info.



__________________________________________________________________________________

United Cerebral Palsy Canister Campaign

United Cerebral Palsy of the Land of Lincoln is looking for volunteers to collect donations at four area businesses during their annual Canister Campaign in October. UCP provides comprehensive services to over 1,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities in 27 counties in Central Illinois. Check out more of there work at http://www.ucp.org/ucp_localsub.cfm/72/16016/16017.

As of the time of this post, the following dates, times, and locations are available. All shifts are two hours long.

Location	Thursday, October 14	Friday, October 15	Saturday, October 16
Schnucks on Montvale	10:00 AM - 4:00 PM	8:00 AM - 2:00 PM	8:00 - 10:00 AM; 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Schnucks on Sangamon	2:00 PM - 4:00 PM	12:00 - 4:00 PM	12:00 - 4:00 PM
Lowes on Wabash	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM	8:30 AM - 12:30 PM; 2:30- 4:30 PM	10:30 AM - 12:30 PM; 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Lowes on Dirksen	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM	8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

If you'd like to volunteer for one of these shifts, call Michelle Gorden at 525-6522 or e-mail her at mgorden@ucpll.org.

September Volunteer Opportunities

September Volunteer Opportunities

September 1, 15, 22, 29 – Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Volunteer Training

5:30 – 7:30 PM

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will begin its next series of volunteer training programs on the first Wednesday of September in the Multi Purpose Room at the Presidential Library. The two-hour sessions will acquaint people with the volunteer opportunities available among the various aspects of the library and museum. Volunteers will be asked to attend additional training sessions on September 15, 22, and 29. If you’d like to register or you’d like to volunteer but can’t make or missed the first meeting, call Linda Bee at 217-558-8872.

Thursday, September 9 - Conversation Partner Program
4:30 – 6:00 PM

The Conversation Partner Program (CPP) offers a chance for American students to get to know international students studying at UIS and vice versa. The goals of the program are:

1) For non-native English speakers to use English more naturally in everyday situations and learn more about American culture.

2) To foster global citizenship, tolerance, and friendship for all participants.

Weekly meetings are set between partners based on their schedules. The partners will decide what works best for them and what they are interested in. Interested students must attend the conversation kickoff party on Thursday, September 9 in order to receive a partner. Interested students unable to attend the kick-off party will be placed on a waiting list and will be informed if a partnership becomes possible. Contact Kristin Nisbet at knisbet@uis.edu for more info or check out the program website at: http://www.uis.edu/esl/students/conversation.html

Featured Service Splash
Saturday, September 11 – Day of Service and Remembrance
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In recognition of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Volunteer Center will be distributing disaster preparedness information in the PAC Main Concourse, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please stop by our table and take a moment to reflect on what you can do in honor of the victims of 9-11 and the men and women who gave their lives trying to help others. Thank a friend who has been there for you, spend an hour picking up litter, or learn more about the effect that September 11 continues to have on our nation. Make sure it’s not just another day.

Saturday, September 11 - Springfield Art Association Used Book Sale
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The 22nd Annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair is coming up on September 18 and 19, and the Springfield Art Association needs helping setting up and beautifying the grounds of Edward's Place for the crowds of people who will be swarming the Fair in a few weeks. The Art Association will hold a work day on Saturday, September 11 to prepare for the fair by setting up the used book sale and working in the gardens. Contact the Springfield Art Association at office@springfieldart.org to register.

Sunday, September 12 – SportsCare Women’s Biathlon
7:00 – 11:00 AM

SportsCare's third annual Women’s Biathlon, a USAT-sanctioned event, will be held Sunday, September 12, at Memorial’s Koke Mill Medical Center. It includes a 20K bike ride and a 5K run. The biathlon will features a Family Health and Fun Fair, including health and wellness screenings, kids' games and prizes, information about Women's HeartAdvantage, and more. Volunteers are needed to help ensure the safety of competitors on the roads. Contact Devin Spears at spears.devin@mhsil.com or 217-862-0444. Anyone interested in competing can register online at: https://memorialmedical.com/Services/SportsCare/Biathlon/Registration.aspx.

