Community Service Learning at USM!

https://docs.google.com/a/maine.edu/forms/d/1rzKdOi2JZBDD3XhZfftJ9Iv_EH9gQEivlEXieK_218Q/viewform

Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunities highlighted below to stay updated and get involved.

Announcements

Call for Poster Exhibit Abstracts – Due TODAY!

Thurs, Dec. 4^th (3-4pm) – Wishcamper Center Atrium (Portland Campus)

The USM Metropolitan University Steering Group invites faculty and students to present their work with community partners during a poster session on December 4th. Posters will highlight current and previous collaborations with community partners, including K-12 students and teachers, industry partnerships, community service and service-learning projects, etc. Following the poster session, honorary speaker Dr. Barbara Holland will speak regarding the Metropolitan University vision for the future. Please complete this online form by Nov 24^th to present at the event:

Upcoming Events

World AIDS Day – Free HIV Testing

Mon, Dec. 1^st (11am-3pm) – Woodbury Campus Center (Portland Campus)

Free HIV testing and World AIDS Day events at USM! There will be films, resources, prizes and raffles. Free testing at Woodbury Campus Center on 12/1 between 11am and 3pm and again on 12/2 between 9am and 1pm. University Health and Counseling in Gorham will also be offering free testing for the month of December. More detailed are listed on the following website.

Contact: Ann Lovegren at 207 780 5411

More Info: http://usm.maine.edu/mcsa/world-aids-day-usm

Learning and Thriving Together through Community Engagement

Thurs, Dec. 4^th and 5^th – Wishcamper Center (Portland Campus)

Please join the conversation with Dr. Barbara Holland, an internationally renowned expert on community engagement and a founder of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). She is here to visit and hold a conversation about our identity as a Metropolitan University. Your voice, expertise, and passion for the well-being of our greater community and our students is needed during these two days of events.

More Info: http://usm.maine.edu/musteeringgroup

Blood Drive – Open to the Public!

Mon, Dec. 8^th (11am-4pm) – Wishcamper Center (Portland Campus)

Donating blood just once can save up to three lives. The University of Southern Maine is hosting a blood drive on December 8^th in the Wishcamper Center at 34 Bedford Street, Portland. To make an appointment between 11am and 4pm please visit the following website http://www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/driveSearch.jsp?_requestid=495833

More Info: http://www.redcross.org/blood

Internships and Work Opportunities

If you are looking for an internship or an off-campus work opportunity visit USM's eRecruiting website to explore internship and job postings from area employees. For help with the site, questions or general career assistance contact USM's Career Services.

Contact: careers@usm.maine.edu (207 780 4040)

eRecruiting: https://usm.experience.com/experience/login

Volunteer Opportunity

Girls on the Run

Interested in getting involved with Girls on the Run – Maine? They are currently looking for coaches to inspire girls to be healthy, joyful and confident. Not a runner? Not a problem! They provide all of the training necessary. Contact kate.verlee@girlsontherun.org for more info.

Featured Community Partner

Maine Veterans' Home

Maine Veterans' Home is an organization the works closely with the US Department of Veteran Affairs to ensure the six MVH facilities are constantly updated to provide care for Maine's hero's and their families with the dignity and respect they have earned. Their mission is "caring for those who served." Services range from rehabilitation and therapy options to long term, residential and end of life care. The program also offers assistance in the form of a stipend to qualified veterans in order to minimize costs. Some of the associated volunteer opportunities include assisting with arts and crafts, transport, reading, events, gardening, and delivering mail.

More Info: http://www.maineveteranshomes.org/volunteering/volunteer-programs.html

Emily M. Maynard

Graduate Assistant

207-780-4332

253 Luther Bonney

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Weekly Email - Office of Engaged Learning

Office of Engaged Learning | WEEKLY

253 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland Campus

207-228-8091 | community@usm.maine.edu

https://docs.google.com/a/maine.edu/forms/d/1rzKdOi2JZBDD3XhZfftJ9Iv_EH9gQEivlEXieK_218Q/viewform

Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunities highlighted below to stay updated and get involved.

Announcement

Call for Poster Exhibit Abstracts – Due Nov. 24th

Thurs, Dec. 4^th (3-4pm) – Wishcamper Center Atrium (Portland Campus)

Upcoming Events

2^nd Annual Husky Harvest: A Multicultural Celebration – Free & Open to the Public!

