UIS Volunteer Blog

Medical Surplus Recovery Finds Its Place at UIS

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Here at the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, we have added various new opportunities for a growing campus population to get involved. One of these opportunities is the recurring Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach service activity.

On Tuesday nights, UIS students gather at the front entrance of Lincoln Residence Hall. Each week, a different group meets up to volunteer for “a medical surplus recovery organization” that is focused “on meeting the healthcare needs of individuals in developing nations”. This wonderful organization also offers education and awareness opportunities, and cross-cultural mission experiences.

You might be asking why would I get involved? While I would have a biased answer, (I’m coordinating the project, after all.) data shows that UIS students are breaking down the door to get involved with this activity! The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center is only able to offer twelve sports each week and has overfilled available seats almost every time! Students are adamant to get involved in a service project that not only develops fellowship, but also creates an environment of humor and pleasure.

Student Shannon Stevens, first-year Biology major thinks, “It was really fun because I was with a great group of people who wanted to give back to their communities. When I was first approached about the project, I didn’t think that I would enjoy repackaging salvaged medical supplies; I knew we were helping those in need”.

When UIS students arrive at HSMO, they will work in different capacities each week. The needs of the program vary depending on donations from system hospitals. Typically, there are three concrete stations.

(1) The donated pallet is opened and supplies are sorted into bins based on expiration dates.

(2) Once sorted by expiration dates, these items are sorted by medical categories- sutures, skin prep, bandages).

(3) Finally, these categorized materials are assembled with like items. For example, all the same-size measuring containers will be put together and boxed.

Once these items are boxed, weighed, labeled, and entered into the warehouse system, distant communities are able to order surplus recovery medical supplies through an online inventory!

If you are interested in registering for one of the remaining sessions (every Tuesday, 5-8pm through December 10^th), connect with us at http://uishospitalsisters.eventbrite.com. Hurry, because seats are filling fast!

The Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach project is just another example of how UIS students are ‘Leadership Lived’.

Michael Lostpeich

Student Project Coordinator

UIS Volunteer Center

The Volunteer Center Wants YOU to Register to Vote

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:21:00 +0000

Yesterday was voter registration day and the volunteer center teamed up with the College Republicans and College Democrats of UIS to not only register students to vote, but also bring in representatives of candidates of the 13th Congressional District.

Say hi guys! Jeff (R) on the right, Marc (D) helped coordinate the event.

We registered UIS students to vote, or change their address from 1:00-6:00, with dinner and speakers from 4:30-6:00. The speakers even mingled with the crowd after to answer any questions about voting platforms they might have had.

If you missed yesterday's event and still would like to register, or are interested in being a part of other voter registration and civic engagement events than keep your eyes open for more to come! Also, feel free to stop by or shoot us an email with civic engagement projects you would like to get started.

~Erika
UIS Vista

Alpha Phi Omega at UIS

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 17:43:00 +0000

So I am sure you've seen a lot of things going on lately from Alpha Phi Omega, and maybe you wondered what they were and what they do. Well today you are going to get the inside track on all things Alpha Phi Omega, and what they've been up to so far this semester.

Involvement Expo!

I'm sure a lot of you met them already, what with the events going on and also from their presence at the Involvement Expo (you remember them, they were the ones giving out the rootbeer floats), but here's the details: Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed national service fraternity and they do a lot of really cool stuff. They have fellowship and bonding events, service projects, and are just a great group of people to get involved with.

What have they been up to on campus lately? Well, frankly they have done quite a bit.

Game Nights

Adopt-A-Street

Quidditch!

(and if you don't think this deserves two pictures you are dead wrong).

Most importantly, though, they just welcomed eleven new pledges into their fraternity (in case you didn't know pledges are members who have not been fully initiated. They have a pledge ceremony where interested individuals show up and are ceremoniously brought into the fold, and then when they have completed some service and have learned all about the organization and want to dedicate themselves to being a part of it they become full members).

And we would like to congratulate them on becoming a part of this amazing organization.

Congrats New Alpha Phi Omegas!!!

If you are interested in joining keep your eyes open for more events to come this semester, as well as for the info sessions and pledging ceremony next semester when they will, again, be taking new members.

~Erika
UIS Vista

The volunteers have been busy bees the past few weeks

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 15:11:00 +0000

So posts have been sparse lately (sorry about that), but that doesn't mean that great things haven't been happening in the volunteer center.

So what EXACTLY has been happening? Good question. For one, the different service organizations on campus have been gearing up and are doing some fantastic work of their own. There have been Habitat for Humanity Build Days (and more of those are coming up!), Pizza Socials with the Red Cross Club, and Alpha Phi Omega (a national service fraternity) has been gathering together people for a combination of fun and service opportunities. But you'll hear more on that later...

Alpha Phi Omega and other volunteers do Adopt-A-Street.

What other cool things are happening you may ask? Well, our weekly service projects are starting up! We have three that will be happening.

On Tuesday nights from 5:00pm-8:00pm you can hop on the bus at LRH and join the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach group and sort hospital supplies to be sent to third world countries. Be sure to sign up for that on our volunteer website, though, there are only twelve available slots per week.
It's also not too late to sign up to help with Lee Elementary Homework Club (contact kjama2@uis.edu if you're interested and he'll hook you up). For this one you would be taken out to Lee Elementary and work with elementary students to help them with their homework or other projects, as well as to help mentor them. This event happens on Thursday afternoons from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
We also have Big Brothers Big Sisters happening, but it's unfortunately too late to sign up for that now.

