Opportunity with Learning Rocks! Summer Camp

CVN's Goal: 1,000 Hours in 2012

In the first CVN leadership meeting of 2012, we were looking over the numbers of volunteers and hours contributed to the community from past years.  We have been growing steadily since we were founded. In 2010, we had 954 hours contributed by 348 volunteers. In 2011, we had 929 hours contributed by 341 volunteers.  While the most recent numbers show a downturn, the reality is that we had a very strong year and were set to pass our prior year’s involvement, but for rain, excessive heat, and a hurricane that resulted in the cancellation of several events.

Though CVN has been growing steadily, at the initial leadership meeting, we all looked at each other and decided that we could do more and keep up CVN’s momentum!  This year, we've challenged ourselves (and all of you out there putting your hours in) to break the 1,000 hour ceiling.  With the busy schedules and time commitments of those who volunteer for CVN, we know this won't be easy, but we also know it is very attainable. 

There are 3 main ways to get more hours in:

1.  Organize new events

2.  Get more people to show up to events

3.  Spend more hours at events and get even more done

We all agreed that #1 sounds like the best way to reach our goal.  Doing a 3 hour event with 10 volunteers adds 30 hours to our total.  Throw in 4 of those on top of what we're already doing and BAM, 1,000 hours here we come!  The hard part is finding new events to do and getting them on our calendar.  The leadership team is working hard to keep our current 900+ hours running smoothly, but we could really use some help organizing and leading new events.  If you've got an idea for an event that you'd like to lead, shoot us an e-mail at cvn.m.volunteering@gmail.com.  Leading an event is easier than you might think and even if you missed our leadership training session, we will help you manage it.  The key thing is to find an organization that needs CVN's help with enough notice to publicize the event and recruit volunteers.  If a group needs helpers for an event that lasts a few hours after 6 pm on a weeknight, or any time on a weekend, then it's perfect for CVN.

As for getting more people to show up and spending some more hours at events to get even more done, the leadership team will be working on those too.  If you have any friends who might be interested in volunteering, bring them out to the next CVN event.  We'll show them all sorts of great volunteering opportunities in Arlington and hopefully add another person to the CVN fold.

With all of these together, I think we can definitely pass 1,000 hours in 2012.  I'll be keeping you all updated on our progress, because it's your progress as much as anyone's.  Let's all go and make Arlington a better place!

Opportunity to Serve as Table Host at PLACE Open House

CVN is proud to be a partner for the County's PLACE Open House coming up next week. (If you've missed the info on PLACE, see our last email.) We encourage you to attend and represent CVN and other groups you're involved in. 

Also, if you'd like to get more involved with the logistics of the event, the planning committee is looking for volunteers to serve as table hosts for each open house session. Training will be provided and all of the details are below:

Volunteers are Needed to Serve as Table Hosts at the PLACE Open House

Chair Mary Hynes is inviting residents to get involved in shaping the future of civic engagement in our community.  As part of this initiative, the County Board is hosting a PLACE Open House event next Thursday evening from 6 - 9 PM and Saturday from 9 AM - 2 PM.  Table hosts are needed to facilitate and record the ideas and suggestions that community leaders will share. 

If you are willing to volunteer to be a table host either from 6 - 9 PM on Thursday, March 15 or from 9 - 12:00 PM or 12:00 - 2 PM on Saturday, March 17, we would love to hear from you.  Please contact Kathryn McCarty at kmccarty@arlingtonva.us with your interest and availability.

Fostering Academic Achievement in South Arlington

The Nonprofit

Greenbrier Learning Center (GLC) was founded in 1994 at the request of parents, teachers, and community members seeking after school tutoring and enrichment activities for the children of South Arlington.

Greenbrier Learning Center’s mission is to promote education, youth leadership and strong families through structured enrichment programs beyond the school day.  Utilizing a community-driven approach, GLC (1) fosters academic achievement and personal growth among our afterschool students; (2) acts as a resource for youth and adults; and (3) increases collaboration among service providers in Northern Virginia.

The Programs

GLC has 2 main programs: Learning ROCKS! and Parent Connection.

(1) Learning ROCKS!: GLC’s flagship program that provides afterschool assistance to 60 South Arlington 3rd-5th graders at two different sites, Greenbrier Baptist Church and Virginia Gardens Apartments. . Learning ROCKS! focuses on four themes: Literacy, Community and Culture, Healthy Lifestyles, and Life Skills.