Thurs, Nov. 20^th (10am-2pm) – Woodbury Campus Center (Portland Campus)

The Husky Harvest is an international food festival to be held at Woodbury Campus Center. Hosted by USM's Event Planning and Management class in the Tourism and Hospitality Program, recipes from around the world will be shared potluck style while cultural dance performances and impressive ethnic food demonstrations take place. Local Food Vendors will be present at the event to offer traditional food samples and to sell you your favorite treats. The Husky Harvest will also have several art displays and activities to keep everyone of all ages entertained and involved in learning more about the cultural variety our community has to offer. Cultural programming starts at 10am and food will be served at 11am.

Contact: Tracy Michaud-Stutzman (tracy.stutzman@mainedu) Kaitlyn Martin (Kaitlyn.c.martin@maine.edu)

More Info: http://usm.maine.edu/tourism/tourism-hospitality-program-hosts-2nd-annual-husky-harvest

Learning and Thriving Together through Community Engagement

Thurs, Dec. 4^th (3-6pm) – Wishcamper Center (Portland Campus)

Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Barbara Holland, an internationally renowned expert on community engagement and a founder of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). She is here to visit and hold a conversation about our identity as a Metropolitan University. Your voice, expertise, and passion for the well-being of our greater community and our students is needed at this event. From 3-4pm there will be a poster exhibit and reception in the Wishcamper Center Atrium for students and faculty to share presentations highlighting ways in which they collaborate with area organizations. From 4-6pm in 133 Wishcamper there will be a presentation and discussion with Dr. Holland to learn more about the Metropolitan Union and potential for USM. Additional events associated with Dr. Holland's two-day visit to all 3 USM campuses will be online soon.

Blood Drive – Open to the Public!

Mon, Dec. 8^th (11am-4pm) – Wishcamper Center (Portland Campus)

More Info: http://www.redcross.org/blood

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Volunteer Day

Sat, Nov. 22^nd – United Way of Greater Portland

Family Volunteer Day is a national effort held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It is designed to encourage families to volunteer together, introduce children to volunteering and help support the communities in which they live. In Portland, United Way of Portland will be hosting, located at One Canal Plaza, 3^rd Floor, Portland. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome (all young children must be accompanied by an adult). Volunteers will be helping to create the centerpieces for a Community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving, as well as create personal cards for Meals on Wheels recipients. If you are interested please send an email to kstephenson@unitedwaygp.org

More Info: http://www.portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/

The Santa Hustle 5k and Half Marathon

Sun, Nov. 23^nd (5:30-11:30am) – The Maine Mall

It is never too late for a little holiday cheer! Help kick off the holiday season with the Santa Hustle 5k and Half Marathon. All proceeds go to support Easter Seals, an organization working toward ensuring that all people with disabilities or special needs have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Help is needed manning cookie and candy tables during the event. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering contact Kaitlin at kaitlin@takeactionportland.com

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/360141340824252/

National Service Opportunity

Student Engagement Specialist Position - AmeriCorps

Portland Public Schools has joined forces with Goodwill Industries of New England to expand the Multilingual Leadership Corps AmeriCorps Program at two elementary schools. The program is designed to increase academic engagement among English Language Learners through school skills support, mentoring and community engagement programs. Both Presumpscot and Reiche elementary schools are looking for Student Engagement Specialists to work 300 hours between now and August 2015. In exchange for the work hours AmeriCorps members will receive $1175 education award. The schools are looking for adults 17+ interested in working one-on-one or in small groups to support ELL students in meeting reading and math proficiency goals. Programming will be conducted as an extension of the school day to provide students with the extra time necessary to garner the essential building blocks for learning. Volunteer members will be supported and trained by Teachers and coaches in the school buildings. Questions may be directed to Maureen Clancy clancm@portlandschools.org

More Info: http://www.goodwillnne.org/services/workforce/americorps/

Emily M. Maynard

Graduate Assistant

207-780-4332

253 Luther Bonney

Friday, November 14, 2014

Weekly Email - Office of Engaged Learning

Emily M. Maynard
Graduate Assistant
emaynard@usm.maine.edu
207-780-4332
253 Luther Bonney
http://usm.maine.edu/oel

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Weekly Email - Office of Engaged Learning

Office of Engaged Learning | WEEKLY
253 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland Campus
207-228-8091 | community@usm.maine.edu
www.usm.maine.edu/oel

Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunitieshighlighted below to
stay updated and get involved.

