Do you like Kids? Help us out on January 13th!

On January 13th, our office will be hosting a day of activities about
bullying intervention at Boys and Girls Club in Riverton Park. We need some
volunteers to help kiddos with the arts & craft activities they will do, and
also to sit with them during a skit to role model good listening skills.
Volunteers must be available from 3:30-5:30pm.

Arts and Crafts Leaders Needed!

We need a few helpings hands to assist with an arts & crafts project on
January 13th, during the MLK Day of Service Project at Boys and Girls Club
in Riverton Park. Volunteers will be responsible for directing children in a
simple activity, decorating paper hands and coming up with 5 words that
describe the world without bullying. Volunteers need to be available from
3:30-5:30pm.

Volunteer Actors Needed!

Our office needs a few actors to perform a short skit for children at Boys
and Girls Club in Riverton Park on January 13th. Actors will perform a short
skit depicting bullying, which children will then discuss. After the
discussion, the skit will be done again and children will be invited to stop
the bully in an appropriate and nonviolent way. Previous acting experience
is not required, just a desire to entertain some great kids! Volunteers need
to be available from 3:30-5:30 on the day of the event.

Volunteer Photographer Needed!

Our office needs a photographer to take pictures of our MLK Day volunteer
event on January 13th. Photographers will be responsible for taking
pictures of our volunteers interacting with children at Boys and Girls Club
in Riverton Park. Volunteer photographers need to be available from 3:30-5:30pm.

Volunteer Cooks Needed!

LearningWorks is looking for a few volunteers to cook lunches for their
Youth Build Alternatives program. Volunteers can be individuals, a pair or a
group ( limited to 4-5 people), and can happen at any point during the day
on Mondays or Fridays. Volunteers are able to cook a simple recipe ( ex:
lasagna) with access to a fully stocked kitchen. If you cannot volunteer
during lunch hours, that is totally fine! You can prepare a meal and they
will freeze it for the next day! For more information, contact Keri Anne
Penick at kapenick@learningworks.me.

Portland Campus: We have visitors!

Today our office is hosting Deering High School students from the "Make It Happen" program of Portland Schools' Multilingual and Multicultural Programs, supported by USM student volunteer hosts and guides.  Some are visiting classes at this hour, while others are taking a campus tour.  All will be visiting classes at 10:15, after which they'll have lunch in Woodbury Campus Center and then hear from a panel of USM students who share their experience of immigration to and learning in the U.S.  Finally, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission Rachel Morales will speak with the students about the college application process before they return to Deering High School, better prepared to take their places in the class of 2019... perhaps here at USM!  We hope you will bear with them if they act like, well, high school students, and offer a friendly welcome and answers to any questions they may have.  Kudos to Stacy Normand, our Programs Coordinator, who organized the day, recruited and supported the volunteers, and supports our strong working relationship with "Make It Happen," where numerous USM students are regular Academic Coaches in the Academic Center.

 

With thanks and hopes for the future,

ATM

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteers Needed: Help with kid's theater project

Hey Everyone!

Portland Housing Authority is looking for volunteers to help their students
with a theater project about Martin Luther King's life. Volunteers are
needed to help students write scripts/dialogue, to help them design a set,
practice their lines, ect. If you are interested please let me know!

all the best,

Homeless Voices for Justice TOMORROW

Homeless Voices for Justice is a state-wide social change movement, organized and led by people who have struggled with homelessness.  Tuesday, November 15 at 2:00 PM in 102 Wishcamper, Portland, a panel presentation by members of Homeless Voices for Justice will discuss the daily realities of homelessness in Portland. 

 

In their own words, "In addition to the social change benefits resulting from this organizing work, Homeless Voices for Justice has had perhaps an even more profound affect on our leaders and participants, including increased self-esteem, community respect, and an understanding of the collective nature of personally experienced injustices and the power of collective action.  The empowerment and sense of dignity produced by "finding our voice" and participating with peers in making change cannot be overstated. " 

 

This event is free and open to the public, and is one of a series to highlight National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.  For more information, see our web site: http://www.usm.maine.edu/community/november-hunger-homeless-awareness-month

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Civic Matters Friday, November 18

The Office of Community Service Learning is pleased to announce that on November 18, 2010 the University of Southern Maine will host Civic Matters, a symposium of USM community-based projects and research.

 The highlight is a community conversation focusing on how service learning and civic engagement is a promising practice in supporting student persistence and graduation.   Maine Campus Compact Faculty Consultant, Maryli Tiemann will facilitate the conversation.

 

Ben Towne, faculty member in Athletic Training will offer remarks his international service learning work in the Dominican Republic.

This fall, nearly 60 students, faculty and community partners will present during the oral and poster sessions about their work in the community.

This event provides opportunities to all participants to grow as practitioners, network and showcase engagement with the community.  Please join us from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the poster session, oral session and the community conversation over free lunch. 

You can read more about Civic Matters on the Community Service Learning website http://www.usm.maine.edu/community/civic-matters.  If you have specific questions please send your inquiry to asampson@usm.maine.edu or call 228-8092.   

 

The Civic Matters 2011 program is attached to this email.

 

We hope to see you there.