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach

We also have done a lot of other cool things too. Our L4L members wend to the food bank and had a sort off, returning members vs. the freshmen. We were the very first group to go out there, and it was so much fun! But beyond that, something that one of our L4L members talked about after, was how much was accomplished. Matt (an L4L freshmen) talked about how it was great to know exactly how much they did. There is only one guy who does all of the sorting of canned goods for the foodbank along with everything else he has to do, so it felt good to know how much more they were able to help them get done.

Shameless Plug of How YOU Can Get Involved...

TOMORROW!

Come out to Voter Registration Day feat. Congressional Candidates and Campaign Managers from the upcoming 13th Congressional District Elections.

Get registered to vote and discuss the issues (bonus, there will be food).

Sept. 26th

Foot in the Door Fair!

Sept. 28th

Senator McCann's Recycling Event

Come volunteer and help organizations collect items to recycle, everything from used batteries to clothing.
Or, come and recycle some of your own things!
https://uisrecycles.eventbrite.com/ (click the link to register)

Oct. 3rd

Making the Grade

Oct. 4th

uHelp iHelp Service Project

Oct. 5th

Habitat for Humanity Build Day

Oct. 18th

Trick or Treat for Canned Goods Applications are due!

http://uofi.uis.edu/cms/3128/trick_or_treat_for_canned_goods_team_registration.pdf (click the link for a copy of the application).

Oct. 19th

Habitat for Humanity Build Day

Oct. 31

Trick or Treat for Canned Goods and after party at Quaker Steak!

And don't forget that you can also sign up for our weekly events!

Interested in any (or all) of these and want more information?
Contact the Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu or stop by SLB 60!

Alpha Phi Omega Game Night!

~Erika

UIS Vista

Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:50:00 +0000

So today's post is a little less snark and a bit more jaw dropping awe. But that's ok, I think, because the experience I had at Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach warrants that kind of awe. If you have the chance to go and be a part of that, then you should (there will be info at the end of the post detailing how you can get involved with them) but enough about that.

So during Service-A-Thon I went to Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach, and it was a very surprising. I knew kind of what I was getting into from discussing the organization with Doc. I knew it was a giant warehouse that collects hospital supplies that hospitals in America won't use anymore, or don't need, that have never been used or in the case of larger equipment, wheelchairs, etc. that has been gently used and still is in good condition, and they collect it instead of just letting hospitals throw all of that out. Then they sort it all in some fantastic and magical way and store it until a hospital or clinic in a third world country pops onto their website and orders a big cargo container filled with all of the supplies they need.

Like one of these. Only packed to the brim with all the supplies they need.

Then all the clinic or hospital has to pay for is the shipping, and presto! They are stocked with a bunch of perfectly good supplies that would otherwise be rotting in some dumpster, wasted.

Now, don't get me wrong, that is what Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach is, and is all about. But you don't really understand the organization or the work they do until you step into that warehouse and you see it. You see all of the boxes, all of the things that would have just gone to waste otherwise when there is nothing wrong with them. Millions and millions of boxes of gauze and bandages that haven't been used or anything and will last forever thrown out for no reason. The same for things like latex gloves, and all the little things we take for granted that other countries have in such short supply.

And then, they tell you the stories.

Stories about hospitals they know of that have only one pair of latex gloves that they use over and over because it's all they have. Reverently washing and drying them after each use because, after all, its better than nothing. And of people from those hospitals who have come to the warehouse before, and broken down at the sheer quantity of the things they need just sitting on shelves, and the knowledge that if someone hadn't thought to start collecting it, it all would have just been thrown away.

So now, what do you do when you get there (besides being dumbstruck, of course)? Well you first get the tour (so you too can see exactly what it is you are contributing to), and then you get down to work. You have two options, based on exactly how detail oriented you are. You either can sort items more generally (all bandages and bandage-esque things in one giant tub, medical equipment in another, etc.) or you can be more specific (this particular kind of gauze in one tub, this bandage type in another, etc.), it just depends on your personality and what you are comfortable with.

The group on the left is doing more general sorting, the team on the right is doing detailed sorting.

At first it can be a little overwhelming, with so many tubs and specifications on where things go, and as you are NOT required to have any sort of medical knowledge it can be a little more difficult as you don't always know what you are looking at, at least not at first. But before you know it you've got the hang of it and can get it a rhythm. You also get to take a break and step away from it all at about the half way point, and join your fellow volunteers in the break room for snacks and to chat for a bit.

All in all I can't even begin to tell you how fantastic this service opportunity is, and if you are interested in getting involved here is how you can do that:

Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach

Weekly, Starting Sept. 17th

5-8pm

Transportation will be provided,
Busing will leave from LRH

To sign up click the link:

http://uishospitalsisters.eventbrite.com

LIMIT 12 VOLUNTEERS PER WEEK

For more information contact:

Michael Lotspeich
mlots2@uis.edu

- Erika
UIS VISTA

Service-A-Thon 2013 Part 1: Cooking for 300, Red Cross Care Packages, and St. John's Breadline

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:01:00 +0000

Friday was Service-A-Thon. And for those of you who don't know it's an opportunity for students to get involved in service all day, with different projects happening all the time both on and off of campus. They created care packages for victims of fire and natural disasters with the Red Cross, served food at St. John's Bread Line that they had made the night before, worked at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, and at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

But Service-A-Thon really began on Thursday night when the L4L students all got together to make all of the food for St. John's Breadline.