 (2) Parent Connection: GLC provides weekly topic-based, informational workshops and leadership opportunities for parents and adults at three sites. Workshops are conducted in the evenings and support three distinct objectives:

·         Parents are able to effectively engage in and support their child’s education;

·         Adults are able to identify criteria that create optimum home and community environments;

·         Adults are able to develop their individual skills and interests and to become community leaders. 

Both Learning ROCKS! and Parent Connection are supported by GLC’s Learning Links AmeriCorps team:  AmeriCorps Members seek to provide service across the three aspects of a child’s life: in school, after school, and in the community. This is done through partnerships with four local elementary schools in Arlington County, providing support during Learning ROCKS!, and providing topic-based workshops for adults at three sites.

Sign up to help!

Greenbrier Learning Center is proud to announce that they will be partnering with Acumen Solutions for their 3rd Annual Race for a Cause™ 8K and 1 Mile Fun Run race on Sunday, October 16, 2011 in Arlington, VA. There are 3 ways that you can help GLC win:

• Register! Visit www.theraceforacause.com to register for the 8K or 1 Mile Fun Run. Be sure to choose GLC as the nonprofit you wish to support!

• Sponsor! Not able to make it to the race? You can still help GLC win by sponsoring a student, parent, or AmeriCorps Member to participate in the race. Visit www.raceforgreenbrier.eventbrite.com and choose who you wish to sponsor. It’s that simple!

• Spread the word! Tell family members, friends, and co-workers about this amazing opportunity to support a local nonprofit!

For more information about Greenbrier Learning Center and the Race for a Cause, visit www.greenbrierlearning.org or email Jilian Kuntz, Volunteer and Outreach AmeriCorps Member, at jilian@greenbrierlearning.org.

A Volunteer's Perspective: Employment Justice Center

I volunteer once a week doing intake screening for the Employment Justice Center in DC. I assist in evaluating employment related legal matters for low-income individuals. At times, it's difficult to tell people that there is really nothing that can be done. But often times, people feel better by having someone honestly and patiently listen to them, which sadly enough, probably never happens in their lives. It also makes it more rewarding when you have the opportunity to actually help someone with their issue.

Volunteering is great for me because I get to meet new people that can help me professionally, and I also feel like I am using my ability to help out my local community. I know that my individual effort might be a drop in the bucket, so to speak, but it's inspiring to think about others who volunteer and are charitable and what a difference that collective effort makes. I think that people who make charity an important aspect of their lives quickly realize that being charitable is truly a gift of its own. I applaud others who have taken up a cause they are passionate about!

Eric Gettemy, Esq.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Employment Justice Center, visit their website. If you'd like to share your experience as a volunteer, please email us at cvn.bloggers@gmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunity: Travelers Aid at Reagan National Airport

At CVN's February meet-up, our guest speaker Ann Stretch talked about local volunteer opportunities with Travelers Aid, a non-profit organization that provides information and directions to travelers coming through the airport. While planes get you to your destination and back home, Ann explained that Travelers Aid helps you in between. Some of our volunteers also shared stories in which having some friendly guidance at the airport would have come in handy.

Travelers Aid currently needs volunteers to contribute their enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to help others at Reagan National Airport. Volunteers offer hospitality and provide travel and tourist information and directions. For example, volunteers can help travelers get to the Metro, find Internet access, or reach the lost and found. At times, volunteers become "Volunteer Detectives" to help solve travel challenges for visitors to our area.

All volunteers receive classroom and on-the-job training to learn about Travelers Aid resources. Ann also assured us that all volunteers have access to a comprehensive book of information and more experienced volunteers can serve as mentors.

Volunteers shifts are 3 or 4 1/2 hours. During this time, you can help out at one of the airport's information desks or be a mobile guide. Volunteers are permitted to park for free at the airport.

If you're interested in helping make travelers feel at ease and welcome to our area, Travelers Aid would love to hear from you! To get involved, call their office at (703) 417-3975 or send an email to TravelersAidDCA@mwaa.com.

Volunteer Opportunity: AHC's Teen Tutoring Program

AHC’s Teen Tutoring program is growing, which is wonderful, but as the second half of the school year gets underway, they need more volunteers to work with middle and high school teenagers, particularly at Berkeley Apartments, 2900 South Glebe Road, Arlington VA 22206.