Monday, September 13 - Haunted Nights of History Informational Meeting
7:00 - 8:00 PM

The Springfield Art Association is seeking volunteers to assist with their 7th annual Haunted Nights of History tours. Volunteers are needed to assist visitors through Edwards Place historic home during the evening tours as well as portray "ghosts" of 19th century Springfield citizens throughout the house. An informational meeting will take place on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM. No experience is necessary and adults and children are welcome to volunteer. Please be prepared to read a few lines if you are interested in portraying a character.

Haunted Nights of History tours will take place on October 21 and 22, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. If unable to attend or for more information about the tours or event volunteer opportunities, please contact the Springfield Art Association at 217-523-2631 or collections@springfieldart.org.

Monday, September 13 - Blood Drive in Lincoln Residence Hall
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Donate blood  in Lincoln Residence Hall on Monday, September 13 in support of the Central Illinois Community Blood Center. Students, staff & community members are all welcome. CICBC is the only blood provider to area patients of twelve central Illinois hospitals, including Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital. Walk-ins are always welcome. If you have any questions about donating blood you can call 217-753-1530. Free T-shirts for donors. Sponsored by the Clinical Laboratory Science Club and the UIS Health Services

Thursday, September 16 – Volunteer Naturalist Training
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Lincoln Memorial Gardens is looking to train a new group of volunteer naturalists for the upcoming fall tour season. Learn how to share knowledge and appreciation of the natural world with local school classes and other youth groups. Lunch will be provided. Dress for the outdoors and call 217-529-1111 to register.

Saturday, September 18 – World Wide Day of Play
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Springfield Park District and the American Heart Association are teaming up once again for the 5th annual World Wide Day of Play. The WWDoP is a part of Go Healthy Month, a local initiative to encourage youth to be active and to promote healthy lifestyles. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, safety supervision, and especially playing the games! This year’s event will be held at Lincoln Park. Call the Volunteer Center at 217-206-7716 for more info.

Monday, September 20 – Friday, September 24 – Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Work
12:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Illinois Audubon Society will be conducting another week long trail maintenance project at the Adam’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Springfield. The Sanctuary is preparing for the fall season of student visitors, and volunteers are needed to help load, dump, and rake out wood chips on the trails throughout the park. All tools will be provided. Contact Jo Skoglund at 217-544-2473 or jskoglund@illinoisaudubon.org to register or if you have any questions.

Featured Service Splash
Thursday, September 23 – Fall Into Volunteering Fair
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

The 2nd annual Fall Into Volunteering Fair will take place Thursday, September 23 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM in the PAC Main Concourse. Local nonprofit organizations will be on campus offering volunteer opportunities for UIS students. No matter your interests, you can find ways to engage with and serve your community here. This is a great opportunity for Social Work majors, TEP minors, and ECCE Engagement students to connect with local organizations that can help you meet your service hour requirements. It’s also a great opportunity to get engaged in your community, give back, and learn new skills. Don’t miss out!

For more info, check out our website at: www.uis.edu/volunteer/events/fallfair.html. All questions should be directed to the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center at volunteer@uis.edu.

Saturday, September 25 – Playground Build at Gehrmann Park
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The children of the Gehrmann Park community need a safe, clean, and fun place to play and enjoy their families. The Springfield Park District and Kaboom! are teaming up to provide the funding, but we need 150 + volunteers to actually erect the equipment. Volunteers can register by calling Chuck Smith at 217-753-6212.
Ongoing - APL Cage Cleaning at Gizzy Lu
Various

Gizzy Lu at White Oaks Mall is a steady source of APL cat and kitten adoptions.  APL now has an opportunity to keep kittens there all the time - meaning APL can help even more cats. In order to do this, APL needs volunteers to clean once a day during September. Sundays are covered, so 6 volunteers who would each take one day a week all month (for instance, all the Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.) are needed. There is no set time for cleaning; it can be done at your convenience during the hours of 10:00 AM - 6:00 p.m.

Gizzy provides all the cleaning supplies, and it takes a half-hour to clean. People stop by to talk, so it's a good chance to promote APL and educate them. It's also a good opportunity to cuddle kittens! Please contact Evelyn Taylor at evtaylor1@comcast.net or phone 217-492-5110 to volunteer.




Remember, if you want to give back or get involved in your community, come by our office in the Student Affairs Building, Room 60, or check out our website at www.uis.edu/volunteer.

Special Olympics Bowling Tournament Time Changed

A head's up to all of you who were planning on helping out at the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament Saturday, August 21.

