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Keep up with the latest Volunteer Center news and opportunities!
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Check out this video from the 2013 Montgomery Serves Awards.
Thank you to Comcast for making this wonderful video.
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Decorating lunch bags for
Meals on Wheels
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The Montgomery County Volunteer Center has been out and about at several outreach events. We have met with lots of new potential volunteers and many signed up to receive this monthly newsletter. We welcome all the new readers and hope you enjoy all the great information this newsletter offers.
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Neil Bush, Points of Light; Sarah Burnett and Will Schroeder, CVC-MC; Michelle Nunn, CEO,
Points of Light
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The Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County (CVC-MC) was named Corporate Volunteer Council of the Year on Thursday, June 20, 2013 by Points of Light at its annual Conference on Volunteering and Service. Find out more!
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House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary
Tell us how your making a difference. Submit your own Spotlight on our website.
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"It always seems impossible until it is done."
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MCPS students go above and beyond for SSL requirement!
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Check out these amazing facts and figures about graduating Seniors and the Student Service Learning (SSL) program
Number of students in Class of 2013: 10,635
Total accumulative senior hours: 1,751,608.5
Certificate of Meritorious Service awarded for completing 260 hours:
2,236 seniors!
Thats 21% of the senior class and is the highest number ever!
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Volunteering Boosts Job Prospects for Unemployed
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A report issued by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service asserts that jobless Americans have a 27 percent better chance of finding paid employment if they do volunteer work.
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Celebrated across the globe on Nelson Mandela's birthday, Mandela Day is an international movement pioneered by champions who are doing good in their communities across the globe.
Spend 67 minutes doing good in your community. The number 67 represents the years of service and sacrifice Mandela has given.
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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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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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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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| Get Out Those Gardening Gloves |
With summer upon us many organizations are in need of garden  help. You can assist in growing food that is donated to shelters, help maintain public gardens and parks, beautify landscaping at group homes and more. Are you ready to get your hands dirty? See just a few of the opportunities below and click here to see even more!
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 Join Montgomery Corps |
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Give a year of service to your County
and build a career for a lifetime!
Montgomery County has established Montgomery Corps - a team of five individuals who will commit to one-year positions to make Montgomery County a better place for all its residents.
One of these positions is right here at the Volunteer Center! Do you want to see more people engaged in volunteering? Do you want to help us make our website and newsletters even better and help us reach more people? Apply to be the Volunteer Center representative within Montgomery Corps.
Specific duties for the Volunteer Center Corps member include:
- Help manage the online database of volunteer opportunities. Assist nonprofits in managing their accounts and volunteers in searching the database.
- Focus on improvements to the Volunteer Center website, including toolkit pages as well as the pages for multilingual and limited English volunteers.
- Create marketing materials to promote volunteer service as well as develop website content.
- Represent the Volunteer Center at community events to promote volunteerism.
Must have strong computer skills and feel comfortable both learning a variety of programs and software tools, and then teaching computer skills to others.
Montgomery Corps members will receive stipends of $1,000 per month with modest individual benefits. Corps members must be regularly available for evening and weekend work with some travel throughout the County.
Montgomery Corps is administered by A Wider Circle, a local nonprofit; however, each Corps member will work under the supervision of the Center Director where he or she is placed. To find out more about the Volunteer Center position, contact Molly at [email protected] or 240-777-2607. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
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Agency Spotlight:
International Rescue Committee |
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's
 worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Our 22 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. In Silver Spring we receive and support approximately 300 refugees and over 600 asylees every year offering housing, financial assistance, case management, employment services, health services, immigration services and volunteer programs.
Volunteers and interns are the very backbone of our US Programs. The IRC relies on over 3,200 volunteers and interns each year to welcome new families and help them succeed. In Silver Spring, volunteers have the opportunity to serve as mentors through our 'Adopt a Family' Mentoring Program or work with those struggling with English through our ESL Tutoring Program. In addition, we recently opened the Stop and Shop, a donations shop offering free clothing and household goods to new arrivals. New or gently used donations are also always appreciated.
