Community Service Opportunity with The Salvation Army

Hey All,

     I hope this finds you well and excited for a nice long break! As we are

reaching close to the end of the semester it is important to remember that

there is still a need to volunteer our time to great organizations such as

The Salvation Army.

 

Please read on for a great, fun, opportunity to serve. If interested please Contact

Ashley Kuntz directly, her information is below:

 

I am writing from The Salvation Army where we are eagerly preparing for
Christmas!  I am in need of some additional volunteers in the coming weeks.

 

We will be working next week (the 13th - 18th) to sort and pack our
incoming donations.  We'll work each day from 8:30am-4:00pm, and would
welcome help any time during those days.  We currently need the most help
on Monday, December 13 in the morning, Tuesday December 14 all day, and
Thursday, December 16 in the afternoon.

 

The following week, from the 20-23rd, families will come to us to pick up
donated items.  We'll need volunteers to help organize gifts and help
families with their gifts - it's a fun, festive few days!  We'll be working
from 9:00-4:00 each day.

 

Please let me know if you have any additional
questions or thoughts.  Thanks for your help!

 

Best,
Ashley Kuntz
Program Development Associate
Salvation Army Portland Citadel Corps

Ashley.Kuntz@USE.SalvationArmy.Org
(207) 774-4172 ext. 265
297 Cumberland Avenue
P.O. Box 3575 (04104)
Portland, ME 04101

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

MLK Interest meetings Tomorrow and Friday

Interested in volunteering for the...

 MLK Role Models Project

 January 10th-13th

Reiche and East End Elementary Schools?

 

If so, join The Office of Community Service Learning in discussing YOUR role at one of our general interest meeting:

 

Thursday December 9th, 2010

10:15am- 11:15am Payson Smith 303

 

Thursday December 9th, 2010

5:00pm-6:00pm Payson Smith 207

 

Friday, December 10th, 2010

9:00am-10:00am  Bailey Hall 108

 

Come with your ideas, questions, and humor and we will provide ideas, lesson plans, and a great, easy way to give back to the youth of the Greater Portland Area.

Student groups are encouraged to participate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MLK Role Models Project

Southern Maine Community College, the University of Southern Maine, and LearningWorks are working together to give students at Reiche and East End schools the chance to explore the importance of role models. Through a variety of crafts and activities, children will ask themselves what it means to be a role model , discussing the particular example of Martin Luther King Jr.

 

The MLK Role Models Project

January 10-13, 2011

3:00pm-5:00pm

Reiche and East End Schools in Portland

 

We are currently seeking college students, faculty, staff, and community members who are interested in working with children and making a difference. Participants will have the opportunity to lead creative activities, potentially of their own design, during one half-hour sessions. All supplies will be provided. Student groups are encouraged to participate!

For more information on how to get involved please contact:

Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator, adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

MLK Role Models Project

Interested in volunteering for the...

 MLK Role Models Project

 January 10th-13th

Reiche and East End Elementary Schools?

 

If so, join The Office of Community Service Learning in discussing YOUR role at our general interest meeting:

 

Thursday December 9th, 2010

10:15am- 11:15am Payson Smith 303

Or

Thursday December 9th, 2010

5:00pm-6:00pm Payson Smith 207

 

Come with your ideas, questions, and humor and we will provide ideas, lesson plans, and a great, easy way to give back to the youth of the Greater Portland Area.

Student groups are encouraged to participate!

 

For more information feel free to contact Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu or 780-4209

 

 

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Report your Community Service Learning Hours and receive recognition

Raked Leaves? Served at a Soup Kitchen? Hammered a nail for Habitat for Humanity? We want to hear about it.

 

 

If you have engaged in community service learning between January 2010 and now The Office of Community Service Learning wants to hear about it! Report your hours of community service here http://usm.maine.edu/community/main/ (look for the green link on the main page titled "report your service") and your name and activity will be entered in our annual report of students who engage in community service learning. Help us reflect on the great work that USM students participate in on a daily basis. Questions or Concerns? Feel free to contact Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu, or at 780-4209.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Holiday Giving and Donations

We have begun to field inquiries - and happily so! - from members of the USM community who wish to make the holidays brighter for those in need in our community through donations and gifts.  Here is information about some of the opportunities in Greater Portland.  In addition, there is a growing number of opportunities to make charitable donations in the name of your family member or friend, and receive a nice gift card to announce your gift; I'd suggest approaching directly the organization or project of your choice.  Thanks to those who have inquired, and to all who will make use of this information, for your generosity of spirit!  With warm wishes for the season, ATM

 

Family Giving Programs and Gift Donations

The Salvation Army – Adopt-a –Family Program

                Guidelines for Sponsorship include:

1.       The purchase of an outfit or a winter coat for each child in the family.

2.       The purchase of two toys for each child in the family

3.       The purchase of a small gift for the parent or caregiver

4.       Provide for a Christmas dinner. A gift card is preferred.

5.       Include a list of all items given and drop off all gifts by Monday, December 13^th at

297 Cumberland Ave, across from Portland High School. Please label the package of gifts with the family's identification number.

