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

April Volunteer Opportunities

(April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week!)

Sat., April 18: March of Dimes/March for Babies - Help register walkers from 8:30-10:30a.m.

Wed., April 22: UIS Cares Day & National Volunteer Week: Plant trees at Southwind Park, 9a.m. - Noon

Sat., April 25: National Global Youth Service Day, volunteer at the Youth Sports & Carnival in Gietl Park, 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Transportation provided to off campus events.

For more information or to RSVP, contact volunteer@uis.edu or 206-7716!

Students & Staff Participate in Springfield Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Students and staff rallied together to participate in the 2009 Springfield Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge is an event that works to support local Special Olympics athletes by having people voluntarily jump or run into the frigid lake waters of Illinois during winter. Over 2,600 participated statewide in over 18 jumps throughout the state.

The UIS Volunteer Polar Plunge team consisted of six undergraduate students and two UIS staff members. The UIS Volunteer Polar Plunge team raised $590 in three days and participated alongside 212 other members of the Springfield community. A total of $39,000 was raised by the participants of the Springfield Polar Plunge.

(Left to Right: *Jeremy Wilburn, Justin Bournes, Jackson Kern, Howard Kang, Stephen Gifford, Craig Rebou, Andrew Nicol, *Ralph Shank) * UIS Staff

For more information please visit:

1. Special Olympics Illinois - http://www.soill.org/
2. UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center - http://www.uis.edu/volunteer

More photos will be posted on our Flickr Page & Howard Kang is working on the wrap-up video.

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