 

Sincerely,

Alicia Sampson

Service Learning Coordinator

Office of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

asampson@usm.maine.edu

228-8092

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteers Needed on Dec 2nd!

Hey Everyone!

We are still looking for volunteers to help out on December 2nd during a
bullying intervention workshop with youth at Portland High School.
Volunteers will perform a short skit for the youth, help facilitate
discussion and then assist with a simple, reflective craft. The workshop
takes place from 2:30-4:00. Please let me know if you are interested in serving.

all the best,

Volunteers Needed: Bullying Intervention/Prevention

Do you want to do something about bullying in our public schools? Do you
want to make an impact?

Every year, the Office of Community Service Learning hosts an MLK Day of
Service project to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This
year, we will be serving at Portland High School and Boys and Girls Club of
Southern Maine in Riverton Park by teaching youth about nonviolent bullying
prevention and intervention. USM students will engage high school youth in
a bullying intervention workshop. Once the high school students are trained
in bullying intervention, they will then serve with more USM and SMCC
students at Boys and Girls Club by teaching elementary aged youth about
bullying and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Here are the details of the event:
Days to Volunteer:
Dec 1st & 2nd from 2:15-4:00 at Portland High School
-Help us train high school students at in bullying prevention and
intervention. Volunteer activities include leading an open discussion,
performing a short skit, and then doing an arts & crafts reflection activity
with the youth. You can volunteer on one day, or both days!

January 13th- from 3:30-5:30 at Boys and Girls Club in Riverton Park
- Volunteer activities included leading a guided discussion about what
bullying is, who Martin Luther King is, and how bullying relates to MLK's
mission. Volunteers will also perform a short skit, or sit with the children
while they watch the skit. At the end of the day, volunteers will help the
elementary school students create a 6 word reflection on what they have
learned on a cut out hand, which will then be pasted to a "tree" to make the
leaves.

This is a great way to make a difference in the lives of youth without
making a major time commitment. You can volunteer on one day, two days or
all three! Let me know that you are interested in volunteering. Let me know
if you are interested by replying to this email!

All the best,

Volunteers Needed:College Experience Day

Hey Folks!

On November 30th, the Office of Community Service Learning is hosting
College Experience Day, an event that allows freshman ELL students from
Deering High School to visit the Portland campus and learn about college
life and the college admissions process. A part of this experience is
sitting in on classes on the morning of November 30th. We need a few
volunteers to greet students when they arrive, guide them to the class they
want to attend. Volunteers need to be available between 9:00-11:00. This is
a really awesome, short –term volunteer opportunity that would allow you to
do some community service without even leaving campus! If you are
interested, please let me know.

all the best,
Stacy Normand
Programs Coordinator
Office of Community Service Learning

Volunteer Opportunity: MLK Day of Service

Hello Everyone!

Every year, the Office of Community Service Learning hosts an MLK Day
of Service project to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, we will be serving at Portland High School and Boys and Girls
Club of Southern Maine in Riverton Park by teaching youth about
nonviolent bullying prevention and intervention. USM students will
engage high school youth in a bullying intervention workshop. Once the
high school students are trained in bullying intervention, they will then
serve with more USM and SMCC students at Boys and Girls Club, by
teaching elementary aged youth about bullying and Martin Luther King
Jr.
Here are the details of the event:

Days to Volunteer:
Dec 1st & 2nd from 2:15-4:00 at Portland High School
-Help us train high school students at in bullying prevention and
intervention. Volunteer activities include leading an open discussion,
performing a short skit, and then doing a creative reflection activity
with the youth. You can volunteer on one day, or both days!

January 13th- from 3:30-5:30 at Boys and Girls Club in Riverton
- Volunteer activities included leading a guided discussion
about what bullying is, who Martin Luther King is, and how bullying
relates to MLK's mission. Volunteers will also perform a short skit, or sit
with the children while they watch the skit. At the end of the day,
volunteers will help the elementary school students create a 6 word
reflection on what they have learned on a cut out hand, which will then
be pasted to a "tree."

This is a great way to do some community service with children if you
do not want to make a long-term commitment! You can volunteer on
all three days if you want to, but you do not have to! For more
information, or to sign up, contact Stacy Normand at
snormand@usm.maine.edu.

Parkside's GiveAway Day November 5th

Parkside Neighborhood Center is our near neighbor to the Portland campus, and community partner for internships and community service learning.  Their semi-annual GiveAway Day is Saturday, November 5th, and donations of clothing, household and baby items, toys, books, bedding and more are needed.  Please drop off clean, (lice and bedbug free, please!) usable items  --especially warm winter clothing!-- Friday, November 4th from 9-11 and 4-6 at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic's Parish, corner of Sherman & Mellen Streets.

 

Volunteers are also needed to help staff the event, Friday, 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM and Saturday 9:30-11:30 AM and 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.  Please contact Joe Kosnow at 553-5945 or jkosnow@propeople.org to sign up.

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

International Student Volunteers

It has come to my attention that a representative of International Student Volunteers has been on campus to distribute information to students about their programs.  The is the second time that members of this organization have arrived on campus unannounced, declined to utilize existing protocols for distribution of information and outreach to students, and apparently breached accepted standards of courtesy by entering classrooms uninvited and distributing information and even speaking, without the permission of the instructor.  Please be advised that our office has not sponsored, nor do we endorse this organization. 