Internshipsand Work Opportunities

If you are looking for an internship or anoff-campus work opportunity
visit USM's eRecruiting website to exploreinternship and job postings
from area employees. For help with the site,questions or general career
assistance contact USM's Career Services.
Contact: careers@usm.maine.edu (207 780 4040)
eRecruiting: https://usm.experience.com/experience/login

Fellowship Opportunities with Families USA – For Those Graduating by
August 2015!
Two different fellowships are being offered byFamilies USA, a national
nonprofit organization dedicated to the achievement ofhigh-quality,
affordable health care for all Americans. Both fellowships areyear-long,
full-time, salaried positions at the Families USA office inWashington
D.C.

The VillersFellowship for Health Care Justice was created in 2005 by
Philippe Villers. Thisfellow will work on Medicaid and enrollment policy
issues and will be exposedto different advocacy strategies. Applications
are due January 23, 2015.
Contact: villersfellowship@familiesusa.org
More Info: http://familiesusa.org/about-us/careers/villers-fellowship

The WellstoneFellowship for Social Justice fellow will be responsible
for draftingtalking points, blogs, fact sheets and other publications
that promote healthequity and reduction and elimination of disparities
in health and health care. Applicationsare due February 6, 2015.
Contact: wellstonefellowship@familiesusa.org
More Info: http://familiesusa.org/about-us/careers/wellstone-fellowship

Slim Peace Portland Intern Position – New Non-Profit!
Slim Peace is a start-up non-profitorganization building bridges between
women of different backgrounds andcultures and working toward creating a
healthier world. This is a pioneeringhealth program creating social
change in Boston, Washington D.C., Portland,Chicago and soon New York
City. This intern position would require coordinationassistance,
communication, and attending organization events among other tasks.The
ideal candidate would be highly organized, professional, and
self-motivatedwith excellent inter-personal skills and basic excel and
social media skills.If interested please send your resume to Sara
Schwartz (Slim Peace ProjectCoordinator) at sara@slimpeace.org
(301-873-1168).
More Info: www.slimpeace.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Volunteer Day
Nov. 22nd – United Way of Greater Portland
Family Volunteer Day is a national effort heldon the Saturday before
Thanksgiving. It is designed to encourage families tovolunteer together,
introduce children to volunteering and help support thecommunities in
which they live. In Portland, United Way of Portland will behosting,
located at One Canal Plaza, 3rd Floor, Portland. Volunteers of all ages
andabilities are welcome (all young children must be accompanied by an
adult).Volunteers will be helping to create the centerpieces for a
CommunityThanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving, as well as create personal
cards for Mealson Wheels recipients. If you are interested please send
an email to kstephenson@unitedwaygp.org
More Info: http://www.portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/

Volunteer Project Assistant - Conservation Law Foundation
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is a NewEngland based environmental
advocacy organization working to protect NewEngland's environment for
the benefit of all people. CLF seeks a volunteerLegal Services Food Hub
Project Assistant to perform a variety of programoutreach tasks on
behalf of the organization including outreach to farmers andattorneys
and assisting in planning educational workshops and trainings.
Thisposition would be for a minimum of six months for 8-10 hours or more
each week.Applications are due December 5th.
More Info:
http://www.clfPolar Express – Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad – Great forTheatre Students!
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is looking for USM students tobecome
Merry Elves for an enchanted journey on the Polar Express. This is
awonderful way for students to become involved in the community and have
a funtime volunteering and meeting other students in the area. This is
especially agreat opportunity for theatre students to improve their
improvisational skills.Volunteer elves make hot chocolate, deliver cocoa
and cookies, and help Santagive out the first gift of the season. This
event runs from November 28thtoDecember 23rd. The event generally runs
on weekend nights, andvolunteers are asked to help for three evenings.
This is the railroads biggestfundraiser of the year!
Contact: JenniferHalm-Perazone (polarexpress@mainenarrowgauge.org) (207
828 0814)
More Info: http://www.mainenarrowgauge.org/polar-express/

Upcoming Events

STEM Exposition
Mon, Nov. 10th (9am-4pm) -Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland
This exposition will feature videos, displays, and
interactivedemonstrations focusing on science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM)topics presented by Portland Public School students,
post-secondarystudents, and members of the business community.
Exhibitors will beallowed to set up beginning at 7:30am. Open flames,
explosions, and aerosolchemicals are prohibited. Lunch, snacks, and
water will be provided for allexhibitors. If interested in presenting an
exhibit, contact Kathy Cole (colek@portlandschools.org).