Volunteers with the IRC report having enriching and rewarding experiences and often maintain the relationships they form with refugees long after their volunteering has ended. As a volunteer you have the chance to truly make a difference in someone's life as well as in your community. Click here to see volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in getting involved or want additional information, please email Dana Henderson at [email protected].
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Increase your agency's visibility and recruit more volunteers by being a featured Agency Spotlight. Send an email to [email protected] for consideration.
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| School Supply Drives |
Help make sure students are equipped for success in the coming  school year by donating backpacks and school supplies. The following organizations are accepting donations now and will soon be preparing them for distribution.
The greatest need for school supplies are sturdy new backpacks, loose leaf paper, pencils, highlighters, markers, colored pencils, binders, pencil pouches, pens, and glue sticks. Supplies are collected through August, in time to have them ready for the start of the school year. Note specific end dates for the different programs.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH)
What: Backpacks and school supplies (particularly calculators and 2" binders)
When: July 15th - August 5th
Where: MCCH, 600-B East Gude Drive, Rockville, any Monday-Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
Questions: Teri Brenits at 301-917-6660 or [email protected].
Faith Connections
What: Backpacks and school supplies
When: Donations are appreciated by August 11th
Where: Damascus/Clarksburg area
Questions: Jennifer Settlemire at 301-253-9624 or 240-388-6373 or [email protected]
Panera Bread & Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC)
What: Backpacks
When: Now until August 15th
Where: Any Montgomery County Panera Bread or HOC Office
Questions: Stephanie Semones at 301-355-7399 or [email protected]
Interfaith Works
What: School Supplies
When: Now until August 10th
Where: 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville 20851
Questions: Erin Kauffman at 301-424-3796 or [email protected]
Top 5 Items Needed: Sturdy, New Backpacks (grades K-12), Package of Lined Filler Paper, Tab Dividers, 2-Pocket Folders, Pencil Pouch
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Every Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) student needs school supplies to be ready for the first day of school on August 24, 2013. For just $10, you can provide a student in need with a backpack filled with school supplies.
For more information about how to make a donation visit www.mcpsgivebackpacks.org or call the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at 301-279-3100. PayPal donations can be submitted online through the MCPS Educational Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the MCPS Educational Foundation (indicate GIVE BACKpacks in the memo section) and send to the following address.
MCPS GIVE BACKpacks
Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
850 Hungerford Drive, CESC, Room 50
Rockville, MD 20850
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Urgent Need for Volunteers with
The Senior Connection |
 Each month about 400 seniors rely on the services provided by The Senior Connection's dedicated volunteers. In an average month these volunteers provide more than 650 free trips to medical appointments, shop for or transport a low-income/disabled senior to the grocery store on 300 occasions, help ensure that 15 low-income seniors pay their bills on time, maintain files, monitor accounts for identity theft, and keep good records for tax purposes.
The staff works hard to accommodate all requests, but the need for services is greater than can be met. Volunteers are essential to supporting their efforts. To be able to meet the demand The Senior Connection needs volunteer help in the following positions:
- Office Assistance - Work � day a week answering phones and talking with senior citizens needing services. Using the office computer and ACT software to enter data collected, look up information and record notes. Must be willing to commit to a regular weekly schedule with time off as needed. Hours are either 9:30am - 12:30pm or 1:30pm - 4:00pm.
- Grocery Shopper - Shop for groceries with a senior citizen on a regular and flexible schedule set by the volunteer and senior. Provide transportation, assistance with lifting bags and reading labels and carrying bags into the home. Matches are made based on proximity to your home. Volunteers in zip code 20906 are especially needed now.
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| Donate Your Professional Skills |
 Are you looking to use your professional skills in a meaningful and challenging way while giving something back to the community? Whether you are retired, semi-retired, between jobs, a stay-at-home parent, or a part or full time employee with some extra time on your hands, the Pro Bono Consultant Program of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center may have just the opportunity for you. We match professionals with nonprofits and government agencies who need assistance with short-term projects in various fields.