 

If you are unable to sponsor a family The salvation army is looking for volunteers. Please contact Ashley Kuntz at 774-4172 to sponsor a family or volunteer.

 

The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital – Donate a Gift

               

                Donate a toy to brighten the Holidays for a child in the hospital

 

1.       First, call 662-6267, the main office for Child Life, to inquire about donations

2.       Visit the website for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Chose the menu option "ways to give" and follow the links to the donate a toy program

-OR-

 Follow the link: http://fundraising .mmc.org/netcommunity/document.doc?id=121

You can print the wish list and donation form from that web address

 

For more information, please contact Sherisse Wormell, Child Life Coordinator, at 662-2424 or childlife@mmc.org

 

Toys for Tots – Donate a Toy

 

                Provide a toy for a child in need.

 

1.       Purchase a new toy

2.       Drop it off at an a official "drop off" location

1.       Many different drop-off locations are available.  Please check http://www.toysfortots.org to access the list of "toy drop-offs"

2.  USM Dining Services usually provides a drop-off sites in Gorham and Portland .

 

Catholic Charities of Maine

1.       Please call 781-8550 for local opportunities to donate.

 

Preble Street – Donate Items for Gift Bags

               

                Every year, Preble Street distributes gift bags to all who eat there.

                Please call 775-0026 for details.

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

MLK Role Models Project

The MLK Role Models Project

 

Southern Maine Community College, the University of Southern Maine, and LearningWorks are working together to give students at Reiche and East End schools the chance to explore the importance of role models. Through a variety of crafts and activities, children will ask themselves what it means to be a role model , discussing the particular example of Martin Luther King Jr.

 

The MLK Role Models Project

January 10-13, 2010

3:00pm-5:00pm

Reiche and East End School in Portland

 

We are currently seeking college students, faculty, and staff who are interested in working with children and making a difference. Participating students will have the opportunity to lead creative activities, potentially of their own design, during one half-hour sessions. All supplies will be provided. Student groups are encouraged to participate!

 

For more information on how to get involved please contact:

Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator, adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Day of Service Second Meeting

Hey,

Thank you for all who were able to make the Day of Service General meeting and for those not able to make it thank you for your ongoing interest. The committee is excited to have the opportunity to work with such hard-working, motivated, passionate individuals such as you.

Our next meeting to discuss the Day of Service General meeting will be Thursday December 2^nd, at 2pm in the SGA conference room. We hope that you are able to make it and will bring a friend along, a door price for the person that brings the most friends.

In preparation for the meeting we ask that you  bring your weekly availability for next semester  and an idea or suggestion that you have which will enhance the Day of Service. Those suggestions can range from a possible community partner to a sponsorship suggestion, to a creative Public Relations logo. We will discuss all of your wonderful suggestions and discuss our time lines for next semester at the meeting on December 2^nd. 

Day of Service Committee

Amanda Drapcho adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Jill Santamore jsantamore@usm.maine.edu

Emma Perry eperry@usm.maine.edu

Neil Riley nriley@usm.maine.com

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Preble Street Needs You to volunteer

Please check out this wonderful volunteer opportunity at Preble Street Resource Center!

 

The 24th of November (day before Thanksgiving), Preble Street receives a huge donation of food from a local radio station, and needs volunteers to help us unload it from the bus and get it back into the pantry. We're looking for about 40-50 volunteers between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

 

For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact:

Kristin Rieff

Volunteer Manager

18 Portland Street, PO BOX 1459

Portland, ME 04104

(207) 775-0026 x 162 phone

krieff@preblestreet.org

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

MLK JR project at Reiche Elementary School

Going to be around the Portland area the week of January 10-14th 2011? Got the Winter Blues? Want to get involved? Well check out this fantastic MLK Jr. project at Reiche Elementary School!

