Volunteer Center
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 20, 2008 12:30 PM
Volunteer Wayne offers opportunities to serve Wayne County for all ages. This service is provided by Volunteer Wayne and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Wayne Community College. Contact Joy
Pearce at 735-5151 ext. 336 or at www.volunteersolutions.org/uwwc/volunteer for more information.
O llamar representatives de Latinos por Volunteer Wayne/RSVP: Gaspar Gonzalez, (910) 296-1851, o Willie Cartegena, (919) 735-5010 ext 116. At Volunteer Wayne/RSVP, we recognize that all people have time and talents to share, and that communities are strengthened when people connect across their differences through volunteer service. Whether you have just one hour a month, or several days a week to share, we can help you find a rewarding experience where your contribution makes a difference in Wayne County. The following is just a sampling of opportunities from 68 community agencies in the local area for individuals, civic, church, and business organizations.
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH 2008
The following is an excerpt from a Proclamation by the President of the United States of America in support of the designation of January as National Mentoring Month. The goal of this campaign is to recruit more mentors who can help youth from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their potential. Mentoring has proven to be a successful prevention and intervention for at risk youth.
"Millions of Americans lend their time, talent, and energy to become mentors and make a difference in children's lives. During National Mentoring Month, we honor these caring individuals for their dedication to changing our country one heart and soul at a time. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, mentors serve as examples for young people and help teach them the skills they need to succeed in life. They also provide stability, instill important values, and build confidence in those they assist. Mentors are soldiers in the armies of compassion, and they encourage children to set goals and achieve their dreams.
I appreciate all those who reach out to young people and inspire future generations to pass on this rich tradition that makes our country strong. I urge all Americans to get involved in mentoring programs...(and) to learn more about mentoring opportunities in their communities.
Together, we can build a culture of service and foster a more compassionate society that recognizes the value and purpose in every single human life."
PASS IT ON. MENTOR A CHILD
Consider spending a small amount of time with a child. You and the child will decide activities according to your availability and mutual interests. Free training is available through two excellent programs in Wayne County, Smart Choices for Youth and the Family Y's WARM (Wayne Area Role Models). The time commitment varies from 1 to 2 hours a week, according to the different programs in Wayne County. To learn more about mentoring visit www.mentoring.org or contact Volunteer Wayne/RSVP.
TEEN COURT
This program demonstrates the influence of positive peer pressure and allows young people to realize they can play a meaningful role in reducing crime in their communities whether it is at home or school. Adult volunteers are needed in a variety of roles. Adults may mentor beginning attorneys, serve as jury monitors, serve as courtroom monitors, and prepare after court documentation for defendant's files. Teen Court convenes on the second and third Tuesday evenings each month and operates throughout the year. Teen volunteers are also needed.
HELP ADULTS LEARN TO READ
If you would like to change the life of an adult, join others that help adults learn to read or improve their life skills. The rewards are priceless. Just two hours of your time each week is necessary. Training provided. Volunteer Wayne Online! You can now find your volunteer niche online at www.volunteerwayne.org or www.wayneteenzone.com. United Way has generously provided this service to encourage more people to become involved in our community. Seniors can also see us at www.joinseniorservice.org provided by the Corporation for National Service. Volunteer Wayne is funded by United Way of Wayne County. RSVP is primarily funded by the Corporation for National Service through Senior Corps.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY EVENT COORDINATOR
Send out notices of up coming events and coordinate volunteers for each of these events.
BLOOD SERVICES
Volunteers are needed to greet and distribute reading materials to donors at blood drives. Volunteers are also needed to serve food and drink in the canteen area of the blood drive after the donation process.
PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANTS
Volunteers are needed to help with newsletter copy, email messages to volunteers, press release assistance and special event publicity.
GAMING SUMMIT
Volunteers are needed for this one day event, Saturday, Jan. 26, from 7 am to 9 pm. Volunteers are needed in three areas of
this event, food court, volunteer room and breakfast line.
ARE YOU GOOD AT BUILDING
Volunteers are needed to help install vinyl siding on new homes and building decks and outside storage buildings.