Yum! Pasta salad and brownies!

For me at least the food prep for St. John's breadline was fantastic because I got to hang out a little bit with some of the L4L-ers and get to know them better over loud music and liking brownie bowls clean, as well as the ever present debate of whether there was enough seasoning in the pasta salad. It was just a great opportunity to work as a team and get things accomplished, and even better knowing that all the food we made was going to a great cause.

The Bluebell Team and their food. Yeah, we made a lot.

There were three teams making the amount we did,
plus a sandwich team. We made enough for 300!

The next day was the big day, we loaded up the van and Doc with food to be shipped over to St. John's Bread Line, where students would be joining it later, and I booked it over to the Red Cross Event where we had two shifts of students (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) who came in and made 400 care packages a shift, that will be sent out all over central Illinois.

Just look at that teamwork!

Each care package got a washcloth, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a stuffed mickey mouse, deodorant, all the various little things you would need or could give comfort if you suddenly found yourself with nothing. The students also participated in a mock shelter so they could see what it would be like if they found themselves in that kind of a situation.

Then there was St. John's Breadline, where our students rejoined the food they made the night before and actually got to serve it. They handed out the food they had made, cups of ice (because it was so hot Friday), and talked with the people who came in.

*insert gratuitous picture of Doc in a hairnet*

I wasn't at this event, I was at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, but when Doc told me about it it sounded really interesting. He talked a lot about how people there, while there were some on a very different life path from him, were very much like him. How circumstances outside of their control had gotten in their way and put them in the position they found themselves in, and how if things had worked out for him just a little differently than they did for him he could easily see himself in the same place they were. And I don't know about you, but that really puts things in perspective.

Ashley talking to a woman who came into the Breadline.

Our Habitat for Humanity Restore event was led by the president of the Habitat for Humanity club on campus, and they went down to the Restore in downtown Springfield to help out. Again, I wasn't there because it was happening at the same time as the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach event was, but I did hear some interesting stories about it from one of the L4L members, Sophia. She's going to get a mini blog post all to herself later on this week. But it sounds like they had a pretty interesting experience as well.

The final event was one I went to, the Hospital Sister's Mission Outreach, and yeah, this section might be a little long, but that's just because I know it best. That one is also going to be getting a mini blog post of it's own later on this week. So keep your eyes open for those!

Until then, if you are interested in more information on what happened during Service-A-Thon you can click the link to be directed to the (more official) Service-A-Thon blog post, which even includes a video with Doc and some of our volunteers talking about their experiences. I highly recommend it! And if you are interested in knowing more about volunteering with any of the organizations I've just talked about, the first time they are mentioned they have a link in their name which will direct you to that organization's webpage for more info!

-Erika

UIS Vista

Let Me Win, But if I Cannot Win, Let Me be Brave in the Attempt: Special Olympics Bowling 2013

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:48:00 +0000

Saturday we bowled.

Ok, so we didn't bowl, we didn't wear goofy rented shoes or score gutterballs. We did something much, much better. Early on Saturday we, and by we I mean the L4L members and some other enthusiastic volunteers from UIS, loaded up a bus and headed out into Springfield to volunteer for Special Olympics Bowling, and it was fantastic. Not only was the experience itself great, but it also reminded us of something right off the bat.

It's not always about winning.

Ok, so to some people it is, but really it isn't. The slogan of the Special Olympics is "let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." And it is a fantastic reminder, for everyone. Yes, try to win, do your absolute best, but in the end it is the attempt that matters and the memories and all the other things you get in the process.

Kristin giving out the gold metal.

And if that is the case, then I think our volunteers got just as much out of the event as the participants, event those who won the gold. For them it was an opportunity to catch a glimpse at the little things they take for granted and meet some amazing people they might not otherwise see or if they did that they might not take the time to really meet.

"For me the most touching experience of the whole day was when one of the participants came up to me and hugged me. She told me that she really liked me and hoped that I would come back and help her team next year. In my mind, that really showed me that I made a small impact in the world through my service, and that really touched my heart."

-Martina '17

"In between frames I was able to talk to my team of bowlers and learned Tony liked to watch different shows on Netflix, Deb loves to bowl, and Janice likes the Cubs. Out of all the bowlers I think Janice and I had a connection. And after everyone was done bowling the team was awarded gold metals! That just goes to show how good they were! Even though the bowlers had some sort of disability they didn't let that stop them from going for the gold. As I said good-bye to my bowlers, Deb's mom thanked me for all of my help, and Janice and Deb both gave me a hug good-bye. That made all the difference in the world. All of the athletes that participated in the Special Olympics didn't allow challenge or disability to stop them from doing anything. This was truly an experience I will always remember."

-Lizzy '17

Lizzy and Martina were not the only people to feel that way, everyone walked away with a story, a hug, something that really stuck with them. The bus ride back was filled with students bragging about the amazing scores their bowlers had, and just what made the experience so great.

"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

The athletes were brave. They came out to the bowling alley and threw everything they had into the game. They laughed, they cheered each other on, and had the time of their lives. While our volunteers showed up to help them I think they helped us. They showed us the sort of attitude we should bring into our own daily lives, to strive to win, to do our very best, but if we don't then at least we can say we tried, and that we put our all into something.