 

Regards,

ATM

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

An opportunity to support the electoral process in Portland

Here's a call for volunteers in support of the upcoming first-ever Mayoral election in Portland.  If interested, please contact Dorothy Sheeline directly.  -ATM

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Help Educate Voters about Ranked Choice Voting!

Portland is holding its first ever ranked choice voting election November 8th. Help educate voters about how to use ranked choice voting! We will be running mock elections all over Portland to give people a chance to become familiar with ranked choice voting before they get into the voting booth.

We'll be asking folks what their favorite Mainer Movie is using a survey that looks like the Portland ballot for mayor. The results will be posted on www.portlandvotes123.com where voters will be able to get additional information and resources about ranked choice voting.

Are you available at any of the following times?

Wednesday November 2nd, 7:00am-2:00pm - Portland Farmer's Market

Thursday November 3rd, 11:45pm-1;00pm - Monument Square

Friday November 4th, 5:30pm-7:00pm - Maine Brewer's Festival

Saturday November 5th, 7:00am-12:00pm - Portland Farmer's Market

 

Saturday November 5th, 5:30pm-7:00pm  - Maine Brewer's Festival

Sunday November 6th, 10:00am-3:00pm - Monument Square

Contact Dorothy Scheeline at 301-270-4616 or at dscheeline@fairvote.org

For more info on the new system you can go to www.portlandvotes123.com

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Job Skills Class Volunteers

Hey Everyone! Parkside Neighborhood Center on Grant Street is looking for
some volunteers. Here is a letter from them explaining the program:

We here at the Parkside Neighborhood Center are extremely excited about our
new One-On-One Job Skills Class! The class began this year as a pilot
program with the help of some community partners. Due to its great success
and desire from our clients to continue with the class, we have now been
running it as part of our regularly scheduled weekly programming for
clients. Due to the class' newly begun status, it is still a fluid and
changing program.

But we at Parkside need your help! I am currently recruiting volunteers to
aid me and the other Parkside intern in working with our clients in this
class as well as aiding in the updating and continuing development of our
program.

Areas of help needed: working with clients to search for jobs online, create
and update resumes with clients, and complete intake forms with clients;
outreach work to educate and recruit new clients; developing of new aspects
of programming to make class more effective; recruitment of outside
resources such as other job skills professionals to present relevant
presentations to our class.

Job skills class time: Thursdays from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

We are interested in short-term, long-term and/or winter break volunteers,
so please come join us at our center! This is an amazing opportunity that
may very well pave the way for additional volunteer opportunities in social
services.

For more information contact Amber Clark at amber.clark@maine.edu or call
207-553-5945

Civic Matters 2011

October 14th is the deadline to present at Civic Matters 2011! The office of Community Service Learning is looking for students, faculty, community partners and USM staff to present during the poster session.  Civic Matters will be held Friday 11/18/11.  To submit your proposal and review the presentaiton guidelines visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/community/civic-matters Please contact Alicia Sampson at asampson@usm.maine.edu if you have questions.

 

 

Community Volunteering

Here's a reminder that in addition to our sponsored programs, which this year focus on supporting the college aspirations of disadvantaged K-12 students, we are pleased to receive diverse requests for student help in the community.  The needs range from raking and snow shoveling to visiting persons unable to get out.  Check it out at http://www.usm.maine.edu/community/community-volunteering

and contact the community sponsor directly if any of these has your name on it!

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteer with Ronald McDonald House!

Ronald McDonald House is looking for a large group of volunteers to help
them do a "deep cleaning" of their house sometime later in the fall. This
would involve doing some clean-up work outside, and then going into the
empty guest bedrooms and pulling out the beds, etc. to make sure that
everything gets cleaned. They would need this to take place during the week,
as their weekends are pretty busy.

If you are interested in getting your group involved, please contact
Gabrielle directly at 780-6282, ext. 316.

Global Health Education Series: Ghana

I share this opportunity from one of our valued community partners.  Responses should be directed to them.  -ATM

 

Global Health Education Series

GHANA

October 4th

6p Tuesday

PWH Warehouse

7 Glasgow Road

Scarborough

Sponsored by

Partners for World Health

Ghana Health Mission has historically provided the citizens of Sekondi, Ghana, West Africa with
primary care and health outreach.  Jennifer Morton, UNE  Nursing Professor has a strong connection to the Ghana Health Mission community clinic in Sekondi, Ghana.  Jennifer and other health care providers and students travel to Ghana twice a year, to provide patient care at the mission and conduct research.  The trips take place during spring break and late summer to allow student/faculty participation.  Come and Learn about the Ghana Health Mission from those who have participated in recent trips with medical supplies provided by Partners for World Health.

 

Partners for World Health hosts Global Health Education Series on the first Tuesday of every month at the PWH Distribution Center. This event is FREE and open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about Global Health in our world. Please share this email with your friends.  

 

COME and enjoy a friendly evening with a focus on promoting interest in Global Health and learning about other adventures with  Partners for World Health.