We are now planning on leaving at 8:30 AM, from the Volunteer Center in SAB 60. Those of you new to UIS can find a map to our office at http://www.uis.edu/maps. The Student Affairs Building is on the East side of campus.

Hope to see you all there!

A Few Good Men

Real Men Read

Springfield Public Schools is looking for a few good men to be a part of Springfield Real Men Read, a literacy and mentoring initiative that connects men with school children. In January 2010, Springfield Public Schools introduced Real Men Read in its five middle schools and Douglas School. Over 100 seventh grade students participated in the pilot.

MENtors simply visit classrooms once a month beginning in October. During their visit, they read and discuss the month’s selection and impress upon students the relationship between literacy and life success.

The mentors in last year's pilot program were excellent and included members of the business community, academia and the clergy. The district found that:

• 73% of students said they’d like to participate in the program next year;
• 67% of students said they were inspired to read because of Real Men Read;
• 75% of teachers said teachers and students not in the pilot were interested in the program;

The district is looking to Real Men Read during the 2010-11 school year. To date, 13 classes will have mentors next year (second, third, sixth and seventh grades) and the district is looking to place another 21 men who have already pledged to join.

Men from all walks of life and professions are needed. For more information, contact Donna Treadwell, coordinator of volunteers, at 217-525-3257.

August Volunteer Opportunities

August Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, August 13 – Sunday, August 22 – APL at the Illinois State Fair
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 12:00 – 3:00 PM; 3:00 – 5:30 PM; 5:30 – 8:00 PM

The Animal Protective League is looking for volunteers to help park cars on the APL property during the Illinois State Fair. Parking fees earned during the fair help the APL fund operations throughout the year. Volunteers are needed each day during the shifts listed above. Please contact Lisa Burke via email at tb97@comcast.net if you would like to help.

Friday, August 13 - Central Illinois Foodbank School Supplies Drive

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 1:00 - 4:30 PM

The Central Illinois Foodbank will be hosting a mobile food pantry for kids on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 1:30 in the Brandon Court Housing Development. This event is designed to bridge the gap between the Kids Cafe Summer Program (which ended July 30th) and when school resumes August 23rd, when kids can receive free and reduced lunch. In addition to food, there is a great need for school supplies for the children in this program. If you have any school supplies that you would like to donate for this effort, please drop them off at the Foodbank anytime before August 13th.

*Feature Service Splash*
Saturday, August 21 – Special Olympics Bowling
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

The Special Olympics Bowling tournament is a signature event at UIS, with over 30 students joining other volunteers to help out 100+ athletes. A friendly, high-energy, and fun event. Lunch and a T-shirt are typically provided. Call 217-206-7716 or e-mail volunteer@uis.edu to RSVP.

*Feature Service Splash*
Friday, August 27 – Welcome Week Service-A-Thon
1:00 – 4:00 PM

The Volunteer Center annual Service-A-Thon gives you an opportunity to meet new friends and give back to community during Welcome Week. Choose from three different service projects at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, Southwind Park, or Ball School District Trail project. Call 217-206-7716 or e-mail volunteer@uis.edu to RSVP.

Ongoing – International Host Families
Ongoing

The Office of International Student Services is looking for families who could help facilitate learning and interaction between our international students and our community. The program does not require a home stay of any kind. Families are free to set whatever level of support they feel comfortable with. Some families and students choose a minimal level of activity, such as an exchange of contact information and an occasional meal together. Others do something weekly or decide on their own to share their homes, either for visits or for extended holidays. Some share all expenses. Other families choose to assist the students by completely covering the costs of any activities. If you wish to volunteer to become a host family for the coming school year, please contact Rick Lane at 217-206-6678 or e-mail rlane3@uis.edu.

Ongoing - Center for Teaching and Learning
1-5 hours per week

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is looking for volunteers who are talented photographers, fundraisers, and/or clerical workers (answering phones, e-mails, and scheduling appointments). CTL is looking for volunteers that can work 1-2 hours per week unless they are talented in other areas and would like experience in those areas. Please submit your resume using Career Connect and complete a volunteer application in the CTL - Brookens 460.