-Erika
UIS Vista

-Martina
UIS Class of 2017

-Lizzy
UIS Class of 2017

Leadership for Life Retreat 2013

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:54:00 +0000

Leadership for Life kicked off its academic year service projects with a retreat, welcoming in a group of freshmen who have dedicated themselves and the next year to service.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Leadership for Life (L4L for short), these students commit to 40hrs of service and take one class altogether while living in a living-learning community out of a wing of Lincoln Residence Hall. We also welcomed back our L4L directors, committee chairs, mentors, and members who have decided to dedicate themselves to a second, third, or even fourth year of service with L4L.

At 10am we loaded up two vans and a couple of cars and headed off campus to avoid the rush of the general move in day (the L4L freshmen were lucky enough to move in the day before and beat the rush), and headed off to the house one of the administrators owns on Lake Springfield.

Doesn't she look just heartbroken about being out of the office?

We started off the day with ice breakers, starting off with something easy that looks hard, and something hard that looked so easy. The first ice breaker was to get in a circle and sit on each others' lap and walk in a circle, team work and a lot of trust was key.

Then we moved on to something that sounded easy, but was hard as we attempted to stand on a tarp and flip it over without stepping on the grass. While we might not have gotten that one to work we had a lot of fun, got to in each others' personal space a bit more than we might have liked, and got to stretch our problem solving skills to the max.

But the highlight of the retreat day is always the build-a-boat contest. Every year Dr. Dochterman splits the L4L members into groups and gives each of them identical and random objects to try and build a boat out of. Prizes then goes to the fastest, the Titanic, best team spirit, and most creative.

Everyone's first thought? What are we supposed to do with this stuff?!

After the initial surprise that they have to somehow build a sea-worthy boat that will float one member of their team using only misc. materials wears off everyone gets down to work. This year they were given duct tape, two pieces of PVC pipe, a large box, a medium box, a long piece of wood, a pool floatie, a length of string, some tarp, and a bucket.

All of them were fantastic, however, we quickly found out that some

were more sea worthy than others...

Note: No Team Leader was Harmed/Drowned in the Race Process...

Yeah, the race was probably the highlight of the day! It was great to see what each team had managed to come up with, and cheer each other on as the group leaders took the chance to hop on board to see if their ship would swim or if they would be going down with it in true captain fashion.

How better to end the day than just jumping right in?

All in all the L4L Retreat was a fantastic way to start out the year, a great way to meet the people we'll be working with, and a lot of fun.

- Erika

UIS Vista

The Volunteer Bulletin 3.3.13

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 02:46:00 +0000

The Volunteer Bulletin 3.3.13

This bulletin is a bi-weekly post containing information about service and civic engagement opportunities for UIS students, staff, and faculty.

What’s next? - A highlight of an upcoming project you can participate in

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, Sending Medical Supplies to Developing Countries

Monday, March 25 – 4:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. (transportation provided)

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach is not-for-profit organization in Springfield that addresses the serious unmet medical needs of people in developing countries. Volunteers will be sorting supplies by medical category, counting and packaging supplies that will then be distributed across the globe. To sign up for this event email Mark Dochterman at volunteer@uis.edu. Space is limited.

Making the Grade, Mentoring Local High School Students

Friday, April. 9

Making the Grade gives volunteers the chance to help local students and explore issues such as work ethic, classroom behavior, and career planning. Sign up to work one-on-one with needy students, discussing social and academic problems and recommending solutions. The program will kick off the ’13 school year at Lanphier High on February 22^nd, with time slots ranging from half an hour to the entire school day. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at hrjones@sps186.org or by phone at (217) 525-3249.

Make a Commitment! - A highlight of an ongoing volunteer opportunity you can commit to.

Midwest Mission Distribution Center – Disaster Preparedness Packaging

MMDC is a disaster relief response center that responds with relief kits and supplies to those affected by natural or economic disasters. Spend a Saturday afternoon volunteering between 8:30 and 4:00 making, packing and sorting disaster relief kits and supplies. Contact Mary Evermon at 217-483-7911 or office@midwestmissiondc.org.

Upcoming Calendar - A list of upcoming events and contact information.

March

9 – 16 - Alternative Spring Break

22 – St. John’s Breadline with APO (Bekha, rscot5@uis.edu)

25 – Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (volunteer@uis.edu)

April

9 – Making the Grade – Lanphier High School (Kristin, kdavi7@uis.edu)

10 – Day of Lobbying at the Capital (Hannah, hcave2@uis.edu)

12 – Day of Art (Kristin, kdavi7@uis.edu)

13 – Habitat 4 Humanity (Melissa, mlang5@uis.edu)

15 – Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (Mark, volunteer@uis.edu)

16 – Good as Gold Volunteer Awards Ceremony

21 – 26 – Springfest Service Project, Habitat for Humanity Brush with Kindness

May

3 – Making the Grade 4 (Kristin, kdavi7@uis.edu)

5 – MS Walk (Chelsea, cstil2@uis.edu)

Ronald McDonald House Volunteer opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Opportunity

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois is in need of volunteers able to come to the House anytime between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm for one or more hours September 9, 10, 11 or 12 to help prepare our newsletters for mailing (basically inserting a donation envelope between the stapled pages of the newsletter and adding a sticker). Anyone interested in helping is invited to contact the House for additional information or “just show up”.