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteer with the Elderly!

The Inn at Atlantic Heights, an assisted living/senior community in Saco is
looking for students to volunteer with our residents. We are looking for
someone to spend one-on-one time with residents looking at old photographs,
telling stories, etc. Volunteers may also lead small groups reading
stories, playing games, or other activities. Anyone interested should
contact Jason Clark, Lifestyles Director, at 283-3022 x 206 or
ldtheinn@firstatlantic.com. Thank you!

Alternative Spring Break Interest Meeting

Hey Everyone!

There is going to be a meeting this week for anyone interested in
participating in Alternative Spring Break. The meeting will be on Wednesday
Sept 28th at 7:30 in Burnham Lounge in Robie-Andrews. For more information
email kijana.plenderleith@maine.edu.

Stacy Normand
Programs Coordinator
Office of Community Service Learning

National Student Day

Hey Awesome USM volunteers!

I wanted to let you guys in on an awesome opportunity to get some free stuff
for your volunteer work. National Student Day is a national movement to
honor students who volunteer. It takes place on Oct. 6th. The National
Association of College Stores is sponsoring a contest for college volunteers
to win free stuff (even scholarships!) for writing about their volunteer
activities! For more information go to www.nationalstudentday.com

Also, for those of you who are volunteering, please remember to report your
hours on the Office of Community Service Learning's Website!

Mentoring/Tutoring/AmeriCorps: APPLY NOW!

The time is NOW for USM students to begin serving in programs to promote college access for disadvantaged students in elementary, middle and high school programs!  Please spread the word, as time is of the essence for the benefit of our students and the K-12 students in the community who will be served by these programs!  Interested students should go to www.usm.maine.edu/community to apply.  Yours in service to service, ATM

 

 

Mentoring

A one-to-one relationship with a student identified by school personnel as one who could benefit from additional time and attention from a positive adult role model (not students with deep or complex problems).  Focus may, but need not be academic support; goal is self-esteem, engagement in academic work, aspirations for higher education.  Meetings are at the schools, once per week about an hour to an hour and a half after school (2:00 or 3:00 PM).  Training and in-service support provided by our staff.  Contact Belana Warmflash, 780-4679 or bwarmflash@usm.maine.edu.

·         King Middle School, Portland (days to be determined, after school, 3-5 PM)

·         Portland High School, Portland (Monday-Friday, during study halls or after school, 2:15-5:00 PM)

After School Programs

Work with individuals or small groups of students in school-based or community-based after school enrichment programs; provide homework support, targeted tutoring, and support for age-appropriate, structured learning activities.  Goal is engagement and achievement in academic work and aspirations for higher education. Training and in-service support provided by our staff.  Contact Stacy Normand, Programs Coordinator, 780-4537 or snormand@usm.maine.edu.

·         LearningWorks AfterSchool at Reiche Elementary School, Portland (Mostly 3^rd-4^th graders, Monday-Thursday, 2:30-5:00 PM)

·         LearningWorks AfterSchool at East End Elementary School, Portland (Mostly 3^rd-4^th graders, Monday-Thursday, 2:30-5:00 PM)

·         Boys & Girls Club at Riverton Park (Mostly elementary age, 3:00-6:00 PM)

·         Parkside Neighborhood Center, NightLight Program (Ages 6-14, Monday 3:00-5:30, Tuesday 3:00-4:30, Wednesday 2:00-5:15, Thursday 3:00-5:30, Friday 3:00-5:00)

·         Portland Housing Authority Study Center, Riverton Park (Middle and high school ages, Monday-Thursday, 3-6 PM)

·         Make It Happen Academic Center at Deering High School (ELL students, Monday – Thursday, 2-4 and/or 4-6 PM)

AmeriCorps

An additional option for students serving two semesters in any of these targeted programs, either of our AmeriCorps programs includes:

·         300 hours of service over a calendar year (including mentoring or after school program service, class time if for service learning, and other community service throughout the year-long term of service, including summer)

·         Modest training and reporting requirements

·         $1175 Education Award on completion of the term of service, in the form of a voucher usable toward payment of tuition or qualified student loans

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Painting for A Purpose

Painting for a Purpose brings people together to create hand painted
"whimsical furniture", hosts an annual auction to sell the furniture and
uses the proceeds to fund youth grants for Portland schools students who
want to make a difference in their community. They are looking for USM
volunteers to help paint furniture for their auction on Nov. 12th. For more
information, contact Tina Edwards at t2edwards@myfairpoint.net.

Can't study abroad? Want a multicultural experience?

Hey Awesome USM students!

If you were on the Portland campus today, you may have noticed CIEE and
other organizations visited campus to talk to students about study-abroad
opportunities. Some of you will be able to take them up on those
opportunities (awesome!), others of you will not. If you want a experience
with diversity, need to keep up on your foreign language skills, or just
want to experience a new culture, consider volunteering in our after-school
or mentoring programs which service immigrant youth in the Portland area.
They are FREE. They are LOCAL, and they are A BLAST!

For more information regarding after-school programs, reply to this email!