Ongoing - Mark Kirk Senate Campaign

5-15 hours per week

An internship with Mark Kirk’s U.S. Senate campaign offers college students and recent graduates the chance to join one of the most exciting and high-profile Senate races in the country. Interns will have the opportunity to get an inside look at a major political campaign, while learning new skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience. Interns will focus on calling voters from all across the state, going door-to-door to talk to voters about Congressman Kirk, building grassroots organization, assisting staff members with a variety of projects, distributing campaign literature, helping around the campaign office, and other key facets of the campaign. To volunteer, visit the "Kirk for Senate" website at http://www.kirkforsenate.com/, or call Michael M. Rasmussen at 217-241-9830 or email mmr.mrasmussen@gmail.com.


Welcome back students! Check out what our office has to offer at www.uis.edu/volunteer.

New Civic Engagement Website Released

We just released a whole new section of our website focused on civic engagement here at UIS. Features include: policy info on every major candidate for the upcoming national elections in November; info on the American Democracy Project at UIS; a Constitution quiz; and a whole host of links to readings, videos, documentaries, lectures, and other interactive tools.

We hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

http://www.uis.edu/volunteer/civicengagement/index.html

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

*Feature Volunteer Opportunity*
Saturday, July 10 – Taste of Downtown and American Music Show
Multiple Shifts Available

Great music and great food equal good times in downtown Springfield on Saturday, July 10, during the 11th annual Taste of Downtown and American Music show. Held on 5th Street between Jefferson and Adams, this summer celebration lasts from noon until midnight and requires a host of volunteers to run smoothly. Lots of different jobs and shifts are available. Volunteers receive $10 worth of food/beverage tickets as well as a volunteer t-shirt. Contact Kathleen Alcorn at (217) 544-1723 or volunteers@downtownspringfield.org for more info.

Saturday, June 5 – March for Meals
12:00 – 2:00 PM

The 4th Annual March for Meals Walk-A-Thon will be held Saturday, June 5 at Washington Park. The event raises money for the American Red Cross Meals on Wheels program, the only home-delivery provider of diet-specific meals in Springfield. You can support the program by raising pledges and walking in the event, dropping off pledges at the event, or simply coming out to show your support and learn more about the Meals on Wheels program. Contact Faraji Martin (fmartin@il-redcross.org) at (217) 787-7602 x237 for more info or to sign up.

Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 16 - Trail Maintenance Project

Various shifts available

Adams Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking volunteers to help put a new layer of woodchips on their trails. The Sanctuary is making preparations for the classes of students who often tour the sanctuary in the fall. If you are available for a few hours in the morning, afternoon, or evening during the week, please contact Jo Skoglund at (217) 544-2473 or jskoglund@illinoisaudubon.org.

Ongoing during the Summer – Meals on Wheels Drivers
Multiple weekly shifts

The Meals on Wheels program helps senior citizens, people with disabilities, the chronically ill and others who may need meals delivered on a short or long-term basis remain out of hospital and nursing home care. Volunteers are needed to help with delivering meals Monday-Friday throughout the summer. Contact Faraji Martin at fmartin@il-redcross.org. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Ongoing throughout the Summer – Radio Information Service
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Radio Information Service is a broadcast program of WUIS (91.9 FM) that provides audio broadcasts of print materials to the visually impaired. RIS is currently in need of volunteer readers on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 to 9:30 AM for their live broadcasts of the State Journal Register, plus two Saturday mornings a month. Those interested in reading should contact Sinta Seiber-Lane at (217) 206-6404 or e-mail ris-email@wuis.org.

Atention: Are you a student looking to fulfill a service-hours requirement for a class this summer? Stop by the Volunteer Center in SAB 60 and talk with us about your options! We will help refer you to the right organization and make your experience as easy and rewarding as possible. With over 100 nonprofits in the Springfield area that could use your help, we’re sure to find something that matches your interests and goals.

May Volunteer Opportunities

May Volunteer Opportunities

*Feature Volunteer Opportunity*
Thursday, June 10 – Sunday, June 13 – LPGA State Farm Classic
Multiple Shifts Available

The LPGA State Farm Classic is here once again, and we need your volunteer spirit more than ever. As a Golf Course Marshal, you will have the responsibility of maintaining fair playing conditions for the contestants and helping to ensure a smooth flow of play. If interested, contact the Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu. All volunteers must be registered by April 30th, so don’t wait!