Contact Information

Margaret Pike, House Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois

610 N. 7^th Street

Springfield, IL 62702

217-528-3314 ext. 146

mpike@rmhc-centralillinois.org

www.rmhc-centralillinois.org

The Rising Stars Rec. Sports Day!

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Volunteers are needed for the Rising Stars Rec. Sports day Saturday, October 8, 2011 1pm-4pm. Volunteers will be asked to help facilitate the different activities presented. Assistance in leading and keeping a close eye on the activities will be asked of our volunteers. Volunteers will be spilt into different groups or participating in one big group depending on the number of students who participate.

To volunteer or for more information please contact Richard Huffines rhuff3@uis.edu

Volunteers Needed for Homecoming 5K

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, October 15th from 8:30 am until 11:00 am to help with the UIS Homecoming 5K. The volunteers will be either helping with registration, help guide runners throughout the course, hand out water to the runners or help out at the finish line. To sign up to volunteer or for more information, please contact Trent Tangen at ttang20@uis.edu.

Sangamon Auditorium Student Volunteer Usher

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:17:00 +0000

See shows for free at Sangamon Auditorium!

UIS Sangamon Auditorium is seeking UIS student volunteer ushers for Fall 2011. UIS student ushers will greet, direct, assist, and ensure the safety and comfort of patrons attending performances and other events in Sangamon Auditorium and the Studio Theatre.

 SERVICE THE UIS COMMUNITY by assisting with the safety and comfort of those attending events.

 SEE GREAT SHOWS! You will be able to see the events at which you usher without having to purchase a ticket.

 VOLUNTEERING WORKS WITH YOUR FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE. You can usher as often or as seldom as your schedule allows.

Join us Friday, September 9 at 12 p.m. in PAC 397 (Auditorium Administrative Offices) for free pizza
and a one-hour informational session about serving as a volunteer usher.

If possible, please RSVP to Mindy McCaffrey at 206-8288 or audfohga@uis.edu. Walk-ins also welcome!

Volunteers needed for Girls on The Run

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Girls on the Run

About the organization:
Girls on the run is a positive youth development program that combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect lifestyles in pre-teen girls. They inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

What they do:
Girls on the Run is for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing and uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.

How can you help?
The Springfield chapter of Girls on the Run is looking for women volunteers to coach twelve 3rd through 5th grade girls.
4 coaches are needed - 2 coaches are needed on Mondays from 3:15 to 4:30 and 2 are needed for Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30. The program will last 10 weeks and there will be one training meeting and all materials are provided.

Contach Sue Landgrebe with questions - 217-622-7872

Walk to End Alzheimer's

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:55:00 +0000

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for volunteers to help with their Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, September 24th, 2011. Volunteers would help with water/food distribution, route marking and signage, advocacy efforts, set-up/tear-down, registration, or t-shirt distribution. To volunteer, contact Tina Arnold by phone at 217-726-5184 or email at tina.arnold@alz.org.

They are also looking for people to participate in the walk. To register to participate click on the following link: http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=452921.

Volunteer Alert - Central Illinois Foodbank

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Special After-Hours Volunteer Project
Tonight, August 18th, 5pm - 8pm
Central Illinois Foodbank has received a truckload of donated Godiva Chocolates. We are required to have ingredient labels on all of the products going out our door to protect individuals with food allergies. This volunteer project involves taping ingredient labels provided by the donor on each individual bag of chocolate.
We need volunteers, age 16 or older, to join our evening labeling group tonight from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
To sign up for any of these volunteer opportunties, please contact Shawna Cain at: scain@centralilfoodbank.org or 217-522-4022.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

(please note that these require a year long commitment and you should sign up at the beginning of the school year)

AVID Tutoring

Volunteers will tutor kids in District 186 schools during the lunch hour one hour a week and they will help be a teacher's assistant for one hour a week. This is a paid volunteer opportunity that pays $10 an hour for the hours spent tutoring. Volunteers are asked to give their time for the one hour of being a teacher's assistant. To volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or call 217-206-7716.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Volunteers will mentor a kid for one hour a week during lunch time. They will be working at Harvard Park School and Jefferson Middle School. To volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or call 217-206-7716.

Urban League Tutor

SUMMARY: The general responsibilities of the tutor are to provide intensive and extensive tutorial services for students. The tutor, in order to assist the student in his/her education endeavors, will utilize the resources by the Youth & Community Program and/or school district personnel. The tutor will provide feedback to Site Coordinator, teachers and parents regarding the progress the student is making. The individual must be extremely reliable, trustworthy, and have a positive attitude toward direction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provide academic assistance to assigned tutees, either in a group or individually.
2. Establish liaison with the teacher and work under the teacher’s director, if necessary to assist the student.
3. Attend periodic training sessions to increase competency in working with students.
4. Be responsible for maintaining records on each student being tutored, including follow-up and periodic assessment.
5. Provide evaluations and other reports.
6. Assist students in developing positive attitudes toward learning and studying.
7. Assist students in developing self-confidence, and reducing anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
8. Assist students in developing a high level of motivation in academic areas.
9. Assist students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas.
10. Help students develop the study skills necessary for academic success.
11. Establish and maintain rapport with the assigned student(s).
12. Serve as a role model for students being served.
13. Be learner-centered. Plan and conduct tutorial sessions keyed to your learner’s specific needs, interests and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Current college student;
2. Ability to speak, read, and write in English fluently.
3. Display cultural sensitivity and openness to different values/beliefs.
4. Demonstrate patience and willingness to provide encouragement.
5. Willing to commit to at least six hours per week and six months of instructional time, or as agreed upon between tutor and Director or Advocate.
6. Prior experience preferred.