 

Southern Maine Community College, the University of Southern Maine, and LearningWorks are
working together to give students at Reiche Elementary school the chance to explore the importance
of role models. Through a variety of crafts and activities, children will ask themselves
what it means to be a role model, discussing the particular example of Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

We are currently seeking college students interested in working with children and making a
difference. Participating students will have the opportunity to lead creative activities, potentially
of their own design, during one of the half-hour sessions. All supplies will be provided. Student
groups are encouraged to participate!

 

The MLK Role Models Project

January 10-13, 2010
 3-5 pm
Reiche School
in Portland

 

For more information or to get involved:
 Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator | 207-780-4209 | adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

This Week in Service

 

 

Greetings Civic Ones!

We have a couple of big events this week to throw your way as well as our usual Friday projects! Read, enjoy, and sign up!

 

Civic Matters - The Office of Community Service Learning is pleased to announce that Civic Matters, USM's symposium of community-based projects and research, will be held on November 19, 2010.  Projects and research feature work that responds to a clearly defined community need, demonstrates campus-community collaboration, is reflective and has concrete outcomes.  Many of these projects are connected to service-learning courses, student co-curricular work and community based research conducted at or outside of USM. The highlight of the symposium is a community conversation on partnership facilitated by Maine Campus Compact's faculty consultant Maryli Tieman.  Tiemann facilitated at Civic Matters 2009 and two Service Learning Community of Practice Events during the Spring 2010 semester.  Participants in the community conversation will explore how to create sustainable pedagogical opportunities that meet community identified need(s).  The work at Civic Matters celebrates the civic engagement movement and provides opportunities to all participants to grow as practitioners, network, and showcase engagement with the community.

 

 

Hunger Banquet - In collaboration with Oxfam International, Community Service Learning and Campus Dining present the HUNGER BANQUET, an interactive simulation experience of the widely disparate distribution of food resources globally, Thursday, November 18, 4:30-6:30 PM in the President's & Faculty Dining Rooms, Brooks Student Center, Gorham.    Featured guests will be from Good Shepherd Food Bank, Preble Street Resource Center, Wayside Soup Kitchen, and the Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry.  Advance registration is requested; the "cost of admission" is a cash donation in any amount or a nonperishable food item. 

Looking for volunteers to help with the set up for the Hunger Banquet and the clean up, the times are as follows:

3:00pm-4:30pm Setting up for the Hunger Banquet

6:30pm-8:00pm Clean up for the Hunger Banquet

For more information or to sign up contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu, or 228-4209!

 

 

Preble Street - Come serve a meal and chat at the soup kitchen! Friday November 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 18 Portland Street. For more information or to sign up contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu, or 228-4209!

 

 

Habitat for Humanity - Habitat is a nonprofit, nondenominational housing ministry. They welcome all to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter

 

FMI or with any questions: 228-8091 or community@usm.maine.edu.

 

Have a Safe and Happy Week!

-The Farmhouse

 

University of Southern Maine

Office of Community Service Learning

(207)228-8091 / fax (207)228-8403

community@usm.maine.edu

http://usm.maine.edu/studentlife/communityservice

 

Great event this Thursday

Please check out the following event and see how you can be part of the solution, for more information contact Clara Porter, Interpersonal Violence Prevention Coordinator, cporter@usm.maine.edu

 

As many of you know, the Campus Safety Project is bringing the national organization, Men Can Stop Rape, to USM next week, Nov. 17th and 18th.  Men Can Stop Rape will be offering a number of great training opportunities for students and USM Employees.  Please help us distribute this information widely, encourage your student, staff and faculty colleagues to attend and join us at Lunch Thursday if you are available.

 

Schedule:

 

Wednesday 11/17:

 

For Students:

7th Floor Glickman Library, Portland - 1:15 to 2:45  and  4:10 to 6:30

Hastings Formal Lounge, Gorham - 7:00 to 8:30

 

Thursday 11/18:

For USM Employees:

7th Floor Glickman Library, Portland - Noon to 2 with lunch, please RSVP

 

For men and male identified persons:

Men Creating Change Meeting - 4:35 to 5:30 - Woodbury Campus Ctr. Portland

 

For LAC Community:

7:00 to 8:30 - Lewiston Auburn College

 

The broad mission of Men Can Stop Rape is to create communities free from violence.  They are very engaging presenters and their work will offer great leadership development and skill-building opportunities for our whole community.

 

MCSR Strength Training objectives Include:

 

* Exploring issues of gender and socialization as they relate to interpersonal violence

 

* Learning how better to engage men as change agents in ending interpersonal violence

 

* Challenging norms around interpersonal violence.

 

*Connecting sexism and heterosexism to other forms of oppression

 

* Moving groups towards effective active bystander intervention - teaching people how and when to step in

 

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Hunger Banquet

Looking for volunteers to help with the set up for the Hunger Banquet and the clean up, the times are as follows:

 

3:00pm-4:30pm Setting up for the Hunger Banquet

6:30pm-8:00pm Clean up for the Hunger Banquet

 

Please see below for more information on the event:

 

In collaboration with Oxfam International, Community Service Learning and Campus Dining present the HUNGER BANQUET, an interactive simulation experience of the widely disparate distribution of food resources globally, Thursday, November 18, 4:30-6:30 PM in the President's & Faculty Dining Rooms, Brooks Student Center, Gorham.    Featured guests will be from Good Shepherd Food Bank, Preble Street Resource Center, Wayside Soup Kitchen, and the Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry.  Advance registration is requested; the "cost of admission" is a cash donation in any amount or a nonperishable food item.  FMI or to register: 228-8091 or community@usm.maine.edu.

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

SunriseGuide Coupon books on sale now to support the ASB student group

Looking for that perfect holiday gift? Love to save? Well does the Alternative Spring Break student organization have a deal for you. Starting now until Thanksgiving the ASB student organization will be selling the SunriseGuide coupon books to raise money for their community service trip over Spring Break.

 

The SunriseGuide is part handbook, part coupon book, the SunriseGuide is a resource for learning about, supporting and living in a healthy and sustainable way in southern and coastal Maine.

The 2011 SunriseGuide features 236 colorful pages packed with tips, resources and nearly 300 valuable coupons (valuing over 8000 dollars in savings) for healthy and eco-friendly products and services. You'll find food & dining, outdoor living, home & garden, transportation, arts & culture and more.

The ASB student organization is selling the  SunriseGuide for the low cost of $20. For every book sold around 8$ will go towards supporting their community service trip. 

Feel free to browse the book electronically: http://thesunriseguide.com/sunriseguide-2011-sample.html

For more information on how to attain one of these fantastic books please email Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator, at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu. Thank you and have a fabulous weekend.

"I found [the guide] to house an amazing wealth of information, beyond what I thought it might have... I felt like I finally had my hands on the most definitive guide for sustainable living information in our area!" -Terri E., Southern Maine

---

Sincerely,

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Day of Service Interest meeting

Interested in Community Service? Want to be part of a planning committee for the 2nd Annual USM Day of Service? We need you to come to the first general interest meeting on November 8 at 2:00pm in the SGA conference room inside the Woodbury Campus Center.  This meeting will be a time for everyone to learn a little about Day of Service as well as determine which sub committee they would like to participate in. For more information please contact Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu. Hope you can make it!

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Friday Night Social

This week's Friday Service project may include games, music, dancing, and possibly some Wii. See below for more information:

The cornerstone of the STRIVE program is the FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL EVENT. The STRIVE Friday Night Social Event is a program offering teens and young adults (ages 15-24) with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have fun and interact with their peers on a weekly basis. Every Friday from 6:00-9:00pm, teens and young adults are welcome to come to STRIVE to make friends, play games and have fun!

WHEN: Friday November 5th, 6:00-9:00pm
Where:STRIVE Center, 28 Foden Rd. in S. Portland

We are needing volunteers to attend, hang out, play some games, and generally have a good time. For more information about the event please contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

HUNGER BANQUET

In collaboration with Oxfam International, Community Service Learning and Campus Dining present the HUNGER BANQUET, an interactive simulation experience of the widely disparate distribution of food resources globally, Thursday, November 18, 4:30-6:30 PM in the President's & Faculty Dining Rooms, Brooks Student Center, Gorham.    Featured guests will be from Good Shepherd Food Bank, Preble Stret Resource Center, Wayside Soup Kitchen, and the Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry.  Advance registration is requested; the "cost of admission" is a cash donation in any amount or a nonperishable food item.  FMI or to register: 228-8091 or community@usm.maine.edu.