For more information regarding our mentoring programs contact: Belana
Warmflash at belana.warmflash@maine.edu

SPACE gallery volunteer opportunity!

SPACE Gallery is seeking volunteers to help out at Block Party on Saturday the
10th from 5-9PM. Volunteering activities will include passing out maps and
info, directing traffic and set and clean up. Come join the SPACE team for a
night of art and performance! Each volunteer will receive on free pass worth
up to $10 to any SPACE event. Please e-mail jenny@space538.org to sign up!

Reminder: 9.11 Tenth Anniversary Observance today

The USM community is invited to pause in observance of the Tenth Anniversary of the 9.11 tragedies.  We'll gather in remembrance and dedicate a newly replanted tree to the memory of those lost and to our hopes for a future of justice and peace.  This is a non-sectarian gathering to which all are welcome.

 

Walkway between Sullivan and Science

Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

The USM community is invited to pause in observance of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedies, to honor the memories of those who were lost on that day, and to recommit, each in our own way, to justice and peace.  Replacing a tree that was destroyed by vandals, we'll dedicate a new tree to the memory of those who were lost on September 11, 2001.  There will be opportunities for individual and traditional expressions of remembrance, hope, prayer, and blessing.

 

Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at 2:00 PM

Walkway between Sullivan and Science buildings, Portland

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Call to Remember, Call to Action to end Domestic Violence

Forty-five minutes from now, at 12:00 Noon, individuals and groups all around Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties are asked to pause from our activities and remember those whose lives have been lost to the scourge of domestic violence, and to commit ourselves to action that helps every member of every family in our communities to be safe in their own homes.  Here is an invitation, on behalf of the Campus Safety Project, Women and Community Center, and Interfaith Chaplaincy here at USM, to each of us to remember and act in the way to which we are best suited. 

 

With hopes and prayers for peace in our hearts, in our homes, and in our world,

ATM

 

 

Family Crisis Services Working to End Domestic Violence in Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties A Call to Remember, A Call to Action                     On Wednesday, August 31, at noon please pause in silence for two minutes to honor the memory of Maine's recent domestic violence homicide victims. During those moments, know that the church bells or sirens you hear are being sounded to call the people of Maine to action, so that we no longer lose partners or family members to domestic violence.         A Call to Remember, A Call to Action is a statewide effort by domestic violence projects to mourn the continued loss of lives and to raise awareness that together we can stop domestic violence. Throughout the state, people will gather at noon to hear church bells, offer interfaith prayers, hold silence, and listen to community leaders speak about the actions that we all can take to end domestic violence.         Family Crisis Services' event will be held in Brunswick at the Gazebo on the Green near Maine Street at noon on August 31st and will last a half hour. All are welcome to join. If you can't join us, please listen for the bells and take a moment to reflect on how domestic violence affects the entire community and what action you can take, however small or large, to prevent it. Peace.

In Memory of   5/24/2011      Marie Flewellen   6/6/2011         Sarah Gordon   6/13/2011     Amy and her 2 children,                             Cote and Monica   6/13/2011      Richard Jeskey   7/25/2011       Renee Sandora     Help is Just a Call Away. 24 hour. Toll free. Confidential 1-866-834-4357

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Mentors Wanted!

Mentors wanted! Come join the USMentors Program and change someone's life.
All it takes is 1 hour per week for a year, and volunteering looks great on
your resume. This is a great way to help out the Portland community; by
mentoring a student from King Middle School or Portland High School new
friendships can be formed.

You can get credits through the ARS399 internship class and/or get an
AmeriCorps Education Award.
For the ARS399 class you have to do 10-15 hours/week in a community service
placement. There will be a Wednesday seminar (4:10-6:40) 6 times per
semester, readings and discussion on work, workplace and community issues.
You will receive 3 credits per semester, may be repeated.

For the AmeriCorps Education Award, students need to be involved for 2
semesters (300 hours- about 10 hours a week) and you will receive $1175 for
tuition or student loan repayment.

For more information contact Belana Warmflash:
(207)780-4679
belana.warmflash@maine.edu
or stop by the Office of Community Service Learning

Volunteer Opportunity - After School Programs

Hello Everyone!

We're looking for some awesome USM students to spend some time in after
school programs to help organize structured playtime or tutor youth. We are
looking to place volunteers in 6 different organizations which serve youth
in grades K-12. In other words, no matter what age group of kids you want to
work with, there is a place for you! Ideally, volunteers would be able to
commit to once a week for a semester, or (even better!) the full academic year.

It would be a particularly great opportunity for anyone who wants experience
leading a classroom, working with a diverse population, or teaching students
one-on-one. Also, if you are not interested in working directly with youth I
have opportunities for you as well!

For more information, contact me by email or by calling 207-780-4537.

Stacy Normand
Programs Coordinator
Office of Community Service Learning
University of Southern Maine
207-780-4537

Reminder: Blood Drive Sept 1st

Hello Everyone,

This is a reminder that there is a blood drive this Thursday in the
Wishcamper center from 10-4!

Reminder: Blood Drive Sept 1st

Hello Everyone,
This is a reminder that there will be a blood drive on Sept 1st in the
Wishcamper center, Rm 102, from 10am-4pm.