Friday, April 30 – Sunday, May 2 – APL Cat Adoption
Multiple Shifts Available

The Animal Protective League needs volunteers to work the cat adoption at PetSmart’s upcoming National Adoption Weekend April 30 – May 2. Shift times are:

Friday, April 30: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 1: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, May 2: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Volunteer duties include assisting potential adopters, answering questions, and assisting with keeping cages tidy. All volunteers receive a free T-shirt. Volunteers who work Saturday or Sunday will receive lunch free. To volunteer, call Trish Gorda at (217) 206-5534 or e-mail trishy9989@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 1 – American Heart Association Heart Walk
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This yearly fundraiser for the American Heart Association raises money for heart health research and patient support. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Kids Zone, registration, parking, and other areas. RSVP to volunteer@uis.edu if you’d like to help. Transportation provided.

Thursday, May 6 – Saturday, May 8 – Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily, Different shifts available

Kevin Moore, a lifelong Springfield resident, will be experiencing the dream of home ownership in 2010! Kevin is a 52 year old gentleman suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a disease that progressively damages the retina. Volunteers will be building Kevin’s house from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. To volunteer, call Jeff Jerousek at (217) 523-2710 ext. 17 or e-mail him at volunteer@habitatsangamon.com. All skill levels are accepted and appreciated.

Saturday, May 8 – Colored Glass Recycling
7:30 AM – 12:30 PM

The Springfield Glass Recycling Day is back and needs your help. Volunteer duties include assisting with setup, erecting signs, directing traffic flow, handing out literature on recycling, counting vehicles, unloading glass from vehicles, and cleaning up at end of the event. Anyone working 2 hours or more will receive a free lunch (probably Jimmy John’s). To register, contact Wynne Coplea at (217) 789-2327 or email her at Wynne.Coplea@cwlp.com.

Saturday, May 15 – UIS Commencement
12:00 – 3:00 PM

Commencement time is quickly approaching and needs volunteers to help make this year’s Commencement a day to remember. As a volunteer, you will ensure a pleasant, rewarding ceremony for all of our graduates. All volunteers should to report to the Prairie Capital Convention Center by 12:00 PM and will be allowed to leave shortly after the ceremony begins. Of course, you are also invited to stay and enjoy the afternoon’s festivities as well! To register, call Grant Johnson at (217) 206-8428 or e-mail him at gjohn05s@uis.edu.

Ongoing in May – Radio Information Service
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Radio Information Service is a broadcast program of WUIS (91.9 FM) that provides audio broadcasts of print materials to the visually impaired. RIS is currently in desperate need of volunteer readers on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 to 9:30 AM for their live broadcasts of the State Journal Register, plus two Saturday mornings a month. Those interested in reading should contact Sinta Seiber-Lane at (217) 206-6404 or e-mail ris-email@wuis.org.

April Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, April 23 – UIS Cares Day
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Featured Service Splash*

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us this year on UIS Cares Day. Our partners at the Springfield Park District need our help revitalizing the hiking trails at one of Springfield’s most frequently used parks. Come enjoy the weather, the outdoors, and help make Springfield a better place to live and thrive. RSVP to (217) 206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.


Saturday, April 10 – Camp Widjiwagan
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois need help preparing their outdoor camp for the spring and summer scouting season. A wide variety of jobs are available and everyone is welcome. Help make Camp Widjiwagan a beautiful place for all girls. Lunch, drinks, and snacks will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty! RSVP to (217) 206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

Monday, April 19 – Jonathan Sprinkles, “How to be a Change Maker”
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Brookens Auditorium

Jonathan Sprinkles is a dynamic public speaker who has won national awards for his inspirational talks on leadership, diversity, and service. Using a highly interactive speaking style, Mr. Sprinkles will talk about how those with the most influence on others are almost always those who serve others - that true leadership comes from those who put others first. An ECCE Speaker Series Event. Co-sponsored by the Student Government Association. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 20 – Good as Gold Volunteer Awards Ceremony
4:30 – 7:00 PM
Sangamon Auditorium Lobby

The Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center is proud to host the second annual Good as Gold Ceremony, a recognition ceremony for UIS and community members that have volunteered their time and resources during the academic year. Join us for this celebration of the huge amount of good work that has been done by our campus and our community. Co-sponsored by the Springfield Junior League and Illinois Campus Compact. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by April 9 to (217) 206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