Right now we have projects from organizations that need help with Program Evaluation, Database Development, Newsletter Writing, Website Design, and Grant Writing.
In addition, we are always looking for people with experience in
Marketing/Public Relations, Accounting, Graphic Design, Human Resources, and Strategic Planning.
We meet with each consultant personally so that we can match you up with an organization that will fit both your skills and your interests. Just fill out the application located on our webpage. For questions and to submit your resume email [email protected] or call 240-777-2605
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| Featured Volunteer Opportunities |
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One-time Volunteer Opportunities
Check the July Calendar for more opportunities!
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours
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 July 4 - 4th of July Picnic - Volunteers will help set up, serve food, run activities and clean up for this annual community picnic.
Contact: Dennis Twombly at 301-231-3739 or [email protected]
Website: www.olneymill.net
July 8 - Sort School Supplies - Middle and high school student volunteers are needed to sort and organize donated school supplies for distribution to local, national, and international programs for children. Sorting will take place in the cafeteria of Richard Montgomery High School Monday - Tuesday, July 8-9 from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. (Wednesday, July 10 is reserved in case the work is not completed the first two days. Only students who worked a previous day may help on that day. NO PRE-REGISTRATION is necessary. For students working the full day, bring a bag lunch, including your beverage.
Website:
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/
July 13 - Market Fair Set Up - Volunteers are needed to help prepare fair grounds for the 18th Century Colonial Market Fair. Volunteers will sweep and brush out booths, rake event areas, move and clean benches and tables, move sales and display goods, help set up and decorate stands.
Contact: J-D Engle at 703-442-7557 or [email protected]
Website: www.1771.org
July 27 - David Stemper Memorial Clean Up - Join the Anacostia Watershed Society and the DC Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation to cleanup the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This cleanup is held every year in memory of one of the Anacostia River's biggest champions, Mr. David Stemper. If you would like to canoe on the river while picking up trash, feel free to bring your own boat or use ours.
Contact: Maddie Koenig at 301-699-6204 or [email protected]
Website: www.anacostiaws.org
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Selected Ongoing Opportunities
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.
Community Theater Volunteer - Rockville Little Theater has volunteer o pportunities include set painting, construction, stage crew, lighting and sound operators, publicity, ushering and acting. Special need for those interested in assisting with technical areas, such as lighting, sound, set construction, costumes and props. Whatever time or assistance you can provide is most welcome. Set construction and painting is normally Sat and/or Sunday. Rehearsals are generally 2-3 evening/week. Performances are Friday Sat evenings and Sunday at 2 pm.
Baby Sitting Attendant- The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is in need of Babysitting Attendants. They volunteers provide a safe, clean and enjoyable environment for children of our members and guests ages 3 months to 5 years old while the parent/caregiver is in the Center. Play, have fun, and entertain children! The Babysitting Attendant will co-supervise no more than 12 kids at a time in the Babysitting room located in the Health & Fitness Center.
Assistant with Great and Small - We offer horseback riding lessons to individuals with a wide variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. V olunteer provide hands-on assistance during lessons by leading the horse and/or sidewalking with the rider, as well as taking care of the horse before and after lessons. Previous experience with horses is not required.
Front Desk Assistant - Volunteers are needed to staff The Arc Montgomery County reception desk between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm daily. The schedule is flexible and training will be provided. Duties will consist of greeting visitors and directing callers to the appropriate staff contact. Volunteers for this position must be at least 18 years old and have excellent communication skills.
Respite Volunteer - Weekend Respite programs offer therapeutically fun activities for individuals with significant to moderate needs. Activities offered at this program include; pet therapy, adapted aerobics, music therapy, sensory activities, adapted yoga, and much more. We are looking for volunteers to encourage PCR members to participate successfully in all activities offered. These programs meet twice a month in Rockville, and once a month in Cabin John, MD. Respite programs meet on Sundays from 11:30am to 5pm. Must be 15 years of age or older.
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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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 [email protected].
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