To volunteer, please email us at volunteer@uis.edu or call us at 217-206-7716.

Urban League Youth Mentor

SUMMARY: The general responsibilities of the mentor are to empower youth to increase self-esteem gain life skills and engage in positive social activities. Provide opportunities for youth to be successful and feel they are cared about. Share your interests and values while participating in mutually enjoyable activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. To provide friendship, support and inspiration to the mentee with whom you have been matched.
2. To work as a part of a team in conjunction with the Program Coordinator, school staff and community agencies to help your mentee develop as strong a foundation as is possible.
3. To motivate and help your mentee(s) learn how to help him/herself.
4. To encourage your mentee to make her own decisions and to be responsible for them by walking through the possible consequences.
5. To facilitate group activities with mentees to assist them in their personal development.
6. To assist your mentee in accomplishing and refining the tangible skills needed in daily living such as parenting, budgeting, maintenance; and apartment or job searching.
7. To assist your mentee in the development of intangible skills such as problem solving and assertiveness as well as helping in the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
8. To be willing to share your experiences and ideals with your mentee.
9. To be available to your mentee when a listening ear is needed.
10. To meet with or contact your mentee on a regular basis.
11. To fill out reports needed by the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator and Program Site Coordinator.
12. To attend training, case manager meeting, and mentor/mentee social experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Be a college student.
2. Ability to speak, read, and write in English fluently.
3. Display cultural sensitivity and openness to different values/beliefs.
4. Demonstrate patience and willingness to provide encouragement.
5. Willing to commit to at least six hours per week and nine months of time, or as agreed upon between mentor, mentee, and AmeriCorps Coordinator.

To volunteer, please contact us by email at volunteer@uis.edu or phone at 217-206-7716.

August Service Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:46:00 +0000

August Service Opportunities

Friday, August 19 - State Fair Parking
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

A service organization is seeking volunteers to help with parking at gate 7 at the state fairgrounds. They request that you sign up for a 2 or 3 hour shift and then you can take time to enjoy the fair. For more information, or to sign up to help volunteer, please contact Pam Hammond-McDavid at pmcda1@uis.edu or 217-206-7716.

Saturday, August 20 - Special Olympics Bowling
8:30 am to 2:00 pm

The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be taking students help with the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament. We will leave from Lincoln Residence Hall at 8:30 am (please show up by 8:15 if you plan on going). We will be helping on the lanes to make sure everyone bowls in the correct order. If you would like to sign up for this event, please contact our office by email at volunteer@uis.edu or phone at 217-206-7716.

Friday, August 26 - Service-a-thon
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be hosting a Service-a-thon and we will be working with three different organization in the community. We will be working with Habitat for Humanity either with a restore project or helping to start their youth build. We will also be working with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach to help sort medical supplies. Last, we will be working with the Springfield Park District to collect garbage along the Wabash Trail. To sign up, please email us at volunteer@uis.edu or call us at 217-206-7716.

Saturday, August 27 - BBQ and Blues 50/50 Raffle
12 pm to 12 am

A group seeks volunteers to help sell tickets for a 50/50 raffle during the Springfield BBQ and Blues Festival. All volunteers will get into the event for free. The group needs a couple of people each hour during the day shifts and more people during the night shifts. For more information or to sign up for the event, please contact Debra Rhoads at debra.rhoads11@gmail.com.

Opportunities to Volunteer with Special Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Special Olympics needs volunteers for softball on July 30, 2011. To help with this event, RSVP to Darrin Burnett at dburnett@soill.org.

They also need volunteers for bowling on August 20, 2011. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be taking volunteers to this event, so you can RSVP to volunteer@uis.edu or you can call 217-206-7716.

On October 21, 2011 they will be having a Trivia Knight and they need players and auction items for this event. You can contact Darrin Burnett at dburnett@soill.org for more information.

Volunteer at the Taste of Downtown: July 8th and 9th

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:49:00 +0000

The Taste of Downtown in Springfield is looking for volunteers to help with this event. They need volunteers for Friday night, July 8, between 9pm and 11pm, and on Saturday, July 9, from 7pm to 11pm. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer during these hours, please contact Diane Covinton, Volunteer CoordinatorTaste of Downtown, right away! Her email is Diane.Covington@ieanea.org.
Please email her with your:

1) full name,

2) mailing address,

3) phone number,

4) desired volunteer duty,

5) hours you are available to volunteer (a minimum of 2 hours, please) and

6) t-shirt size.