Featured Community Partner:

Preble Street Resource Center
The Preble Street Resource Center is a multi-faceted socialservice
agency that serves hungry and homeless Portlanders through food,casework
and many programs. Their mission is to provide accessible
barrier-freeservices to empower people experiencing problems with
homelessness, housing,hunger, and poverty and to advocate for solutions
to those problems. TheResource Center Soup Kitchen serves warm,
nutritious meals to 250-400 peoplethree times a day every day of the
year and are always looking for volunteersto help.
More Info: www.preblestreet.org/volunteer.php

Emily M. Maynard
Graduate Assistant
emaynard@usm.maine.edu
207-780-4332
253 Luther Bonney
http://usm.maine.edu/oel

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

THURSDAY: Presentation & Exhibit - "Creative Placemaking, Community Building and Transcultural Challenges" - Muhsana Ali

USM School of Social Work & Muskie School of Public Service Present:

MUHSANA ALI

"Creative Placemaking, Community Building and Transcultural Challenges"

Senegal-based artist Muhsana Ali speaks about her creative placemaking and community art practice, including the Mart Community Project in Mart, TX. Ali, a Pew fellowship and Fulbright Scholar recipient has exhibited her work throughout Europe, Africa and the United States. Ali's skill and talent as an artist are matched by her ability to bring diverse groups of people together through artistic projects and a shared passion to revitalize their environment. Please join this special evening event.

Presentation 4:30-6PM | Wishcamper 102

Exhibit & Reception 6-7PM | Wishcamper Lobby

More Info & RSVP

Craig DeForest

Coordinator of Service-Learning & Volunteerism

Office of Engaged Learning

University of Southern Maine

248 Luther Bonney Hall

P: (207) 228-8284

F: (207) 780-4333

www.usm.maine.edu/oel

Weekly Email - Office of Engaged Learning

Office of Engaged Learning | WEEKLY

253 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland Campus

207-228-8091 | community@usm.maine.edu

Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunities highlighted below to stay updated and get involved.

Announcements

CA$H – Earn Continuing Education Credit!

The CA$H program is a joint effort of the United Way and Goodwill. They offer free tax preparation for low and moderate income households as well as financial and asset coaching. The aim is to provide resource education at the time of tax preparation to help clients make the most of their money and better their financial literacy. Volunteers are welcome to all positions, but Intake & Asset Guide volunteers are especially needed. Volunteers can earn up to 18 hours of continuing education credit for participating! No tax experience required!

Contact: Roxanne (Roxanne.Futia@goodwillnne.org) (207 699 0753)

More Info: http://www.goodwillnne.org/news/volunteer-for-cash-coalition/

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Project Assistant

Conservation Law Foundation

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is a New England based environmental advocacy organization working to protect New England's environment for the benefit of all people. CLF seeks a volunteer Legal Services Food Hub Project Assistant to perform a variety of program outreach tasks on behalf of the organization including outreach to farmers and attorneys and assisting in planning educational workshops and trainings. This position would be for a minimum of six months for 8-10 hours or more each week. Applications are due December 5^th.

More Info: http://www.clf.org/about-clf/employment-opportunities/#projectassistant

Family Volunteer Day

Nov. 22^nd – United Way of Greater Portland

More Info: http://www.portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/

Polar Express – Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad – Great for Theatre Students!

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad is looking for USM students to become Merry Elves for an enchanted journey on the Polar Express. This is a wonderful way for students to become involved in the community and have a fun time volunteering and meeting other students in the area. This is especially a great opportunity for theatre students to improve their improvisational skills. Volunteer elves make hot chocolate, deliver cocoa and cookies, and help Santa give out the first gift of the season. This event runs from November 28^th to December 23^rd. The event generally runs on weekend nights, and volunteers are asked to help for three evenings. This is the railroads biggest fundraiser of the year!

Contact: Jennifer Halm-Perazone (polarexpress@mainenarrowgauge.org) (207 828 0814)

More Info: http://www.mainenarrowgauge.org/polar-express/

Upcoming Events

Muhsana Ali: "Creative Placemaking, Community Building and Transcultural Challenges" – FREE!

Thurs, Oct. 30^th (Presentation: 4:30-6pm) – Wishcamper 102, USM Portland

Senegal-based artist Muhsana Ali will speak about her creative placemaking and community art practice, including the Mart Community Project in Mart, TX. Ali, a Pew Fellowship and Fulbright Scholar recipient, has exhibited her work throughout Europe, Africa and the United States. Ali's skill and talent as an artist are matched by her ability to bring diverse groups of people together through artistic projects and shared passion to revitalize their environment. Exhibit and reception will follow from 6:00-7:00pm in the Wishcamper Lobby.

