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.