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Keep up with the latest Volunteer Center news and opportunities!
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Watch this awesome video!
 | | Montgomery County Volunteer Center Video |
Thank you to Montgomery Community Media for producing this fabulous video for the Volunteer Center!
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 Quote of the Month |
Act as if what you do makes a difference.
It does.
~William James
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Make a Difference highlights the contributions of stellar County volunteers and organizations that contribute positively to Montgomery County.
Click here for recent episodes. |
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For our online calendar of opportunities,
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The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is part of the Office of Community Partnerships. For more information on the Office of Community Partnerships and to sign up for the Partnerships Newsletter, please click here.
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Privacy is important to us; therefore, we will not sell, rent, or give your name or address to anyone. At any point, you can select the link at the bottom of every email to unsubscribe.
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Be a Good Egg!
Volunteering in the Ag Reserve
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The Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County has monthly program meetings for large and small businesses that are interested in corporate community service. The June meeting is open to the public and includes a volunteer fair with information on how businesses and others can serve nonprofits in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve.
Tuesday, June 12th, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Rocklands Farm 14525 Montevideo Road
Poolesville, MD 20837
Click here to: Register to Attend
Volunteer Fair: Connect with nonprofits serving in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve who provide corporate volunteer opportunities. Nonprofits in attendance will include Audubon Naturalist Society, Bethesda Green, Menare Foundation (Button Farm Living History Center), Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding, Green Wheaton, Montgomery Countryside Alliance, Montgomery Parks, Poolesville Green, and Red Wiggler Farm.
Panel Discussion: Learn from a moderated panel representing non-profit, business and government as they discuss the promotion and protection of rural Montgomery County including practices for conservation, economic development and sustainable living. Our panelists are: - Jeremy Criss, Manager, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Agricultural Services Division
- Woody Woodroof, Executive Director, Red Wiggler Community Farm
- Cheryl Newman, Vice President, Deputy Chief of Mission, Honest Tea
- Moderator: Caroline Taylor, Executive Director, Montgomery Countryside Alliance
Networking: Network with CVC members and friends as you enjoy the sights and sounds of country life in Montgomery County and shop the Rocklands Farm market of fresh-picked produce, pasture-raised meats & eggs, and organic (non-certified) raspberries & blackberries. Learn more about the CVC and membership for businesses: www.cvc-mc.org |
National Trails Day
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 National Trails Day is celebrated on June 2. It is a celebration of trails and ensures that in the future all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. Trails do not just magically appear for our enjoyment; it takes many hours of planning, labor, and negotiating to develop them. National Trails DayŽ, the only nationwide celebration of trails, increases awareness about trails and celebrates the hard work and support of many people and partners -- including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails.
Celebrate National Trails Day:  June 2 - Potomac Conservancy - Join the morning of service and outdoor fun on this nationwide day of appreciation. In the morning, volunteers are needed to help restore the towpath and trails, prune back vegetation, and pick up trash near the River Center at Lock 8. At 10:30 am, there will be children's games and activities, including a nature photography session for kids. At noon, the musical duo Lilt will play their lively version of Irish traditional dance music. The Conservancy will provide all the necessary equipment - just bring water and wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. This is a great opportunity for groups! Contact Hannah Larson, Outreach Intern, 301-608-1188. Website: http://www.potomac.org
Not able to participate on June 2? Trails need TLC all year long! Volunteer for these organizations when your schedule allows:
- City Of Rockville - Help keep trails and parks clean for all to enjoy. Duties would be to remove trash from park area and maintain trails by removing downed logs, branches, rocks, and other debris that may block trails. Great for groups! Contact Elissa Totin, 240-314-8770. Website: http://www.rockvillemd.gov
- Locust Grove Nature Center - Adults (minimum age 18) with green thumbs needed! Help maintain the butterfly, rain, and memorial gardens that surround Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda! Work at times convenient to you, and help teach others about the natural world around them through the beautiful gardens you help maintain. Gardening hours are flexible, but should consistent. Looking for Gardeners who can work at least one 2 hour shift per week. The bulk of the volunteer's time will be applied during the warm months (April - November). Training provided. Contact Marta Potter, Program Manager, 301-765-8661. Website: http://www.parksvolunteers.org
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Agency Spotlight: Bridges to Pals
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Be That Special Person in a Child's Life -
Volunteer for Bridges to Pals
 Remember that special person who made a difference for you? Bridges to Pals, a program of the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County, offers support and guidance to children and adolescents in need of a one-on-one relationship with a caring, responsible adult. For four hours each month Little Pals look forward to doing recreational and/or educational activities with their mentors. The schedule is flexible and set by the mentor along with the child and parent/guardian. The program accepts volunteers age 21 and older who can make a one year commitment, and is especially looking for male mentors. Volunteers go through training and a background check and then receive ongoing support throughout the course of their matches.