 

Haircuts to benefit Wayside Soup Kitchen

Our long-time and valued community partner, Wayside Soup Kitchen, is partnering with Fabu Salon to host their 4th annual Cut-A-Thon to benefit Wayside Soup Kitchen.  Here's the scoop, right from the ladle, so to speak:

 

Sunday November 7, 2010  8 am to 8 pm
Come to Fabu Salon and Day Spa for 12 hours of $25 haircuts to
benefit Portland's Wayside Soup Kitchen. Raffle prizes throughout
the day from local restaurants and businesses.
100% of proceeds will go to help Wayside Soup Kitchen to help
feed those in need.
136 Commercial Street  Portland, ME  207.775.2773  FabuSalonAndSpa.com

 

 

International Development

On October 20th Danny Muller will join the USM community and explore ways that USM students can become involved in supporting international partnerships and creating relationships that work towards a deeper sense of true solidarity. Danny will be talking about possible collaborations with these two organizations:

 

Konbit Sante

Public health partnership that helps build capacity and support in the north of Haiti

 

Middle East Children's Alliance

Sends shipments of aid to Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon, and supports clean water initiatives in Gaza

 

Portland Campus                                                  Gorham Campus

Wednesday October 20th, 2010                                Wednesday October 20th, 2010

Payson Smith 207                                                    Presidential Dining Room

4:00pm-5:00pm                                                      Brooks Student Center

                                                                              6:30pm-7:30pm

 

Come and learn about ways for individuals and groups to get involved locally and support these important initiatives, with multiple opportunities for creative participation.

For more information please contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

This Week In Service

Hulloo Community Service Types,

 

Here is our weekly round-up of upcoming events.

 

Friday 10/22- Habitat for Humanity Build, location TBA; 9am-3pm

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational housing ministry. We welcome all to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with those who lack adequate shelter. For more information contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu, or call the Office of Community Service Learning at 229-8091.

 

Saturday 10/16 - The City of Portland and is holding a storm water education program from 9-12:30 at the Root Cellar, 96 Washington Ave, for the East Bayside Community. At this event, they will be giving a presentation on storm water pollution and providing solutions for preventing pollution and preserving our water. After the presentation (weather permitting), they will be venturing out to stencil graphics on storm drains around the city discouraging people from dumping waste down the storm drain. They need 6-7 volunteers to help during the following shifts: LUNCH PROVIDED!

 8:00 am-10:00 am

needed- 1-2 people

* Setting up the space and preparing food

 10:00 am-12:00 pm

needed- 4-5 people

* Helping participants to paint the graphic on the storm drain or,

* Watching for cars during the stenciling activity to keep the participants and volunteers safe.

LUNCH PROVIDED!

 If you are able to volunteer your time, please contact me at 207-451-0868 or maggie.guzman@maine.edu

 

BE A HERO. BE A MENTOR. USM's Husky Mentors program matches university students with students at local middle schools. Mentors and mentees meet once a week for a year, building a positive, collaborative friendship. Mentoring is a great way to share your experience and knowledge with a younger student, and to begin to build your resume for a career in education, social work or psychology. You might even be able to receive credit towards your degree! Contact Mentoring Coordinator Emma Catherine Perry to get started! eperry@usm.maine.edu//207.780.4679

 

Civic Matters - USM's annual symposium of civic community based projects and research, is Friday, November 19th.  Poster and oral presentations are invited, and the submission deadline is Friday, October 15th.  Presentation guidelines and online submission form are located here: 

http://usm.maine.edu/community/main/civicmatters.html

Please contact Alicia Sampson (asampson@usm.maine.edu or 228-8092) with any questions.

 

Have a grand old day!

 

 

 

University of Southern Maine

Office of Community Service Learning

(207)228-8091 / fax (207)228-8403

community@usm.maine.edu

http://usm.maine.edu/studentlife/communityservice

 

Rippling Waters Organic Farm service project canceled due to weather

Due to the Nor'easter that is predicted to hit the Northeast this coming weekend the Friday service project on October 15th to Rippling Waters Organic Farm has been canceled. Please stay tuned for future community service learning opportunities.

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Come support the USM Alternative Spring Break at the Maine Red Claws!

Come support the USM Alternative Spring Break at the Maine Red Claws!
We are currently selling tickets to their HOME OPENER on November 19th
at 7pm!
Alternative Spring Break is a chem-free trip for groups of students to
venture to another community and spend a week donating their time and
energy into helping that community!
We have tickets for sections 5, 15, and 16, which are all end court
seats. They're only $7 and a portion of it goes towards the USM ASB
trip!
Please, come support your local community and enjoy a great time with
family and friends! Feel free to email Amanda Drapcho, Americorps
Vista in the Office of Community Service Learning, at
adrapcho@usm.maine.edu, or Alison Godbout, head of the USM ASB group,
at alison.godbout@maine.edu and we can deliver tickets to you! Also,
we will be selling them on the Portland Campus in the Woodbury Campus
Center on Wednesday, Oct 13th, from 11:45 to 1pm and on the Gorham
Campus in the Cafe on Thursday, Oct 14th from 5 to 7!