The volunteer opportunities include:

Friday:

Set Up/Tear Down (3PM to 5PM and 9PM to Close)

4th & Washington Entrance Ticket Booth (4:45 PM to 10PM)

6th & Washington Entrance Ticket Booth (4:45 PM to 10PM)

5th & Adams Street Entrance Ticket Booth (4:45 PM to 10PM)

4th & Washington Entrance Food Ticket Sales (4:45 PM to 10PM)

6th & Washington Entrance Food Ticket Sales (4:45 PM to 10PM)

5th & Adams Street Entrance Food Ticket Sales (4:45 PM to 10PM)

5th & Jefferson Security

Volunteer Sign In (4:30 PM to 10:00 PM)

I.D. Check (5 PM to 11:30 PM)

Soda Sales (5 PM to 11:00 PM)

Floater (5 PM to Midnight)

Ice Delivery (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Saturday:

Set Up/Tear Down (10 AM to Noon and 9PM to Close)

4th & Washington Entrance Ticket Booth (Noon to 10PM)

6th & Washington Entrance Ticket Booth (Noon to 10PM)

5th & Adams Street Entrance Ticket Booth (Noon to 10PM)

4th & Washington Entrance Food Ticket Sales (Noon to 10PM)

6th & Washington Entrance Food Ticket Sales (Noon to 10PM)

5th & Adams Street Entrance Food Ticket Sales (Noon to 10PM)

5th & Jefferson Security

Volunteer Sign In (11:30 AM to 10:00 PM)

I.D. Check (Noon to 11:30 PM)

Soda Sales – Children’s Area (Noon to 6:00 PM)

Soda Sales – 5th & Washington (Noon 11:00 PM)

Floater (Noon to Midnight)

Ice Delivery (Noon to 10:00 PM)

Keep Lending a Helping Hand!

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:29:00 +0000

UIS is in need of about 10 more volunteers to help with Commencement. Details include:
Date: Saturday, May 14
Where: Prairie Capital Convention Center
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Responsibilities: To help students lineup in proper college programs and make sure students stay in their proper lines as they walk into the seating area.
To volunteer to help, contact Grant Johnson at gjohn04s@uis.edu.

Also, considering helping out with The Glass Collection on Saturday May 21 from 8am to noon. For more information call the Division of Waste & Recycling at 789-2327 and visit their website at http://www.springfield.il.us/.

More Opportunities!

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Springfield Animal Protective League
APL’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program is a go! The Program will run for 10 weeks from June 13 – August 21.
Attention Adults interested in helping! I heard from a few of you a couple months ago. Now that’s it’s official, I’d like to hear from you again if you’re interested in helping with this program! There are many new volunteers seeing this for the first time, so what I’m looking for in a nutshell is for adults to participate as “Team Leaders”. Based on your schedule, you would commit to a regular weekly 4-hour shift. During that time you would supervise a group of 4-5 teens in activities here at the shelter, at off-site events, and at special fundraisers. I would ESPECIALLY love to have some responsible college students involved. I will be holding two informational/training sessions for Team Leaders next week: Monday, April 18 at 6pm and Saturday, April 23 at 10am. Please let me know which one you can attend. You need not make an official commitment until you attend a session to get more info. Further training will be provided in May.
Attention Teens and Parents of Teens! The application is attached to this email. If you have trouble opening the attachment, let me know, and I can fax or mail you one. Note on the app that an essay or artwork project will be required as well. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any teenager at least 13 years old is eligible to apply. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 7. They can be dropped off at the shelter, mailed, or faxed to 217-525-5896. Applicants will be invited to an orientation, dates TBA. There will be a small t-shirt/participation fee, probably around $15 per teen, to be paid at orientation. One parent or legal guardian will be required to attend orientation with their child and will sign release forms to give permission for the kids to participate in activities.

I’m still working out the kinks, but I will be able to give everyone much more information on the types of things you’ll be doing at info meetings and orientations. I am SUPER excited that we’re trying this out, and I hope it will be an amazing experience for everyone involved! Contact Angie Antonucci at 217-544-7387 (ext.) 227 or at volunteer@apl-shelter.org

CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOODBANK

MOBILE PANTRY COORDINATORS
A mobile pantry is a method of direct client distribution that utilizes a dry/refrigerated vehicle to provide food that traditional pantries do not normally accept or distribute to people in need. These events encourage community collaboration and are an energetic, fun, and rewarding experience for all volunteers involved.

Foodbank needs volunteers to organize mobile pantries in the following counties: Bond, Christian, Greene, Logan & Morgan. The Mobile Pantry Coordinator will be responsible for managing the recruitment of host sites and volunteers. On the day of the event, the Mobile Pantry Coordinator will delegate volunteer tasks to ensure the operation runs smoothly. These Mobile Pantries will take place on a Saturday morning or weekday evening in each of the counties stated above once per quarter (17 mobiles pantries remaining for 2011). We are seeking Mobile Pantry Coordinators that can commit to volunteering at several Mobile Pantries throughout the year.

AGENCY CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS
We host an annual conference offering educational sessions and networking opportunities for our partner agencies. We need volunteers for the following projects:

Agency conference event volunteers - help with setting up food, seating guests, cleanup, etc. Friday, April 29th 7:00am - 5:00pm.

GROUP SORTING EVENTS
Groups of 6-8 people who are at least 16 years of age and able to lift up to 50 pounds are needed on Thursday evenings from 5:00-8:00pm. Groups will be sorting salvage product into boxes. All volunteers should wear covered shoes and clothes that may be dirtied.

To sign up for any of these volunteer opportunties, please contact Shawna Cain at: scain@centralilfoodbank.org or 217-522-4022.