Stacy Normand
Programs Coordinator
Office of Community Service Learning
University of Southern Maine
p: 207-780-4537

ATTN: USM Blood Drive

Hello Everyone!

There will be a blood drive sponsored by ΦΚΣ, in collaboration with the
American Red Cross, on September 1st, 2011. The location will be in the
Wishcamper Center's Multipurpose Room, Rm 102.

Parkside Block Party

Do you like throwing parties?  How about helping with the Parkside Neighborhood Block Party on Saturday, July 30th?  Volunteers are needed to help with set up (9:30-11:30) and clean up (12:30-2:30).  Make a difference in our community by being part of a fun event with live music, a bounce house, arts projects, food and drink, kids games and free items.  Please contact Rachel Horton White, rwhite@propeople.org or 207-553-5940.

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteer Opportunities at Scarborough Marsh

If you're loving the outdoors in Maine in the summer, here are some opportunities to do that AND help the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Society.  Contract them directly is you're interested.  -ATM

 

Scarborough Marsh Volunteer Monitoring Projects

  Bird Survey – July 16, 9 AM – 1 PM

  Habitat Survey – July 23, 9 AM – 1 PM

  Bird Survey – Training July 31, 9-11 AM; Survey August 14, 9 AM – 1 PM

 

FMI or to volunteer: Sarrah Stankiewicz, sarrastankiewicz@gmail.com or 883-5100

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Love kids and flowers? Volunteer at USM Arboretum Day June 4th

A few playful people are needed to help out with kids' activities at the first annual USM Arboretum Day on Saturday, June 4th on the Gorham campus.  Detailed information about the event is below.  If you can help with face painting, planting seedlings in small dixie cups, coloring plant drawings, etc., please contact Betsy Uhuad at 780-4714, or Tyler Kidder at tkidder@usm.maine.edu.

 

*************************

 

USM Arboretum Day and Plant Sale in Gorham The dedication of the Joe B. Parks Rhododendron Garden,
gardening workshops, children's activities and refreshments are all part of the inaugural USM Arboretum Day and Plant Sale.

The free, public event will be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, June 4, adjacent to the USM Academy Building on USM's Gorham campus. The Academy Building overlooks School Street (Route 114). Parking is available at 68 School Street. The
garden dedication will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by workshops every 15 minutes. The plant sale will include vendors from
O'Donal's Nursery, Meservey Farms and local garden clubs. For more information, contact Betsy Uhuad of USM at 780-4714,
or Tyler Kidder at tkidder@usm.maine.edu.

The Joe B. Parks Rhododendron Garden, located in front of the historic Academy Building, is "green" in more ways than one. All
the plants are hybridized rhododendrons and azaleas that the late Dover, New Hampshire horticulturalist Joe Parks developed to
withstand the New England climate and resist insects. Parks once said he struggled for more than 40 years with "a disease known as
gardening." Several years ago, he donated plants from his backyard gardens and took the lead in development of Dover's Joe
B. Parks River Walk and Gardens.

More recently, he decided to move plants from his home in Dover to USM for the use and enjoyment of the entire community.
Benches and original artwork from the Parks' home have been woven into this large garden space that serves as an outdoor
classroom and a place for reflection.

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Summer Course: Volunteer Engagement & Management

Interested in bringing your volunteer knowledge and experiences to the classroom and sharing with individuals passionate about volunteering and volunteerism?

 

PPM 553 Volunteer Engagement and Management
(open to upper division undergraduate and graduate students)

 

USM Summer School
On-line Seven Week Course
June 29th  - August 17th
Instructor: Dahlia Lynn, Professor of Public Policy and Management
 
Course Description
Volunteer engagement and management focuses on the dynamics of volunteerism in nonprofit organizations and in life of communities. The course covers strategic and comprehensive skills for managing volunteers and examines definitions, values and standards as well as what constitutes effective practice in the field of volunteer resources management today. Students will consider challenges, opportunities and expectations for the future of the field. Woven through the course are the three key themes of social responsibility and leadership, multi-sector collaboration and service and careers in the nonprofit sector.
The course is designed for current or future leaders and managers of nonprofit organizations and volunteers,  others who plan to work with volunteers as well as those who want to develop their own vision or work on policy in the field of volunteerism and service.

 

For additional information on the course contact Professor Dahlia Lynn at dlynn@usm.maine.edu

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

AmeriCorps VISTA - Full time position at USM 2011-2012

We are pleased to announce the availability of a full time AmeriCorps VISTA  position in our office next year, 2011-2012, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR.  From the position description:  "The VISTA will engage USM students in providing after school support to K-12 students in neighborhood and school-based programs for persistence and success in school and aspirations for higher education."  The role involves recruiting, placing and supporting USM students in service roles with Portland Housing Authority Study Centers, LearningWorks Afterschool Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Make It Happen! program of Portland Schools' Multilingual & Multicultural Center.  Compensation includes a modest living allowance, relocation allowance, and an Education Award on successful completion of a year-long term of service.

 

For details and to apply: 

 

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=40851 

 

It is our hope that this professional will be one of three whose positions are funded through Maine Campus Compact by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  The other two, MENTORING COORDINATOR and COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING COORDINATOR, are not yet approved for application, but we await word any time.  We offer a cozy office environment and great people doing great work! 

