| Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Volunteer Newsletter September 2009 |
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| Dear Hands On Volunteer,
Welcome to the September edition of the Hands On Asheville-Buncombe e-newsletter.
 Day of Caring Thursday, September 3rd
United Way's Day of Caring is just around the corner! Join over 1300 volunteers to strengthen the Asheville/Buncombe community by volunteering with nonprofits, public entities and schools. If you haven't already signed up for a Day of Caring project with your employer, we invite you to sign up for a projecton on your own today. **Space is limited. Please sign up by Monday, August 31st.
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| LIVE UNITED and United Way's Annual Campaign |
Last year, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County unveiled LIVE UNITED, a call to the community to live our lives, 365 days a year, in a different way by giving, advocating and volunteering. That's what will bring about long-lasting change in our community. That's what United Way is all about - strengthening our community by helping people improve their lives and care for one another. Learn more about LIVE UNITED.
United Way's annual fundraising campaign will kick-off on September 3rd. If you are able, please donate to United Way through your workplace campaign or make a donation online.
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9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
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Over the summer, President Obama's United We Serve service initiative has highlighted the importance of community service, inviting all Americans to find a way to get involved in making their community a better place. United We Serve culminates this month with a National Day of Service & Remembrance to commemorate 9/11. This will mark the first time the nation has observed 9/11 as a day of service.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is proud to join communities across America this Sept.11th & 12th to offer service opportunities to make OUR community a better place. Make plans today to participate!
One of the most notable opportunities is with the City of Asheville's Homeless Initiative "Project Homeless Connect" event. Over 150 volunteers are needed to support this effort to bring community resources together under one roof for one day so that people experiencing homelessness can get the support they need.
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| Thank You! |
 The Back-to-School Supply Drive coordinated by Hands On and United Way's Highlands Circle was a tremendous success! The donations benefited students served by programs of Children First, The Salvation Army and Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC. We are proud to announce that over 500 students have been outfitted with new backpacks filled with supplies they will need to succeed. Special thanks to everyone who donated supplies and volunteered to help make this year's donation drive a success! View Slide Show. | |
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Sponsors |
Families Together Inc.
Mission Hospitals |
| 2-1-1 Buncombe Co. Directory of Services |
Back by popular demand! United Way's 2-1-1 of WNC will be releasing a printed Buncombe County Directory of Services this fall. This will be an essential tool for anyone who needs to connect a client, loved one, or themselves with local community services. The cost of the directory is $30 per book. Orders placed before August 28th will receive a $5 pre-sale discount per book. Orders of quantities of 10 or more will receive a $5 bulk discount per book.
Click here to order. |
| United Way Resources |
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| Hands On Managed Projects |
 Hands On Managed Projects usually last 2-3 hours, generally occur on evenings and weekends, and don't require a long term commitment. These projects are managed by Hands On and led by trained volunteer Project Coordinators.
Saturday, 9/12
Pack & Sort at MANNA Food Bank
Saturday, 9/12
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| Community Education & Advocacy |
The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization open to both men and women, encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. This month, the LWV is hosting the following events:
9/14 "Meet the Candidates" Political Forum for City Council & Mayoral Candidates. Find out more.
9/17 "Education-Budget Cuts/Stimulus Money"
Educational Forum addressing recent budget cuts and stimulus monies as they
relate to public education within Asheville/Buncombe County. Find out more.
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| Partner Agency Special Projects |
 Our Partner Agencies are offering great ways to get involved during the month of September. Click on "learn more" for project details and to express interest in a project.
The City of Asheville's Homeless Initiative needs volunteers for Project Homeless Connect event. Project Homeless Connect Event brings community resources together under one roof for one day so that people experiencing homelessness can get the support they need. As participants move through the event, they are able to meet and re-connect with providers, accessing much needed support and resources. Volunteer areas include interviewing participants, helping serve lunch, coat check, and helping escort people throughout the event. Learn more.
United Way needs volunteers to provide administrative support. Volunteer must have excellent Project Management skills, good interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to clearly communicate and multi-task. Volunteer duties include providing data entry/analysis support, managing and executing various projects in all Microsoft applications as well as performing other duties assigned. Learn more.
Join Asheville Greenworks to make our community cleaner and greener. September service opportunities include litter clean-ups, graffitti removal, and garden tour support. Learn more.Help find loving homes for dogs from around our community. Assist Animal Compassion Network at their bi-monthly Animal Adoption events. Learn more.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC invites volunteers to participate in Mentoring Magic. Each volunteer will matched with a child for the afternoon. Volunteers will help with homework, play games and participate in fun activities. This is a great short-term opportunity to experience the magic of mentoring a child. Learn more.
Housing Authority invites all who can do massage, chiropractic, Reiki, or any other form of healing to participate in the Day of Healing. Volunteers are needed to donate at least one hour of their healing practice to low income, elderly and disabled residents of public housing. Learn more. |
| More Volunteer Opportunities |
Hands On is pleased to be listing over 200 volunteer opportunities managed by our Partner Agencies. With new opportunities being added every month, there is sure to be one that will interest you!
 Search for projects based on your skills, interests and availability
View this month's online project calendar
 View short-term "Done in a Day" projects
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| Be A Project Coordinator |
 Are you interested in making even greater impact on the community while getting other people excited about volunteering? Project Coordinators are the key to making flexible, convenient volunteering possible through Hands On. Learn more about becoming a project coordinator today!
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 Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is a program of United Way that makes
it easy for individuals and groups to give back to the community.
We invite you to take a moment and sign up for a project today!
Sincerely,
Sarah Catoe and Charlie Lee
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe Staff
Be the Change. Volunteer.
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View projects that are youth-friendly: