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It's never too late to be the person you could have become.

    --George Eliot


September 2014 
Keep up with the latest Volunteer Center news and opportunities! 
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In This Issue:

 

Check out who has been spotlighted this week!  

Read more here


 Emily Samuels


 Tell us how you are making a difference.  Submit your own Spotlight on our website. 
Sept 14 - Friendship Picnic at Wheaton Regional Park. Hosted by Montgomery County's Committee on Hate/Violence and the Office of Human Rights The event brings together diverse communities to share their cultures, traditions and faiths. Food, beverages and entertainment for the entire family will be provided.

Sept 21 - 9/11 Unity Walk 
Join in on the International Day of Peace as we gather, walk and serve together.  
MCPS Back to School Fair 
Check out this video of the MCPS Back to School Fair and catch glimpses of VC Volunteers Beth Isen, Michelle Birnbaum and Nicole Daoust! 
Back-to-School Fair 2014 - Sponsor Thank you
Back-to-School Fair 2014 - Sponsor Thank you
Make a Difference 
Make a Difference highlights the contributions of stellar County volunteers and organizations that contribute positively to Montgomery County.
MAD Video
Click here for recent episodes. 
 
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csdWhere Will You Serve?
Upcoming Days of Service 
Start planning now for Upcoming Days of Service! 

9/11 Day - The goal of 9/11 Day is to provide a positive way for all 9/11 National Day of Service people to forever remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims , honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks and remind people of the importance of working more closely together in peace to improve our world.  

Day to Serve - Between Sept 11th and 28th volunteer on projects  that focus on hunger or the environment. The event is a collaboration of the governors of MD, VA, WV, and the mayor of DC.
Community Service Week - October 18-26 
Celebrate Montgomery County's 28th annual 
Community Service Day by volunteering by volunteering during the week of October 18-26! 

This year we are focusing on projects addressing hunger in our community. You can plan a project with your own group or keep an eye on our website so you can sign up as projects are added. 
www.montgomeryserves.org

Watch Travel Television's Episode # 185. Montgomery County's Community Service Day (known nationally as Make a Difference Day) is highlighted, along with the 9/11 Day of Service and more!

BoardofElectionsAgency Spotlight:
 
Board of Elections

Montgomery County Board of Elections 

Montgomery County's Board of Elections is seeking registered voters to serve as Election Judges at polling places for the Gubernatorial General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.
 

To serve in this paid position on Election Day or during Early Voting, an Election Judge must be registered to vote in the State of Maryland. They must also be able to speak, read, and write the English language, be at least 17 years of age by June 24th and while acting as a judge must not hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election Judges may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign financial entity. 


 
Election Judges are needed in all Election Districts within Montgomery County. Voters registered as Republican or Unaffiliated are especially needed as well as bilingual Election Judges, particularly in Spanish, are encouraged to apply.


 
The application process requires both an online quiz and completion of hands-on training. All applicants who are selected for these positions will be compensated at rates that vary based on the position, as advertised at www.777vote.org. We offer a variety of positions with different time commitments, so you can choose when to volunteer, including after work. This is an excellent opportunity for 17 and 18 year old students who may still need SSL credits. You have the option of earning SSL credits or being paid the stipend for working the election.
 
 

Election Judges Service is a unique way to help our community and a civic duty that many find rewarding and worthwhile. To apply online, or for more information, visit www.777vote.org and select the Election Judges' link or call us on 240-777-8533.


Check out this link to the County's The Bottom Line cable program, highlighting the Board of Elections Election Judge Program.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2faHavzA1w&t=7m36s


Here's what volunteer Amy Ma has to say about her volunteer experience: "I have been in the United States for 20 years and just became a citizen.  In 2008, I voted for the first time.  A friend told me about the Election Judge Program with Montgomery County, and how important it is. So in 2012 I decided to volunteer."   

 

SPA
Senior Peer Health Advocates --  Pilot Program
Senior Peer Health

Senior Peer Health Advocates are volunteers over 50 who have completed an initial counseling
 
skills training and participate in ongoing seminars. They  are available to help other people, age 50 or older, with staying medically informed and supported. They provide and model respectful peer advocacy, 1-on-1 support and health education, as well as raising questions of healthcare choice and providing compassionate listening, feedback and health service navigation.  


 
The goal of this new program is to start out with a small pilot group of 15 - 20 senior volunteers in mid-September so interested volunteers are encouraged to respond by September 12th. Visit  acsgw.org to fill out a volunteer form. 

For  more information please contact:

 Zachary Goodling, RN, BSN

Supervisor of Population Health

301-891-6395

[email protected]

 

vets  Veterans Needed to Tell Their Stories

Serving Together will soon be launching a Veteran's Legacy Blog.

This site will feature video stories from veterans from all eras, telling their stories of their service to our nation. Your help is needed in this endeavor.  If you are a veteran or currently serve in the Armed Forces and would like to take part in this project, contact Serving Together today at 301-424-0656 (x 547), or email Rob Welty, Project Coordinator at [email protected]. They are looking for veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War era, Desert Shield/Storm, OIF/OEF, as well as family members who may have stories to share. servingtogetherproject.org 

  literacyAdult Education & Family Literacy
National Adult Education and Family Literacy week will be September 22-28, 2014. To kick off this gala week, the National Coalition for Literacy is celebrating the many ways in which adults and their families learn. 

Click here for ways you can get involved locally 
FeaturedFeatured Volunteer Opportunities

onetimeDate-Specific Volunteer Opportunities   calendar icon

Check the Calendar for more opportunities!

 

SSL Icon
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.  Many are still great opportunities for adults too!

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September 6 - Green Cup Polo Event - Capital Polo Foundation supports this annual polo event to raise funds for environmental organizations. Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts to help with setup, greeting guests, clean up and more. 
Contact: T. Hoy Booker at [email protected] or 301-537-5189
   
September 7 -
 Luke's Wings, an organization dedicated to bringing Wounded Warriors together with their loved ones during their hospitalization and rehabilitation, is looking for amazing volunteers to help out at the first annual Heroes Walk to Fly - a 1.5 mile walk and Community Block Party in Bethesda helping support Wounded Warriors and their family members.  will be needed to help with registration, food services, clean up, route marshals and more! 
Contact Emily Neufeld at [email protected] or
 202-735-5381

 

September 8 & 9 - OASIS Tutor Training 

Intergenerational tutoring/mentoring program for volunteers age 50+ to help students in grades K - 4.  Training sessions are 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  Pre-registration necessary for training.  
Contact: Susan Murphy Murray at [email protected] or 
301-469-6800 x211.
Website:  www.oasisnet.org

September 9 -  JCA Heyman Interages Open House 
Intergenerational tutoring/mentoring programs for volunteers  age 50+ to help students from pre-K through high school! 
Fall Open House on Tuesday, September 9th  from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Welcoming all prospective volunteers and especially those  in the Derwood/Olney area for a new Grandreaders program at Sequoyah Elementary and Germantown area for Daly ES Bridges Program.

Contact: Tricia Wilson at [email protected] or 301-255-4234 

Website: www.interagesmd.org

 

SSL Icon September 9 - YMCA Golf Tournament at Argyle Country Club in  Silver Spring. Volunteer shifts available from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Volunteers help with set up, registration, Awards/Post event. The event supports the YMCA Silver Spring.  Breakfast/dinner provided. 
Contact: Amy Swanson at [email protected] or 301-585-2120

Website: www.ymcadc.org

 

September 13 - Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind  Come to a volunteer orientation on Saturday, September 13th at 10:30 AM to learn about the Readers and Visitors Program in Montgomery County. Minimum age: 18

Contact: Amanda Painter at [email protected] or 240-737-5179

Website: www.clb.org

 

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 September 19 - Apple Festival and Campfire at Meadowside Nature  Center.  Help at this fun fall festival of a Friday evening that is all about apples! Volunteers will help us make fresh apple cider, teach  guests some apple lore, and have fun assisting with other apple related hands-on activities! We need help with festival setup, activities, and cleanup. You must be registered and confirmed as a Parks Volunteer for this event prior to the event day. Go to www.montgomeryparks.org and click on Search and Apply for Volunteer Opportunities, then on Hot Opportunities to find this volunteer job. 
Contact: Lisa Droubi at [email protected] or 
301-258-4033 

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 September 6 or 13 - Volunteer Orientation for The Healthy Kids Running Series - a five-week running program  in the spring and fall for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade. Each Race Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50-yard dash, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile. Volunteers are needed to help with set up, encouraging runners and much more. Attend one of the mandatory volunteer trainings being held in September. Volunteers must be over age 14.
Contact: Kaitlyn Watkins at 443-939-1591 or [email protected] 
Website:  www.healthykidsrunningseries.org

 

SSL Icon September 21 - Home Run - this 10K, 5K and Fun Run benefits  residents of Hebrew Home of Greater Washington & other Charles E. Smith Life Communities - providing care for the elderly in the D.C. area for more than 100 years. Volunteers needed to monitor intersections, hand out water and more. 
Contact: Carolyn Leseane at [email protected] or
301-770-8329
Website:  www.hebrew-home.org 

 

SSL Icon  September 27 - Takoma Clean Up Day! Please join to help clean  up Takoma from Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park MD to 4th Street NW in Takoma DC. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. 
Contact: Laura Barclay at  [email protected] or
301-891-6789.
Website:  www.mainstreettakoma.org


 OngoingSelected Ongoing Opportunities Helping Hands
SSL Icon
Denotes opportunities that are approved to provide MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours.  Many are still great opportunities for adults too!
 


 

Wildlife Counselor  -  Second Chance Wildlife Center needs volunteers to help at the front desk advising people on handling animals and accepting injured/orphaned wild animals from the public.  Minimum age: 21. Training provided. 

Contact: Jim Monsma at 301-926-9453 or [email protected]

Website: www.scwc.org
 

SSL Icon Merchandise Sorters, Donor Greeters & More for Interfaith  Clothing Center (ICC). Sort donated clothing and housewares, stock shelves and assist donors and clients.  ICC serves thousand of families a year distributing donate clothing, household goods and school supplies free of charge to low-income residents of Montgomery County. 
Contact: Erin Kauffman at [email protected] or
301-424-3796 

Website: www.iworksmc.org
 

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 Tutoring / Mentoring at Your Local Elementary School - Tutor    For America Now is looking for volunteers who are currently enrolled in middle and high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA to tutor elementary students. Volunteers will to meet twice a week at their local elementary school to assist their mentee with tutoring, homework help, teaching study habits and more. 
Contact: Sarah Younes at [email protected] or 
240-780-2779
Website: www.tutorforamericanow.org

Champsitting Volunteers Needed - Operation CHAMPS engages civilian communities in giving back to military families. The CHAMPsitting program allows Servicemembers and their spouses to take time to themselves while knowing their children are in responsible, reliable and fun hands. In collaboration with American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, NICoE, and Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Operation CHAMPS is now providing much needed free Champsitting 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for families receiving treatment in the NICoE facility. Volunteers are needed! 

Contact: Nikhil Balakumar at [email protected] or
240-672-7049. 
Website:  www.operationchamps.org


 

  

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!

The best place to start searching for volunteer opportunities is the Center's website www.montgomeryserves.orgIf 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].