May and Summer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Art Fair Comes to Downtown Springfield!
Saturday, May 21 shifts available from 6:00am to 10:00am
                                                           11:00am to 2:00 pm
                                                            12:00pm to 2:30pm
                                                            2:30pm to 5:00pm
Sunday, May 22 shifts available from 10:00am to 12:00pm
                                                         11:00am to 2:00pm
                                                          12:00pm to 2:30pm
                                                          2:00pm to 4:00pm
If you would like to volunteer contact Brant Mackey at 217-726-6600 or brrant@springfieldbusinessjournal.com

The Forever Home Feline Ranch
June 3/4 - Garage Sale. Also looking for donations and help the days of the event.

June 8 - Fundraiser Dinner at the Pasfield Home. Dinner will be served - tickets are $50.00. Guest Speaker Melanie Brooks.

June 25- This will be a get together at the ranch. We would like everyone to come out to Rochester to see the property.

July - Save the Dates! Bowling event and Noodles & Company

The Ranch has lots of babies! We have three mothers and three litters of kittens. We have a 4 week old litter, 3 week old litter, and a 2 week old litter. 14 tiny babies to be exact. These kids will need vet care and eventually be looking for their own homes.
If you would like to help with any of these events, you can contact Michelle Claussen at mclau2@uis.edu
Also follow the Ranch on Facebook and Twitter!

Don't forget about our other events coming up in May!
May 7 is the Earth Awareness Fair at Erin's Pavilion
May 21 is the Glass Recycling Collection

April and May Volunteer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:03:00 +0000

April and May Volunteer Opportunitites

Saturday, April 2 - Muscular Dystrophy Association Annual Walk at White Oaks Mall

7:30 am to 12:00 pm

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will be doing their annual walk on April 2 from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. They need volunteers to help with registration, food, passing out t-shirts, etc. This will take place at White Oaks Mall. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be providing transportation to this event. To RSVP either call our office at 217-206-7716 or email us at volunteer@uis.edu.

Wednesday, April 13 – Springfest Event “Box City” at UIS Quad
5:00 pm to 5:00 am
Students will sleep out on the UIS quad for a night. They will take shelter inside of the cardboard structure that they will design. There will be various activities going on throughout the night. One of the activities will be a panel put on by Homeless United for Change. The members of HUC will tell their stories and answer any questions that the students may have. The event will start at 5 pm and it will run until 5 am.

Saturday, May 7 - Earth Awareness Fair at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park
9:00 am -3:00 pm
This Earth Day celebration is a fun and action-packed event, family friendly and free public admission. Approximately 30 different exhibitors will be there and many have games or activities for attendees. Volunteers are needed from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and could help in any of these ways: help unload/tear down and re-load exhibits; assist at any of the exhibits/displays. NOTE: Volunteers are also needed to help hang event flyers prior to the event! To volunteer for this event, contact Wynne Coplea at Wynne.Coplea@cwlp.com.

Saturday, May 21 - Glass Recycling Collection at the State Fairgrounds
7:30 am to 12:30 pm
The city will host a glass recycling drop-off (for all colors of glass bottles and jars, no window panes, etc.) on Sat May 21 from 8am – 12pm at the State Fairgrounds, parking lot 21. Volunteers are needed at this great community service event any time from 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. Tasks could range from either traffic control, to literature distribution, to physically helping to unload glass from participants’ cars and/or helping put up and take down equipment/signs that day. To volunteer for this event, contact Wynne Coplea at Wynne.Coplea@cwlp.com.

March Volunteer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:12:00 +0000

March Volunteer Opportunities

Ongoing - Forever Home Feline Ranch

The Forever Home Feline Ranch is a Non-Profit organization that takes in cats and kittens that no longer have a home or their previous owners can no longer take care of them. The Forever Home Feline Ranch started as a concept of a sanctuary to reduce the number of healthy cats euthanized in shelters. They are looking for volunteers to help socialize the cats by playing with them throughout the week and they also need volunteers to help with adoptions that take place at Petsmart every 2nd and 5th weekend of each month. If you are interested in volunteering with them you can call them at 217-679-1593 or you can email them at feline_ranch@yahoo.com. For more information about what they do, you can visit their website: http://www.felineranch.org/index.html.

Saturday, March 12 - Alpha Kappa Alpha/American Lung Associatoin Walk/Run
7:30 am to 12:00 pm

Alpha Kappa Alpha and the American Lung Association are teaming up to do a 5k walk/run on March 12 from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, set up and to help along the course. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be providing transportation to this event. To RSVP either call our office at 217-206-7716 or email us at volunteer@uis.edu.

Thursday, March 24th - Million Trees Project
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

On March 24th from 9am to 3pm, Living Lands and Waters will be working on their Million Trees Project at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. They need volunteers to help either bundling trees in newspaper, placing trees in bags, tying, tagging, or organizing the trees. Volunteers should wear warm and comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty. More information about the MillionTrees Project can be found at www.livinglandsandwaters.org/milliontrees. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be providing transportation to this event. To RSVP either call our office at 217-206-7716 or email us at volunteer@uis.edu.

Saturday, April 2 - Muscular Dystrophy Association Annual Walk
7:30 am to 12:00 pm

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will be doing their annual walk on April 2 from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. They need volunteers to help with registration, food, passing out t-shirts, etc. This will take place at White Oaks Mall. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will be providing transportation to this event. To RSVP either call our office at 217-206-7716 or email us at volunteer@uis.edu.