More info: http://muhsanaali.blogspot.com/

STEM Exposition

Mon, Nov. 10^th (9am-4pm) - Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland

This exposition will feature videos, displays, and interactive demonstrations focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics presented by Portland Public School students, post-secondary students, and members of the business community. Exhibitors will be allowed to set up beginning at 7:30am. Open flames, explosions, and aerosol chemicals are prohibited. Lunch, snacks, and water will be provided for all exhibitors. If interested in presenting an exhibit, contact Kathy Cole (colek@portlandschools.org).

Featured Community Partner:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Maine assists in disaster relief, supports the military and their families, runs blood collections, facilities health and safety education and training, and assists with international services. The national volunteer organization has been active since 1881. Volunteers lead the Red Cross in preparedness, prevention, and response to emergencies and have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to their community and help people in their moments of greatest need. Opportunities include administrative support, blood services, disaster services, fundraising, health care, youth programs and much more.

More Info: http://www.redcross.org/me/volunteer

Emily M. Maynard

Graduate Assistant

207-780-4332

253 Luther Bonney

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Weekly Email - Office of Engaged Learning

Office of Engaged Learning | WEEKLY

253 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland Campus

207-228-8091 | community@usm.maine.edu

Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunities highlighted below to stay updated and get involved.

Announcements:

USM's America Reads Program is Recruiting – PAID! Education Majors Encouraged!

America Reads is a program that pays USM students to read to kids in local elementary schools. This is great if you like to work with youth, are looking for a resume booster, networking opportunities, and flexible hours to fit around your school schedule. Must have work study and reliable transportation. If interested, please email Rachel.Hasty@maine.edu for more details. Education Majors are encouraged to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Portland Farmers' Market – One-Time 20 Minute Commitment!

Oct. 25^th at Deering Oaks Park and 29^th at Monument Square

Local farmers' markets provide an excellent opportunity to meet the people who grow food for our region. The Market offer vegetables, fruit, herbs, berries, honey, syrup, flowers, dairy products and meats among other products. This is one of the oldest farmers' market in the country, starting in 1768, and has had especially grown in support the past decade. The Portland Farmers' Market is looking for volunteers to help with a farmers' market customer count. This would be a one-time 20 minute commitment at the upcoming Saturday and Wednesday markets. This could be done before or after browsing the booths!

More Info: http://www.portlandmainefarmersmarket.org/

Sign Up: https://docs.google.com/a/maine.edu/document/d/1QG4AhPjayqwnORXa8FhfOr15qEngCm4bRumGASojbQw/edit

Maine Youth Action Network - 4^th Annual Maine Youth Leadership Summit

Oct. 26^th-28^th – Augusta Civic Center

The Maine Youth Leadership Summit is a two day event working toward supporting and energizing Maine's youth. This is an opportunity to network with youth and adults interested in supporting youth voice. The days consist of workshops, presentations and activities. Volunteers are encouraged to share their skills and strengths including customer service assistance, taking pictures, setting up workshop technology, offering support to youth and providing first aid. Travel expense assistance is available. Please sign up by completing a volunteer survey. Contact Beth with any questions at beth.yvonne@opportunityalliance.org or 207 553 5915.

More info: http://www.myan.org/call-volunteers/

Volunteer survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7N8F76B

Polar Express – Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad – Great for Theatre Students!

Contact: Jennifer Halm-Perazone (polarexpress@mainenarrowgauge.org) (207 828 0814)

More Info: http://www.mainenarrowgauge.org/polar-express/

Upcoming Events

Muhsana Ali: "Creative Placemaking, Community Building and Transcultural Challenges" – FREE!

Thurs, Oct. 30^th (Presentation: 4:30-6pm) – Wishcamper 102, USM Portland

More info: http://muhsanaali.blogspot.com/

STEM Exposition

Mon, Nov. 10^th (9am-4pm) - Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland

Featured Community Partner:

Goodwill Northern New England

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England's services intersect with community needs in Maine, New Hampshire and northern Vermont. Their mission is to enable individual, personal stability while creating engaged, sustainable communities. Each program is funded by revenue from 27 retail stores, grants, fees and financial gifts. Some of their programs include Goodwill NNE is a part of the national Goodwill nonprofit which has 165 organizations throughout the United States and Canada. They offer are a wide range of volunteer opportunities in their Clinical, Community Support, Residential and Job Connections Services and Administrative Operations.

More Info: http://www.goodwillnne.org/services/workforce/adult-services/volunteer-at-goodwill/

Emily M. Maynard

Graduate Assistant

207-780-4332

253 Luther Bonney