Now that the third quarter is starting, students are more and more interested in working hard to get good grades for the year. Volunteers work closely with one student for about an hour and a half one evening a week, which helps build strong mentoring relationships.

To get an idea of what the program is about – and how it’s working – here’s a link to a 90-second public service announcement AHC recently produced with Arlington Independent Media: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrvRl8OgNnE.

For more information about the program, please contact Jennifer Cavaliere at cavaliere@ahcinc.org.

Celebrate the Super Bowl by Hosting a "Souper Bowl"

Super Bowl XLV is upon us! Whether you're rooting for the Packers or the Steelers -- or just watching for the commercials -- you can turn your Super Bowl party into a great event.

Here are a few suggestions from the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC):

If you are having a Super Bowl Party, consider turning it into a "Souper" Bowl Party by including a soup food drive for AFAC. They would especially like cans of low-sodium soup and chili. Their website has a customizable flyer that you can share with your guests.

Also, starting February 28th, AFAC will no longer be providing plastic bags for their clients. The first week this new policy goes into effect, AFAC hopes to provide clients unaware of the change with a reusable bag. Please help them collect reusable bags for their 1,300 client families.

Donations of food and reusable bags can be dropped off at AFAC Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you cannot make it to AFAC during these hours, feel free to bring donations to CVN's next meet-up on Tuesday, February 8th, at Tortoise and Hare. We'll make sure they receive all of the donations.

Volunteer to Share Your Life and Work Experiences with Local Teens

The Buckingham Youth Brigade (BYB) is a teen leadership group that helps local, mostly immigrant, teens become active leaders within their community through civic engagement and community service. BYB works out of the Lubber Run Community Center on Wednesday evenings.

Currently, BYB is recruiting volunteers interested in sharing a life experience, current or past job, interesting hobby, or special skill with their group. Past speakers have included government officials, poetry gurus, nurses, and previous Peace Corps volunteers. Hearing from special guests helps prepare the students for their futures, introduces them to careers and opportunities they may have never considered, and helps them learn new skills.

In addition to the weekly meetings, the group is very active in the community. BYB has taken field trips to places such as the Sullivan House and the Capitol. The teens are also active volunteers and have helped at events such as The Walk for the Homeless. They also donated homemade holiday cards for clients during a visit to Arlington's Emergency Winter Shelter. And, BYB recently attended the Arlington Budget Meeting and the Arlington Public Schools Strategic Planning Meeting.

If you would like to share your experience or interests with the group, BYB would love to have you as a guest speaker. Or, if you know of an organization that needs extra support, they would be delighted to hear from you.

Anyone interested in speaking to the group and helping the students develop into well-rounded, forward-thinkers is encouraged to contact Alyssa Duda, BYB Program Coordinator, at 703-302-5140.

Volunteer Leader Opportunity

Over the past year, I have had the pleasure to serve as CVN’s Monthly Volunteer Committee (MVC) Chair overseeing our one-time volunteer events. I would like to share my experience with you in the hope that you might decide to get involved with the Monthly Volunteering Committee as a Lead or as the new Monthly Volunteer Chair.

I came into this position hoping to learn more about Arlington County, gain real experience planning and executing volunteer events, and to meet lots of interesting and kind people. Luckily, I was able to do all of these things.

Learning about Arlington – As MVC, I was able to interact with dozens of non-profits serving the Arlington community. Each time I communicated with these non-profit leaders or attended a volunteer event, I was able to learn about the work that they do and how they address a particular need in Arlington. For instance, I started the position thinking that homelessness was a D.C. problem that didn’t really affect Arlington. Through working with the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN), I learned that there are many Arlingtonians in need of a home and was able to provide help: whether through direct service at the Emergency Winter Shelter or by helping raise money at A-SPAN’s annual fundraising gala. I also learned about gang prevention activities, enrichment activities for individuals with disabilities, Arlington’s emergency preparedness efforts, and efforts to clean-up Arlington’s environment. Each of these experiences has given me a better understanding of Arlington and armed me with the knowledge to make a greater impact on the community.

Volunteer event planning – Before serving as MVC, I had little experience planning volunteer events and my level of confidence in this area was shaky at best. However, with help from the rest of the CVN leadership team, I was able to quickly learn best practices for planning and executing volunteer events which eventually enabled me to help train other volunteer leaders. I feel very confident now in my ability to manage large groups of volunteers in sometimes challenging and stressful situations. CVN does a great job giving new leaders the support and help they need to rise to the occasion and help empower new leaders.