 

-ATM

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Volunteer at the 11th Annual Bayside Community Health Fair

Volunteer at the 11th Annual Bayside Community Health Fair

Saturday, May 21, 2011

10:00am to 2:00pm

Located at Oxford Street between Chestnut and Myrtle Street

Rain Location: Portland Public Library

 

Laura Vogel Memorial 5K

Begins at 10:00 am starting and ending on Oxford Street

Registration and FMI go to:

http://vogel5k.mmc.org

 

Volunteer in the following ways:

• Assist with the set up and break down for the event
• Manage children's booths/activities at the fair
• Assist with the 5K Race
• Register and welcome community members

The Bayside Community Health Fair is presented by University of Southern Maine Bayside Community Nursing Partnership, Bayside Neighborhood Association with support from Midtown Community Policing, and Portland Public Library.

 

If interested in volunteering please contact Yahor Luhauskikh at yahor.luhauskikh@maine.edu

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Springtime Reporting

Springtime Reporting

 

The Spring Peepers are here and so is the end of the Spring Semester and down at the Farmhouse we want to hear all about YOUR Spring Semester community service learning. Report your hours of community service learning and be recognized in the Spring Semester report of civically engaged students. To report to go http://usm.maine.edu/community/main/ and click on the green link titled "Report Your Service"

 

 

Amanda Claire Drapcho

 

Community Service Coordinator

Office Of Community Service Learning

University of Southern Maine

(207) 780 4209

adrapcho@usm.maine.edu

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity

 

Sign up and hammer for Habitat for Humanity on Friday, April 29th, 2011, from 9:00am-3:00pm in Westbrook. Just bring yourself, warm clothes, a lunch and build community through construction.

 

To sign up or for more information please contact Amanda Drapcho, Community Service Coordinator 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

Critical need for blood donations

 School vacations across the area are contributing to a drop in blood donations. Currently, the blood supply of Type O negative and Type B negative blood is at critical levels.  To help replenish the current supply and prevent a further drop in blood supply levels, please make an appointment to donate blood as soon as possible.

As a Type O negative or B negative donor, your help is needed now! If you already have an appointment to donate, it is crucial that you keep your commitment to give blood. 

Each day the Northeast Division needs to collect 3,500 units of blood for patients in need. To prevent the blood supply from falling even further, we need your help.      

Schedule your appointment to give blood through the American Red Cross today and help save lives. 

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

 

 

 

Jennifer Goldman

Donor Recruitment Representative

American Red Cross

524 Forest Avenue

Portland, ME  04101

(207)775-2367 (t)

(207)699-6028 (c)

Goldmanjr@usa.redcross.org

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

AmeriCorps lives!

Celebrate with us as we rejoice that AmeriCorps and its parent organization, the Corporation for National and Community Service, has survived the latest round of Congressional budget cuts!  We rely heavily on full and part time AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA members to advance our work of civic engagement here at USM, addressing community need and providing important and valuable experience and learning for our students.  Hundreds of such positions in Maine leverage thousands of hours of important work in meeting critical community needs, while also providing jobs and experience to young adults who are recent college grads.  Many thanks to those who joined in contacting our Congressional delegation about the value of AmeriCorps in Maine!  Stay tuned, for the FY 2012 budget debate will almost certainly call this into question once again, but for now:  Celebrate!  Viva AmeriCorps!

 

Sincerely,

ATM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403

Looking for a job? Experience through community service can help!

Whether you're graduating in a few weeks or a few years, chances are you hope to land a professional position after you earn your degree.  In the present employment climate, it's challenging.  Here's an article from Smart Money about how volunteer community service can provide you with valuable experience and networking connections that will benefit you in your job search.  We can help you identify the volunteer role that suits your skills, interests, and career goals!  Our partnerships in the community offer a variety of types of engagement through which you can gain valuable work experience, and 10 hours per week can qualify you for an AmeriCorps membership carrying a $1132 Education Award that can be applied to your tuition bill or qualified student loans.

 

In Fall 2011, a new interdisciplinary course, ARS 399, "Life, Work and Citizenship" will be offered in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.  The backbone of the course will be internships, largely in nonprofit settings, with reading and reflection on -- well, life, work and citizenship!  The course can be taken one or two semesters, and if you enroll for two semesters and serve 300 hours in your internship setting, you can qualify for the $1132 AmeriCorps Education Award. 

 

Read on, and for more information or support in identifying the right unpaid work experience for you, contact Community Service Learning, community@usm.maine.edu or 228-8091.  -ATM

 

****************************************

http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/employment/will-volunteering-help-me-find-a-paying-job-1302302740295/

EMPLOYMENT: 
Does Volunteering Give Job-Seekers an Edge?

Restless with his part-time public relations job, Stephen Anfield, 30, began volunteering in the AARP's Washington, D.C., office about a year ago. It wasn't easy: On top of his 30-hour work-week, Anfield put in another 10 to 15 hours writing blog posts, making and printing PowerPoint presentations, and other office tasks. "It was like what you'd do at a typical job," he says. But after six months, he found a new job – courtesy of a referral from an AARP staffer. "It's not the typical way to get a job, but it worked for me."