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Civic Matters submission deadline October 15

Civic Matters, USM's annual symposium of civic community based projects and research, is Friday, November 19th.  Poster and oral presentations are invited, and the submission deadline is next Friday, October 15th.  Presentation guidelines and online submission form are located here: 

http://usm.maine.edu/community/main/civicmatters.html

 

Please spread the word and encourage any student, faculty, class, student organization or department that does community-partnered work to consider submitting a presentation.  Community partners are welcome to collaborate in presentations and participate in the symposium.  There is support in the preparation of posters, and presenting is a valuable experience for students.  Please contact Alicia Sampson (asampson@usm.maine.edu or 228-8092) with any questions.

 

Regards,

ATM

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Help out Haiti on 10/8/10

Please note the community service learning project to help out Konbit Sante is on 10/8/10 from 11:00-3:30pm

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

HELP OUT HAITI

Konbit Sante, a local organization that works in clinics in Haiti, needs help to organize and prepare medical equipment for shipments to Haiti.

Participants should plan on volunteering from 11am-3:30pm. We will meet at the warehouse which is located on 184 Read Street, off of Forest Ave.

 

Please email adrapcho@usm.maine.edu for more information

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Last Call for Strong Backs and Open Hearts

Spurwink Services needs help in relocating a family on Saturday morning, October 2.  The role involves heavy lifting: loading furniture onto a rented truck at the old location, and unloading it at the new one.  If you can help, please contact Annie Fischer, afischer@spurwink.org or 615-6270.

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Alternative Spring Break

Hey All,

Interested in Alternative Spring Break? Want to get involved? Travel? Come to one of the Interest meetings! Previous members will discuss their experience serving in Atlanta last year and we will all start discussing the boundless opportunities for this year. Please contact Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator for more information. adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

 

ASB Interest Meetings

 

Portland Campus

Tuesday October 5th, 2010

4:00PM Office of Community Service Learning

 

Gorham Campus

Wednesday October 6th, 2010

7:00PM The Lobby of Robie-Andrews

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Strong backs and open hearts needed Saturday!

A case manager from Spurwink Services has contacted me with a need for help on Saturday for just 2-3 hours.  Here's the situation:

 

"... family that lives in Riverton and is moving to an apartment on Stevens Ave. Things are very bad for them at their Riverton apartment and so they are moving this Saturday because they want to leave Riverton as soon as possible. They have a Uhaul but need some help loading their things into the Uhaul and then unloading them at their new apartment. They would need help for 2-3 hours on Saturday morning."

 

If you have a strong back and a few friends similarly blessed and are willing to give a few hours to help a family move to a new home, please contact our office ASAP.  You can phone 228-8091 or e-mail community@usm.maine.edu.  Thanks in advance!  -ATM

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

 

Friday September 17^th, 2010

11AM-4PM

Rippling Waters Organic Farm Standish, Maine

 

Rippling Waters Organic Farm located on the banks of Saco River in Standish, Maine is a MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) certified organic farm growing quality, certified organic vegetables, bedding plants, herbs, flowers, and perennials since 1991. Rippling Waters Organic Farm is also a non-profit organization working with the community and local schools to increase regional food security through education, action, and service.

"'Sustaining the Soul of Organics' is what you see when you visit, volunteer, work or purchase at the farm.  It's all about being connected to the earth, our spirits, and our health.  Please come and join us." –Rippling Waters Organic Farm

This project is sponsored by The Office of Community Service Learning

For more information on this project please contact Amanda Drapcho at adrapcho@usm.maine.edu or Emma Perry at eperry@usm.maine.edu

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Next up: Habitat Build and 9/11 Day of Service

USM is on the punch list for a Habitat for Humanity construction work day on Friday, September 10th!  Partnering with families who contribute their own "sweat equity," Habitat helps to provide safe, affordable homes for families in Maine.  No previous experience or training/expertise is needed; only your willingness to show up in work clothes and shoes, bring your own lunch and plenty of water, work from 9 to 3,  and your desire to help eliminate below-standard housing in Maine.  FMI or to sign up:  community@usm.maine.edu

 

Saturday, September 11th, observe the anniversary with a 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance.   In April 2009, President Obama signed legislation establishing September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The hope is that citizens will pledge to do at least one good deed during the week of 9/11. In this way, we honor those who so tragically passed while reaffirming our shared lives as a community. In partnership with the City of Portland and Portland Hour Exchange, activities will include celebration with food and music at the bandstand followed by cleaning up the park and painting city trash receptacles.  Dress in comfortable work clothes and bring gloves if desired. Hour Exchange Portland members will provide refreshments and entertainment for participants starting at 1:30 with a few words of remembrance.   FMI or to sign up:  community@usm.maine.edu

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Please donate blood tomorrow!