View volunteer opportunities for Bridges to Pals on the MCVC volunteer page.
For more information on becoming a Bridges to Pals volunteer, email Jessica Tierney at jtierney@mhamc.org or call 301-424-0656, ext. 523.
Download Bridges to Pals Program Brochure
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Increase your agency's visibility and recruit more volunteers by being a featured Agency Spotlight. Send an email to fern.carbonell@montgomerycountymd.gov for consideration.
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Adult Literacy Program
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The Literacy Council of Montgomery County will hold information sessions for volunteers interested in helping adults learn to read, write, or speak English on Monday, June 18 at 7:30 pm or Thursday, June 28 at 10:30 am at the Rockville Library.
Once volunteers have completed the orientation, they can select a two-part training session that fits their schedules. No foreign language skills are necessary. Tutors work one-on-one or with small groups, and typically meet with students in libraries or community centers at mutually convenient times. For complete details, call 301-610-0030, email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org, or visit www.literacycouncilmcmd.org.
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Summertime SSL
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Planning to get involved in Student Service Learning (SSL) by "giving a little time....and making a big difference" this summer?
If so remember:
- All SSL must be preapproved. Select an organization tagged, "Approved SSL MCPS" and an opportunity tagged, "MCPS SSL Approved" on the website, OR
- If the opportunity is not tagged "MCPS SSL Approved," individual students can fill out and have approved in advance MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request before any service.
- All SSL must occur in a public place, not a private residence or on private property.
- All SSL must be supervised by an adult (not a parent or relative) representing an approved nonprofit, tax exempt organization.
- One SSL hour is awarded for every hour of service; maximum of 8 hours within a 24 hour period.
- Documentation of summer service is due by the last Friday in September (September 28, 2012).
- Direct summer SSL questions to the SSL Office,
301-279-3454. - Get detailed requirements for students here.
- Search the online database for SSL approved opportunities.
- Students may begin working on the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement the summer after they complete grade 5.
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| Featured Volunteer Opportunities |
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One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
Check the June Calendar for the latest opportunities.
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.
Various dates throughout June - Food Packers help prepare food to be delivered to Kids Cafe sites. Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) partners with after-school programs through the Kids Cafe program to provide well-balanced hearty snacks or dinners for more than 2,000 children. Kids Cafe has over 50 locations in recreation centers, churches, schools and community centers all over the DC area. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and should be able to participate in a mandatory training.
Contact Nicole Durant, Volunteer Manager, 202-526-5344
Website www.capitalareafoodbank.org
June 9 - Jane Austen Book Fair. Volunteers needed for the first-ever Jane Austen Book Fair! SEVEN authors of Austen-inspired books will attend. Authors will read from their work, participate in a panel, and then meet one-on-one with individuals who would like their books signed. Volunteers can help with staffing the refreshments table, sorting books, carrying books, helping with a survey, greeting and orienting attendees.