Thursday, April 22 – 2010 Women’s Expo
5:00 – 10:00 PM

The 2010 Women’s Expo features over 60 booths for women with information on health, safety, education, and services specifically for women. In addition, the event will feature a fashion show, auction, entertainment, and food and drinks. Volunteers are needed to help with admission, handing out programs, and assisting at the tents. The event benefits a number of area women’s organizations, including Sojourn Shelter and Services, an emergency services, educational, and legal assistance organization to victims of domestic abuse. To sign-up, or for more information about the Women’s Expo, please contact Candi Clouse at (217) 726-5100 ex. 213 or sojprevention@aol.com.

Saturday, April 24 – Sunday, April 25 – American Girl Fashion Show
Shifts from 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM both days

The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls. Participants celebrate the experience of being a girl through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. The event is a fundraiser for St. John’s Children’s Hospital. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions including ticket taking, registration, seating, and assisting participants back stage. Contact Laura Michelotti at laura.michelotti@st-johns.org for information on available opportunities. The registration deadline is April 16.

• Be sure to celebrate National Volunteer Week this April by going out to serve your favorite organization, or just by thanking those volunteers who help make your life safer, healthier, and richer year-round.
  

March Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday, March 27 – Trail Cleanup
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Featured Service Splash*

Ready to breathe some fresh air to ring in the spring? Join us Saturday, March 27 for a trail cleanup at Carpenter Park Nature Preserve here in Springfield. Carpenter Park is home to dozens of species of birds, a sizable white-tailed deer population, and one of the oldest trees in Illinois (over 400 years). Help us keep this place beautiful for all who enjoy it. RSVP to (217) 206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

March 1 – April 10 – Hunger Clean Up
Approximately 3 hours/week

Help us fight poverty in Springfield and abroad. We're looking for a student to lead a “Hunger Cleanup” here at UIS, a national student movement consisting of a month-long fundraising drive culminating in a national day of service. It only takes three hours a week to help feed your neighbors and make a difference in someone’s life. For more information about this event, go to: http://www.hungercleanup.org/about.html. If you’re interested in serving, contact the Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu or (217) 206-7716.

March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 – 27th Annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” Fundraiser
Afternoon and Evening start times

Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is holding their annual bowling fundraiser at King Pin Lanes in Springfield. Funds raised will provide guidance and support to at-risk children through Big Brothers Big Sisters various mentoring programs, including two programs here at UIS. To register or for more information, call (217) 753-1216 or visit their website at: http://www.bbbscapitalregion.org/fundraising_bowlforkids.php

Saturday March 6 – Polar Plunge
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Attention! More “Polar Plungers” are wanted to jump into Lake Springfield on Saturday, March 6th! The plunge is at noon and supports Special Olympics Illinois Sangamon/Area 17, serving athletes with intellectual disabilities in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Lunch will follow the plunge at The Knights of Columbus Hall #4179. Lunch is free for Plungers and $5 for non-Plungers. You can register for the Plunge at http://www.plungeillinois.com or by contacting Darrin Burnett at (217) 544-3023. Last minute Plungers are welcome to register the morning of the event. Costumes and craziness are encouraged!

Saturday, March 6 – Invasive Species Removal
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Friends of the Sangamon Valley are continuing their exotic species cleanup in Washington Park. All work is “deep woods” so bring work gloves and a beverage. If interested, meet at the Rose Garden parking lot below the Carillon at 10:00 AM. Contact George Rose at (217) 787-1940 for more information.

Thursday, March 11 – American Red Cross Volunteer Orientation
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM

The American Red Cross offers many different volunteer opportunities to match your interests and skills. Examples include, responding to local and national disasters, teaching first aid, CPR, life guarding, and disaster training courses, delivering meals to community members through the “Meals On Wheels” program, and assisting with special events and fundraisers. Begin your volunteer experience by attending the Volunteer Orientation on March 11. For more information call (217) 787-7602 or visit http://www.il-redcross.org/getinvolved/volunteerinfo.html.

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.

• Be sure to become a fan of our Facebook page for all the latest volunteer opportunities, photos, and info. Find us at http://www.facebook.com/#/uisvolunteer?ref=ts or search “UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center.”