Wednesday, June 13, 2012

School's out......

….but literacy programs are still in need of volunteers during the summer months.  Children, as well as adult learners, are continuing to study and improve their reading, writing and math skills.  Can you lend a helping hand?

     It’s also not too early to be thinking about volunteering during the school year, and September will be here before you know it.  For more information on volunteer opportunities in your area, call 952-945-4163.



Thursday, August 18, 2011

Fall Volunteers Needed!


The new school semester is kicking off and volunteer recruitment is in full swing! Are you interested in becoming an afterschool volunteer or adult ESL tutor? Call us at 952.945.4163 today to get started!

Monday, July 25, 2011

The Win-Win of Senior Volunteering



Dr. Erwin Tan

This post originally appeared on the White House blog on July 15, 2011.

Pictured to the right: Dr. Erwin Tan, Director of Senior Corps at the Corporation for National and Community Service, leads a panel of senior volunteers at a U.S. Administration on Aging July 13, 2011.


On Wednesday July 12, 2011, I was honored to participate in a White House event on senior volunteerism and service. At the event, Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, explained that seniors in service creates a “win-win” situation—communities benefit from the volunteers and the volunteers benefit from the act of serving.

Senior Corps is based on the premise that Americans 55 and older are a national resource that can be mobilized to serve communities across America. Through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program– Senior Corps volunteers make communities safer, stronger, and healthier; and improve the lives of millions of our most vulnerable citizens. As Ms. Barnes put it, “Senior volunteers change communities.”

Today, Americans over 65 represent 13% of our population. By the year 2030, that number will be 20%. But while some may talk about how the aging of America is a problem to be solved, we at Senior Corps believe it an opportunity for both individuals and communities. Last year, more than 440,000 Senior Corps volunteers provided 98 million hours of service – estimated to be worth $2 billion. Senior Corps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency. The federal investment in national and community service allows our nation to address important national issues by empowering communities...

To read the rest of this blog post, please click the link below.
http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=603

Monday, June 27, 2011

Tutoring improves health and brain functions...for students AND volunteers!


Are you 55 or over?
Your life experience is needed!

When: Friday, August 5th 10am-12 noon
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.,Minneapolis


Less than 50% of Minneapolis students read at grade level by 8th grade. The good news: studies show volunteer tutors can improve a child’s success while decreasing their own risk of heart disease, increasing overall health and brain function.

RSVP of the Greater Twin Cities* is hosting a 55+ Meet & Greet for adults over the age of 55 interested in tutoring. Bring your friends, enjoy some light refreshments and learn more about local programs working to improve adult and child literacy in South Minneapolis! Reserve your spot today by calling Mary Jane Horton, RSVP Literacy Coordinator at 952.945.4163 or mhorton@voamn.org.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Community Peace Celebration - St. Paul


Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity next weekend? Ober Community Center in collaboration with community partners is hosting a Community Peace CElebration Friday, June 17th from 2-6p.m. Come check out the free food, games and entertainment as we celebrate this grassroots tradition of uniting the community around the common goal of peace and solidarity.

RSVP will be hosting a booth to encourage older adults to volunteer in their communities, so make sure to stop by the Senior Tent. If you are interested in volunteering to help out our partner organization, ACES, as they organize games and activities for the children and youth in attendance at the celebration, please call 952.945.4163 and we will get you connected!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Primetime Living Expo


This past week RSVP attended the Primetime Living Expo at Mystic Lake Casino. Thousands of older adults across the metro came to the expo to participate in workshops, health screenings, drawings, and performances. RSVP’s Pretty Good Players performed a few of their skits focused around challenging stereotypes of aging and 12 RSVP volunteers assisted Expo staff in registering visitors and handing out welcome bags. Our RSVP volunteers encouraged visitors to stop by RSVP’s booth to learn more about volunteer opportunities in their communities.

If you’re interested in helping represent RSVP as a volunteer at more special events and one time opportunities in the future, check out our special events phone line by calling 952.945.4111 to listen to a listing of events happening in your area!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Opportunity to help out one of our partner sites: The English Learning Center in S. Mpls!

Help ELC honor our students and volunteer teachers at our annual Spring Party on April 19 between 5-8:15pm. Some shifts may end earlier. If you enjoy meeting new people and tasting food from around the world join us as a greeter, kitchen helper or game leader.

· Greeters (2-3 people) has great customer service skills and is warm and inviting. You'll manage the welcome table and advise guests regarding social hour activities.



· Kitchen Helpers (2-3 people) will organize and oversee all incoming food brought in by students. Put your creative skills to the test in plate presentations. Also assist with buffet set-up and collecting dishes.



· Game Leaders (2-3 people) will assist at various stations as the rules master. Students have low-English proficiency and are unfamiliar with most of the games we’ll have available and will need help interpreting instructions and thinking of winning strategies.



Please let us know by 3pm on April 18 if you wish to participate. More details regarding your assignment will be discussed with Yer Lee, ELC's Volunteer Coordinator. You may contact her directly by phone at (612) 874-9963 x2 or e-mail yer@englishlc.org.