Office of Engaged Learning | WEEKLY
253 Luther Bonney Hall, Portland Campus
207-228-8091 | community@usm.maine.edu
We like to share community engagement opportunities! Expect us to do so each week.
Students, Staff & Faculty: Explore the opportunities highlighted below to stay updated and get involved.
Announcements:
Alternative Spring Break 2015 Applications Available - Due TODAY!
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a student group that participates in a one-week, substance-free, service trip during Spring Break in March. Applications are now being accepted for a spring service trip to Baltimore, Maryland. Applications available at http://usm.maine.edu/oel/alternative-school-break.
USM's America Reads Program is Recruiting – 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 send a paragraph to Rachel.Hasty@maine.edu describing why you would be a good fit.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Maine - Portland Lock-Up
Wed, Oct. 1st – Ocean Gateway – Tomorrow!
The muscular Dystrophy Association of Maine serves over 600 families in Maine and covers 43 different types of Muscular Dystrophy including Duchenne MD, ALS and SMA. There will be around 150 community and business leader from the greater Portland area at the Portland Lock-Up. They are looking for people to help with setup, picture taking, social media, registration, food prep and event take down between 8am and 2pm. Please email Anna at agleason@mdausa.org or call 207-854-3749.
Maine Youth Action Network - 4th Annual Maine Youth Leadership Summit
Oct. 26th-28th – 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
Upcoming Events
CONFERENCE - "Together: Leading Positive Change"
Fri, October 3rd (8am-5pm) – USM's Abromson Center (Portland)
Lift 360 is a Portland-based organization that aims to strengthen Northern New England Communities by strengthening effectiveness of organizations and leaders. The conference is meant to inspire community-minded citizens to action. It features an impressive line-up of morning speakers and afternoon workshops. There is a discount rate for USM students ($35) and staff/faculty ($65).
More info and registration: http://civicleadership.org/programs-services/test-2/
Student discount code: USM_student_regular
Faculty/Staff discount code: USM_faculty_regular
Iris Network's White Cane Awareness Walk
Sat, October 18th (10am) – Monument Square
The purpose of the walk is to increase awareness of blindness and vision loss in Maine. The walk also serves as a fundraiser for the agency so the Iris Network can continue to provide a variety of vital services to Mainers who are blind and experiencing vision loss throughout Maine. All proceeds provide training, education, and support for people with vision loss and blindness. Registration cost is $15/adult and $5/children under twelve. If you have questions call Terri at 207-518-5003.
More info: http://www.theiris.org/news-events/2014-white-cane-walk-for-independence
GrowSmart Maine Summit 2014 - The Dollars and $ense of Smart Growth
Tues, October 21st (8am-5pm) – Augusta Civic Center
There will be over 500 folks from across the state to inform, discuss and inspire towards improving Maine's economy, revitalizing our downtowns and conserving our working and natural landscapes. If you are currently enrolled in a Maine College or University you can attend at a student rate of $25 with the discount code. Free registration is also offered in exchange for volunteering. Please contact Kim if interested in volunteering at 207 699 4452 or email info@growsmartmaine.org with any questions. More info: http://usm.maine.edu/oel/growsmart-summit-2014
Registration: growsmartmaine.org/summit
Student discount code: EDUCATION
(Please bring ID or proof of enrollment to the event)
Featured Community Partner:
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland was founded in 1985. Their commitment is to developing and uplifting families and communities. The organization has expanded to now serve the 28 communities in the greater Portland area. In nearly three decades they've built 57 homes, served more than 200 people with stable, affordable housing, engaged hundreds of business and civic partners, and enlisted the support of thousands of volunteers. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland is a homeownership program where the homeowners are just as invested in the completion of their home through minimal funds and sweat-equity. Volunteers are welcome for one day or a regularly scheduled time. If you are interested in learning more about specific opportunities with Habitat for Humanity please contact the Office of Engaged Learning.
More info: http://habitatportlandme.org/index.php/info/Volunteer
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