The American Red Cross reports that blood supplies are dangerously low as we move toward the Labor Day holiday weekend.  USM is hosting blood drives tomorrow on the Portland campus (sponsored and staffed by the Student Nurses' Association, 11 AM - 4 PM, 102 Wishcamper) and on the Gorham campus (sponsored and staffed by Sigma Nu Fraternity, Brooks Student Center, 10 AM - 4 PM).  If you are able, please consider taking an hour out of your day to make a donation that has the potential to save up to three lives.   For more information, or to make an appointment to donate: www.redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

 

To make an appointment to donate blood...

September 1 on the Portland or Gorham campus:

To book on line:  www.redcrossblood.org or by phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2707).

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Blood Drive September 1 - Portland and Gorham

USM is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives on both Portland and Gorham campuses next week, on Wednesday, September 1.

 

In Portland, the drive is  11 AM - 4 PM in 102 Wishcamper, and the Student Nurses' Association is sponsoring and staffing the drive.

 

In Gorham, the drive is 10 AM - 4 PM in Brooks Student Center (lower level), sponsored and staffed by Sigma Nu Fraternity.

 

"There is a critical need for blood donors now. In fact, someone is counting on you at this very moment to give the gift of life. All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage."

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

AmeriCorps Enrollment Complete

Enrollment of new members in our AmeriCorps Service Leaders Program has ended today, very successfully.  I am pleased to announce that we have four continuing and nine new AmeriCorps Service Leaders as the 2010-2011 academic year begins!  Contact them directly or through our office to find out how to get involved in the good work they are leading with this impressive array of community partner organizations.  They are:

 

Alfine Nathalie - Parkside Neighborhood Center

Ashley Oliver - Alternative Spring Break

Christine Peura - Campus Community Mentoring Project

Maha Jaber - Boys and Girls Club

Ryan Almy - Portland Housing Authority (Riverton Park Study Center)

Susan Worcester - Youth Alternatives Ingraham, and Belize Service Learning Project

Emma Boucher - Nursing Partnership (Bayside Neighborhood)

Kristin Lewis - Nursing Partnership (Partners in Rural Health in the Dominican Republic)

Cole Leighton - Campus Safety Project

Alison Godbout - Alternative Spring Break

Kelley Walsh - Learning Works, Youth Building Alternatives

Jacqueline Mylroie - Portland Mentoring Alliance

Corinna Chevalier - Catholic Charities Maine

 

Congratulations to these students, who have committed to 300 hours of service and leadership, strengthening USM's partnerships with these organizations, building our capacity to engage more students in addressing community need, and strengthening their own civic leadership skills.

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Last Call for AmeriCorps Service Leader candidates!

We have one more week and a few positions remaining for AmeriCorps Service Leaders for the 2010-2011 year!

 

Students with a commitment to service take a leadership role, recruit and manage volunteers with a community partner or project, gain valuable civic and leadership skills, and earn a $1000 scholarship.

 

Interested students should contact me immediately; the window of opportunity closes on Friday, August 27th!

 

-ATM

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall, Director

   - Community Service Learning

   - Interfaith Chaplaincy

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Introductions

USM has new AmeriCorps VISTAs for 2010-2011's upcoming academic year, they are:

Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator-Amanda has recently moved back to the Northeast after serving two years in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. She enjoys foreign films, philanthropy, and higher education. She's anxiously awaiting for students to stop in, say hi, and get involved in some Community Service Learning here at USM.

Emma Catherine Perry will be joining the Office of Community Service Learning as a Mentoring Coordinator. Emma grew up on the New Hampshire seacoast, and studied art history at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. After graduating in 2009, she has worked as an eighth grade Spanish teacher, an elementary school art instructor, and was most recently an education intern at the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum in Marfa, Texas. She's happy to be back in New England (especially for the fall!), and is very excited to start work at USM! In addition to developing mentoring projects in Portland, Emma also hopes to help students find service opportunities that directly relate to art and creative writing.

