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.”

May Volunteer Opportunities

Sat., May 2: Safe Family Saturday/American Red Cross - Volunteers are needed to help with helmet fittings from 10:30AM - 1:30PM (leaving from LRH at 10:00AM tomorrow)

Sat., May 2: American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk, IL State Fairgrounds - Volunteers are needed from 8-10a.m. (leaving from LRH at 7:45AM tomorrow)

May 7, 8, 9: Habitat for Humanity blitz at 2431 S. 9th St. (help put up walls, roof, windows)

Sat., May 9: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive/Central IL Foodbank - Volunteers needed for the U.S. Postal Service Food Drive from 11a.m. - 6:00p.m. (don't forget to leave a bag of food for your letter carrier!!!) www.HelpStampOutHunger.com

Sat., May 9: ON CAMPUS - Donate $25 ( or ask 5 people for $5) and come to the WDBR Dance Party to benefit Children's Miracle Network!!!! Watch live band Don't Mess with Winkie, hear DJs live, and join in the fun with Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero & Rock Band!!
This is one event on campus you don't want to miss!!!
8p.m. - Midnight, SLB Gym
100% of proceeds benefit Children's Miracle Network

May 15-17: Antique Show & Sale benefiting Ronald McDonald House at Orr Building & IL fairgrounds - Volunteers are needed to collect entrance fees at the two doors, in three hour shifts between the hours of 10:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
May 16-17: Volunteers are needed to help w/ Children's Tent at the Old Capitol Art Fair downtown! (2-3 hr shifts available from 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. on 5/16 and 9:30am-3:00p.m. on 5/17).

May 16: Springfield Park District Children's Carnival at Lincoln Park - volunteers are needed to staff carnival games (shifts available are 10am-2pm or 1-5pm)


Contact volunteer(at)uis.edu or 206-7716 to sign up for any of these events!

WDBR Dance Party Benefiting Children's Miracle Network

Come join 103.7 WDBR for a Dance Party benefiting the Children's Miracle Network!

Hear live band Don't Mess with Winkie, hear DBR DJs live, enjoy food provided by Taco Gringo, Dance Lessons and join in the fun with Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero & Rock Band!

All are welcome!

Time:

8p.m. - Midnight, on campus in the SLB Gym

Cost:

$25 w/ 100% proceeds going to Children's Miracle Network
Cost will cover donation, dance lessons, live band, food, etc.


For more info, contact volunteer(at)uis.edu or 206-7716