With unemployment still at its one of the highest levels since the Great Depression, some job seekers are adding another tactic to their traditional job search: volunteering. "It definitely is happening more," says Dan Ryan, a staffing expert and panelist for the Society of Human Resource Management and a principal at staffing firm Ryan Search & Consulting. No one tracks volunteers' motives precisely, of course, but after years of declines, volunteerism is up about 3% in the last three years – a small percentage, but one that represents an additional 2 million volunteers, for about 63 million American volunteers total.

Many are passionate about a cause; others are just passing time. But some career coaches and recruiters are advising job-seekers to volunteer for more strategic reasons: It's an outside shot at a full-time job. "Volunteering is a differentiator," says R.J. Morris, the corporate director of staffing for McCarthy Building Companies, one of the largest commercial building firms in the U.S. "It shows initiative and that you're active in your desired career field."

Of course, using a volunteer post as a conduit to a full-time gig is far from a sure bet. Nor is it a short cut. It takes diligence and patience to find the right slot at the right organization; then you need to work hard enough to see results and develop a good reputation – all of which takes time. If that sounds like a lot of work, that's because it can be. "We're looking for volunteers … who treat it like a job," says Simon Tam, the marketing manager for the Oregon affiliate of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, which helps give children access to higher education. "You can't just do nothing."

Even so, in today's hypercompetitive job market, experts say it can be worth a shot, especially if it allows a job-seeker to identify measurable achievement – a fund-raising goal met, or new skills learned. Also as Morris points out, volunteering can demonstrate energy and ambition, which can be especially critical for people who are out of work already. Furthermore, the right volunteer opportunity can add to your skill set and broaden your network, says Mari Alboher, vice president of Civic Ventures, a think tank focusing on employment for baby boomers – all of which never hurts in a job search.
Here's how to strategically volunteer to land a paying gig.

Pick your cause carefully

Let's be honest: This is not an exercise in civic virtue – at least, not fully. While you might enjoy reading to children at the local library or handing out bagels at the end of a charity 10-K, neither is likely to help you get a job in finance. Instead, find a volunteer position that relates to your chosen field, suggests Artie Lynnworth, author of "Slice the Salami - Tips for Life and Leadership, One Slice at a Time." The Taproot Foundation matches professionals who have experience in human resources, management, marketing or information technology with nonprofits who need the expertise; VolunteerMatch.org , provides broader matching services.

But for once-and-future high-level professionals, even a position in your chosen field may be humbling. Many organizations rely on volunteers for administrative work or manual labor: Marketing pros might be asked to make copies; a public relations executive might find herself taking coats at an event. And in order to make sure volunteers represent the organization well, fund-raisers may have to work with a staff member on how to make sales calls, said Tam – even those who have done this hundreds of times in the past.

Trade your time for new skills

Because they're not paying you, a non-profit organization may be more willing to let you take on new tasks or learn new skills in ways a paying employer might not encourage. Tam, who has trained volunteers in dozens of national organizations, has taught them everything from how to give a presentation to how to operate a sound or lighting system to how to ask a sponsor for donations. To your benefit, you learn new skills that can bolster your CV, and do it in a low-risk environment, says Lynnworth. "You can fail a few times without risking your job."

Getting on this learning curve, though, is rarely immediate, says Tam. Volunteers typically spend hours helping with tasks that they already have skills or time for; only in exchange, will the organization will also teach new skills, experts say. Because while volunteers do donate their time, unless the organization has a specific training program, it probably has its own institutional goals to meet that take priority you're your career development. As such, when you inquire about opportunities, it's important to also reference the skills you already have, not just the ones you're looking to learn.

Be patient

One of the biggest benefits of volunteering may be meeting new people – board members, employees, other volunteers – who can help you find a new or better job. But that doesn't happen overnight. "You won't always have instant access to everyone, especially board members," says Lynnworth. And not only might they be hard to reach, you'll also have to impress them with your dedication, consistency and work product. Only then are these people likely to be references for you or introduce you to people who can help you land a job. They may even hire you themselves, says Alboher.

To improve the odds, "volunteer at places where your [potential] clients also volunteer," says career coach Laura Rose. Habitat for Humanity may be a good fit for construction professionals or architects; A struggling sales pro might want to find a spot at doing fundraising for a national organization like the American Cancer Society. In any case, apply the same creativity and initiative you would in a paying job, says Alboher. That often means putting in time, recruiting other volunteers, and even identifying organizational needs and helping to raise money for them. You may even be able to create a job for yourself by pointing out a job that the organization needs and creating funding for it, by say, writing a grant.

Read more: Will Volunteering Help Me Find a Paying Job? - SmartMoney.com http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/employment/will-volunteering-help-me-find-a-paying-job-1302302740295/#ixzz1JF48igT5

 

 

 

 

Andrea Thompson McCall

 Director of Community Service Learning

 University Interfaith Chaplain

University of Southern Maine

P.O. Box 9300

Portland, ME 04104-9300

 

Phone 207-228-8284

FAX 207-228-8403