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Red Cross Blood Drive

USM Blood drive

 

Wednesday, September 1st

Gorham Campus-Student Center

10:00am-4:00pm

 

Wednesday, September 1st

Portland Campus-Wishcamper Center

11:00am-4:00pm

 

Please Call the American Red Cross @1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for an appointment

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Volunteer with Parkside Neighborhood Center

Hello Everyone,

Parkside Neighborhood Center is in need of a group of 5-6 volunteers who will commit to the Supper Club at Parkside Neighborhood Center at 85 Grant Street every Tuesday evening from 4:30-7:30 to help set up chairs and tables, serve meals, clean up and wash dishes.

The Supper Club invites families of the Parkside Neighborhood to participate in the preparation of a family meal and is centered around positive conversation. This is a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people and have a great evening.

To get involved contact Judy Anaman:

(207) 775-4939

janaman@waysidesoupkitchen.org

www.waysidesoupkitchen.org

Thanks!

 

 

David Cimato

Volunteer and Leadership Coordinator

AmeriCorps VISTA

dcimato@usm.maine.edu

207-780-4209

 

"Print Less, think more"

 

Refugee Leadership and Capacity Development Conference (Correction)

***CORRECTION TO EMAIL ADDRESS***

 

Hi All,

 

Anyone looking to get more involved with connected to Portland's diverse community?

 

We have a great volunteer opportunity for you! The Maine Office for Multicultural Affairs and the Maine Association for Non-Profits has organized a conference being held on Friday the 23rd at the Portland Public Library. The purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for Maine's Refugee Communities to present on issues and topics that are most relevant to them and to their experience as New Mainers. All aspects of this day long conference are designed and organized by members of Maine's diverse Refugee Communities.

 

Here are a list of activities volunteers will partake in:

• scribes and time keepers for each session
• staff for registration table
• volunteer to serve as guide to refugee participants
• general set up, transition between sessions

The hours one can be at the event are flexible. Anyone interested in participating, please respond directly to: mainerefugeeconference@gmail.com

 

For any questions or more information, please email me at dabrown@usm.maine.edu or call 780 4537!

 

Cheers,

David

 

 

 

 

David A. Brown

Community Service and Multicultural Outreach Coordinator

Office of Community Based Learning

University of Southern Maine

207 780 4537

dabrown@usm.maine.edu

Refugee Leadership and Capacity Development Conference

Hi All,

 

Anyone looking to get more involved with connected to Portland's diverse community?

 

We have a great volunteer opportunity for you! The Maine Office for Multicultural Affairs and the Maine Association for Non-Profits has organized a conference being held on Friday the 23rd at the Portland Public Library. The purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for Maine's Refugee Communities to present on issues and topics that are most relevant to them and to their experience as New Mainers. All aspects of this day long conference are designed and organized by members of Maine's diverse Refugee Communities.

 

Here are a list of activities volunteers will partake in:

• scribes and time keepers for each session
• staff for registration table
• volunteer to serve as guide to refugee participants
• general set up, transition between sessions

The hours one can be at the event are flexible. Anyone interested in participating, please respond directly to: atmainerefugeeconference@gmail.com

 

For any questions or more information, please email me at dabrown@usm.maine.edu or call 780 4537!

 

Cheers,

David

 

 

 

 

David A. Brown

Community Service and Multicultural Outreach Coordinator

Office of Community Based Learning

University of Southern Maine

207 780 4537

dabrown@usm.maine.edu

Boys and Girls Club Opportunity

Hello Everyone,

 

The local Boys and Girls Club on Cumberland Avenue in Portland is in need of help! They are looking for volunteers who would be able to help them construct raised garden beds which will enable them to incorporate fresh vegetables with a healthy eating and cooking program they are offering to kids.

 

Hours can be flexible. Contact Beth either by phone or email below to get involved!!

 

Contact:

Beth Blakeman-Pohl
Phone: (207) 874-1069

bblakeman-pohl@bgcmaine.org

 

 

University of Southern Maine

Office of Community Service

     and Civic Engagement

(207)228-8091 / fax (207)228-8403

community@usm.maine.edu

http://usm.maine.edu/studentlife/communityservice

 

Festival of Nations

Greetings from the Farmhouse!

 

Volunteers for Festival of Nations: we are seeking volunteers to staff the USM table on Saturday July 31st starting at 1 pm. The Festival is in Deering Oaks Park and goes until 9 pm. It should be a fun low key day so if you can be give an hour or two (or more of course) that would be great. Email me for more info!

 

Cheers,

David

 

 

David A. Brown

Community Service and Multicultural Outreach Coordinator

Office of Community Based Learning

University of Southern Maine

207 780 4537

dabrown@usm.maine.edu