Meeting great people – Lastly, although I am stepping down from a leadership team position for the time being, I am very grateful to have met and worked with such a great cohort of individuals both on the leadership team and the Monthly Volunteering Committee. Additionally, I was able to meet and get to know so many kind and thoughtful people at meet-ups and volunteer events. CVN is made up of so many inspiring people who give up their time to make a difference and I am so glad I had the opportunity to work along side them.

If you have read this far, I really encourage you to consider getting involved in CVN’s monthly volunteer events as a leader; whether as the Monthly Volunteer Chair for 2011, a member of the Monthly Volunteering Committee, or as the leader for a volunteer event of interest to you. There are so many exciting possibilities within CVN to make a difference, learn about your community, gain real experience, and meet awesome people and I hope you will take advantage of them.

If you have any questions or would like to get more involved, please email cvn.m.volunteering@gmail.com or come to a meet-up and talk to a leadership team member.

Sincerely,

Kellen MacBeth

Former Monthly Volunteer Chair

Moving from Resolution to Reality in 2011

res·o·lu·tion [rez-uh-loo-shuhn]

• the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

• the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to reflect on the past and set resolutions to improve our future. While many resolutions are dismissed after only a few weeks, other resolutions are easy to incorporate into everyday life. Fortunately, for volunteers, the simple act of giving back to the community encompasses a number of the most common resolutions.

Meet new people

It’s easy to meet new people when you’re helping out in the community. Not only do you meet the like-minded individuals you are volunteering with, you also meet the leaders of non-profit organizations and agencies. With CVN, you can also meet people in a social setting between events. Our monthly meet-ups are a great way to meet new people and reinforce bonds made at volunteer events.

Get in shape

Volunteer events are a great way to stay active and help you get in shape. If you like to be outdoors, events like gardening at an elementary school or pulling invasive weeds at a nature center are the perfect way to break a sweat. Inside, you can help with family ice skating events, community dances, or haunted houses. All of these events will have you moving and are guaranteed to be more fun than time spent on the treadmill!

Find a new job

As a volunteer, you learn a lot of valuable skills that can help you increase your experience and perhaps lead to a new job. Volunteering provides opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and innovation. You can also learn job-specific skills by targeting certain opportunities. For example, many groups look for help with social media, administrative tasks, or event planning and implementation. Finally, volunteering provides a great way to network and meet people who can serve as mentors or help you in your job search.

Lend a helping hand

With so many options, it’s easy to give back to community in a way that is meaningful to you. You can volunteer in almost any area – helping the homeless, coordinating a food drive, tutoring – and you can do so as part of a group or on your own. As a search on Volunteer Arlington’s page reveals, the opportunities are truly endless.

As this New Year takes shape, I encourage you to think about your resolutions and how serving as a volunteer can help you meet your goals. And, of course, I hope that volunteering with CVN can be part of your plans.

Happy New Year!

- Tiffany, CVN Chair

Lifelong Learner - A Volunteer Vocation

Finding a great volunteer opportunity is about finding a great fit between your personality and the needs of the position.  A good volunteer opportunity requires an actual human being to fill the role, and there is a chance to bring your uniqueness to the position.  For example, I recently started volunteering with The Women's Center in Vienna as an educational program assistant.  The Women's Center has been working for over 30 years to further the psychological, career, financial and legal well-being of women and families. However, what got my attention about the position description was the opportunity to sit in on classes.  I love to learn new things and will take a class in almost anything as long as it is free and I'm not being graded on it!

Last night was my first time assisting with a class.  I was impressed with how organized the volunteer program is. I received detailed instructions, but was also working independently and able to be authentic in welcoming the participants, introducing the speaker, and handling registrations.  I felt as if my role was important, I represented the Women's Center.  In class we learned about sugar cravings and how to conquer them.  The class was taught by a passionate and well trained nutritionist, Kristy Rodriguez, and I learned quite a bit.  The participants really enjoyed the class, but I was disappointed because the class size was very small.  The two hour class was $25 for members ($50 membership fee) or $35 for non-members, which seemed very reasonable.  They have reduced fees for women who are in need of a discount.

Next Thursday I am volunteering again, this time for the Successful Resume Essentials class.  There is still room to sign up (you can even register at the class) and if you are currently unemployed, you would most likely qualify for a reduced fee.  If the class is anything like the Sugar Blues class, it will be compelling and informative!  Hope to see you there!

