Why Volunteer in 2011?

When making your list of New Year’s resolutions, did you think to add to that list volunteering? Well it is not to late the month of January is not over yet so it is still part of the New Year right? (It is in my book anyway) why not add volunteering as a change you will make in 2011?

The two biggest hurdles for volunteers are finding the opportunity and finding the time. Both of those obstacles can be overcome because the city and surrounding areas that you live in continually need new volunteers as well as those that have given in the past.

So first step is deciding the area of need in which you would like to serve. What is your passion? What are you most concerned about? There are many areas. Hunger, homelessness, poverty, city beautification, animals, women’s issues, government, health, and education are just a few.

Websites such as 1-800Volunteer.org & VolunteerMatch.org enable you to search for volunteer opportunities based on areas of need or your own interests as well as location. The Hands On Network and The United Way also maintain a lot of information to help on your way to becoming a volunteer!

Time commitments for volunteers are more flexible than many people realize. It’s not always necessary to commit weekly or even monthly, though the needs of different agencies do vary. Also check with your company, if you work or your spouse works outside the homebase) as many organizations give employees time off with pay to volunteer on a regular basis. Your Human Resources office or a network within your company would have more information on that. ASK don't be shy others will be glad to help you I am sure of it!

Have regular get-togethers with friends or family? Consider using one of those outings as a time to volunteer. Serving together is a great way to develop relationships while giving back to the community.

Organizing a corporate outing? Why not coordinate a company service project? Volunteering with co-workers helps build teamwork and camaraderie and also gives the company publicity in the community you live within.

Do you know of any shelters in your area that need donated items - this is a great way to give back - clean out those closets and see what you can donate.

By finding an area of need and being creative with your time, you can resolve to volunteer regularly in 2011. So volunteer this wonderful New Year - Volunteer One Person At A Time! You will make a difference even if it is only one Starfish you help it made the difference to that one!


Thanks for volunteering!

Enjoy,

Janice

January Awareness Month

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM). To increase awareness of blood donation the nations leading blood donation organizations, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, have joined together to promote NVBDM. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference to their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood this January. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.




National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the first-ever NMM was held in January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us- individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.





National Poverty in America Awareness Month


One in six American children still lives below the poverty line. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CDHD) invests in community-based solutions. They know no religious boundaries. They support projects that break the poverty cycle for good.





Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1997 is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Over 4,000 members have joined the NCCC; Members include women and family members/caregivers/friends, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, clinicians, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers, hospitals, organizations providing cervical cancer screening programs, and other related




Find it in you're heart to give and or volunteer!

Happy New Year 2011

What does the New Year Mean to you?


For some it is simply changing the calendar. For others, the New Year represents a renewed hope of a better tomorrow.

My wish for you is that you are looking forward to 2011 with optimism that your world is and will be what you want it to be.

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship,love and generous giving, never in want.






National Day of Service January 17, 2011

What is National Day of Service:

What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service?
After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2011 the 25th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." . The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."



Veterans of America - What I did this day of service:

I had a wonderful time giving back on this day that I have off from work - this year I lended a helping hand to the Veterans of America a wonderful organization that I have helped over the last few years and will contiune for they are a worthly cause!


What they do:

Your donation of clothing and household items to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) generates over 50 percent of the funding for programs to help all veterans throughout the country. The VVA supports local, state, and national service programs dedicated to: Improving the general welfare and hospital care of all veterans, especially homeless and disabled veterans
Assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities
Working closely with veterans of other conflicts
Taking the lead on women and minority veterans' issues
... and much more