Community Service Opportunities

As is often the case, we have received a number of requests for volunteers, and I'm digesting them here, as well as on the list of community volunteering opportunities that is maintained on our web site:    http://www.usm.maine.edu/community/community-volunteering

You are receiving this e-mail because you are subscribed to the listserv of the Office of Community Service Learning, indicating that you have interest in community service opportunities.  This communication is provided as a service to the community and in support of our students' (and others') desire to learn of service opportunities in our community.  Please contact the sponsoring organizations directly  (unless otherwise indicated) if you wish to pursue any of these opportunities.

 

Spring Yard Clean-Up

An elderly Gorham resident who is able to remain in her own home but unable to do yard work has depended on volunteers from USM for several years for seasonal yard clean-up.  If you or a group you're part of would be willing to rake a yard in Gorham, please contact our office.

 

Fund Raising Walk for Haiti

Konbit Sante, a Portland-based organization in partnership with a hospital in Cap Haitian, Haiti, plans their 10th annual fund raising Maine Walk for Haiti on May 12, starting at 10 am, in Portland's Payson Park (Back Cove). Volunteers are needed to solicit sponsors and walk, but also to support the event.  Contact Diane Devlin / ddevlin@maine.rr.com .

 

Oxfam's 2012 CHANGE Initiative  

CHANGE is Oxfam's national student leadership program for rising sophomores and juniors. It provides leadership and advocacy training and prepares students to promote social change locally and globally. CHANGE Leaders are exposed to the international development issues that inform Oxfam's work, and apply their skills and creativity to run Oxfam campaigns on campus.  CHANGE Leaders have access to high quality training and experience in leadership and skills for social change and professional networking.  Applications are due April 2, 2012. Selected students participate in a week-long training in Boston, July 21-27, 2012, which is organized and paid for by Oxfam.  Students must agree to work with a student club and implement an Oxfam campaign on campus during the 2012-13 academic year, as well as communicate regularly with Oxfam staff about their work. Each year 50 students are selected from US-based colleges and universities across the U.S. To learn more about the CHANGE Initiative, visit www.oxfamamerica.org/change.

 

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

Come Join the Crew on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad We are a volunteer organization with a mission to collect, preserve,  display, interpret and operate historic railroad equipment from Maine's two-foot gauge railways. Our volunteers drive the trains, fix the trains, do track work, restore historic equipment, archive records, design and build exhibits all for the education and enjoyment of the public. Come experience the excitement of running a real train. No experience necessary!  We will train you to become a brakeman, conductor or even an engineer.  Have woodworking or carpentry skills? Join our restoration team and keep our beautiful historic railroad cars in repair.  Or help organize our archives.  Whether you have an interest in history, experience with repairing engines, or just a love of trains, the museum has many volunteer opportunities available.   Volunteer hours and days of the week are flexible.  To volunteer contact Jennifer Halm-Perazone, our Volunteer Coordinator at 207-828-0814 or e-mail at volunteers@mainenarrowgauge.org

 

Portland Lion's Club

Te Portland chapter of Lion's Club International, whose mission is "to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding," wants to forge a relationship with students at USM, and give them the ability to not only be a member of the Portland LIONS Club, but to take on a leadership role within the club. Our vision is to allow the students to partner with the current leaders and actually run the club with the current officer's guidance.  Many leadership roles and project opportunities exist.  For more Information: Please contact

Bruce Roullard – President – bruce.roullard@bankofamerica.com

Nathan Cadorette – nathan.cadorette@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