The Women's Center is looking for other people to volunteer in the same role that I am in.  Most of the classes are held in Vienna in the evenings, but they also have classes on Saturdays and are hosting a few in Arlington.

A Volunteer’s Perspective: Arlington Youth Soccer Tournament

On Saturday, June 19^th, there was a great soccer tournament for at-risk youth at Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School. The event took place on one of the first great summer days - one that was sunny with few clouds and fortunately, it lacked the dreaded DC humidity. The school’s newly renovated soccer fields made for great competition between the students and its spacious cafeteria provided a great setting for a break from sport to enjoy lunchtime conversations. That is where CVN comes in.

After introductions among the volunteers and setting up tables I waited for the tournament to adjourn and the players to rush inside for lunch. After everyone found seats, I wound up at a table with 4 diverse students, all of different nationalities who looked exhausted from their workout, but like any teenager they still had energy for more. Over a lunch of chicken breast and potatoes, I discussed with them the issues surrounding gangs, and let them share their gang related stories and knowledge. At first I was given a sarcastic reaction as the players did not seem interested in discussing gang issues and were still more focused on soccer. Being a fan of Gangland on the History Channel, I was able to share stories of the gang, The Latin Kings, who are from my home of New York. This prompted them to share their own personal experiences. I thought my History Channel background was rather in depth, but I was shocked to learn that each of the students knew a lot more about gangs than I did. Luckily, for their sake, the students said that they never been approached by a gang before, and their stories were mainly learned through gang stories that were told to them. While the four in my group were not in gangs, other tables had students whose brothers and sisters were in gangs so they were able to express the negative impacts they felt from their siblings' associations.

In the end, I felt that I had thoroughly expressed the dangers associated with gangs enough times to bore my group. So, I then went on to discuss their personal interests, and even went as far as teasing them about the U.S. making it further in the World Cup than their national team. After the lunch I was asked by my group to watch them as the soccer tournament resumed. In the end it felt worthwhile knowing the impact that I had and seeing the enjoyment created by the event. Afterward, all the volunteers met to share similar thoughts and stories. This was my favorite event so far, and I hope to share many more experiences like this one through CVN.

- Bryon Miller

Bryon is a leader on the Monthly Volunteering Committee. On September 26th, he will lead a mini-walk with Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs. For more information, click here.

Non-profit Spotlight: AHC, Inc.

AHC is a private, nonprofit developer of affordable housing in the mid-Atlantic region that provides quality homes for low- and moderate-income families. Created in 1975, AHC has 35 properties with more than 4,300 affordable apartments.

AHC also offers a variety of programs to help families build strong futures, including homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals; affordable mortgage services and loan programs; renovation and repair services for homeowners; and services for residents, including after-school programs, tutoring and adult workshops.

Currently, AHC is looking for volunteers to tutor teens throughout the school year. AHC has been providing one-on-one tutoring to at-risk teens for more than 15 years. Last year, 100% of students who participated in the program graduated from high school and 80% went on to college.

There are 6 locations in Arlington where tutoring takes place and the sessions begin on September 13th. AHC asks tutors for a commitment of one night per week, 60 or 90 minutes per session, and they ask volunteers to commit to their teen from September through June.

If you can make this commitment and are eager to affect the lives of disadvantaged youth, AHC would love to hear from you!

For more information, please contact Jennifer Cavaliere at cavaliere@ahcinc.org. You can also visit AHC online at www.ahcinc.org.

9/11 - National Day of Service

This past weekend, one of CVN's monthly volunteer leads, Reco Thomas, was present for a ceremony in which the firefighters from New York presented the Arlington County Fire Department with a gift of steel from the World Trade Center.

What will you do to celebrate the National Day of Service?

Since the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, Arlington residents have memorialized the date by taking time to reflect, remember, and build a stronger community. This year, Arlingtonians will join with the entire nation in honoring the lives that were lost by participating in the second annual National Day of Service. If you are looking for a way to get involved, click on the links below to see opportunities in Arlington and surrounding areas.

Get connected to an opportunity to serve:

• Search the Online Volunteer Connection
• Browse 9/11 service opportunities
• Search throughout the region using Serve.gov
• Submit your pledge to serve on the National Day of Service and Remembrance website

Other resources:

• Lesson plans for educators
• Videos, PSAs, and personal stories of transformation

video: CVN Interview