Contact Debra Roush, Regional Co-coordinator, (301) 927-1496 Website: www.jasna-dc.org
June 17 - Canal Stewards at Fletcher's Cove- Join the Potomac Conservancy at Fletcher's Cove to clean up the picnic area and surrounding trails. This cleanup is open to all ages, and all the necessary supplies will br provided - just wear clothes that can get dirty! This event is part of the National Park Service's Canal Stewards program, engaging volunteers to become long-term caretakers of a site within the C & O Canal National Historical Park. Typical activities include picking up trash, pruning vegetation, or repairing the towpath and trails. All ages are welcome and no registration is necessary.
Contact Hannah Larson at larson@potomac.org
Website: www.potomac.org
June 17 - The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (AWLMC) needs volunteers to distribute flyers that educate pet owners on the advantages of spaying/neutering their pets at the MCPD Animal Services Division sponsored Rabies Clinics held on the third Sunday of the month from April to September (10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Rockville, MD. Two students are needed for two hours at each monthly event.
Contact Jeanne App, Volunteer Coordinator, 301-740-2511 or email spayneuter@awlmc.org
Website: www.awlmc.org
June 26 to July 1 - So What Else needs to fill over 300 volunteer shifts at the AT&T National Golf Event, which will be held fin Bethesda, MD. The tournament takes place at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. There are 2 shifts daily for volunteers: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Volunteers will receive a full day pass to enjoy golf before or after their shifts.
Contact Dave Silbert at dsilbert@sowhatelse.org or Bob Schless at rschless@sowhatelse.org.
Website: www.sowhatelse.org
View the June Volunteer Calendar.
Do you have a great volunteer story to tell? Share your story with a paragraph and a photo. Tell how you're making an impact in your community! Stories will be displayed throughout our website.
Click here to read some Success Stories.
Search for more volunteer opportunities here!
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| Selected Ongoing Opportunities
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide
MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours
Partner in Play - Do you enjoy doing crafts, playing games, or engaging in music or dance programs? Project SHARE (Students Help and Reach Elders) enriches the lives of health-impaired seniors in assisted living facilities and nursing homes by linking them with children from pre-k through high school. As the Program Assistant, you'll be instrumental in helping our Program Coordinator plan, implement and evaluate the intergenerational programs these groups participate in each month. Volunteers must enjoy working with both children and senior adults and be comfortable working in a nursing home environment.
Contact Tricia Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator, (301) 255-4234 Website: http://www.interagesmd.org
Interact with Seniors - Winter Growth's mission is to provide services for health impaired older adults that make it possible for them to remain in the community, maintain their highest individual health status and functioning level, and enjoy a sense of dignity and self worth. Help residents in the early evening hours after they have been fed. Volunteers interact with older adults in a pleasant, quiet manner that may include games, puzzles and/or conversation. Time Details: Monday - Friday, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm or 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Contact Alina P. Zygmunt, 301-774-7501
Website: http://www.wintergrowth.com
Youth Member for Montgomery County First Aid Unit - Youth members are trained in CPR and first aid (American Red Cross Emergency Response) and staff first aid stations at community and private events. Events covered include company picnics, parades, marathons, and events on the national mall such as the 4th of July and Inaugural activities. Members are required to attend two events, one meeting and one training sessions per month as a minimum activity level.
Contact Steve Lichtman, 301-929-8004
Website: http://www.kvfd.org
Pianist - Do you enjoy playing the piano for others? The Hebrew Home Of Greater Washington seeks an accomplished pianist to perform for residents around 4:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays.
Contact Hedy Peyser, 301-770-8332
Website: http://www.hebrew-home.org
Receptionist for The Senior Connection - Answer the phone and talk with senior citizens needing the services of The Senior Connection. Enter their requests into a computer database program called ACT. Call people to relay assignments and messages. Other administrative duties may be involved. Work on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and/or 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Contact Juanita Jarrett, Program Coordinator, 301-962-0820 x 12
Website: http://www.seniorconnectionmc.org
Find more opportunities here.
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The best place to start searching for volunteer opportunities is the Center's website www.montgomeryserves.org. If the information on our website doesn't answer your questions, or you need help finding volunteer opportunities or exploring volunteering options, contact us via email at volunteer@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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