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Volunteer Opportunities
Can we help spread the word about a volunteer opportunity in your organization? Send information by the 10th of the month for publication in the e-Bulletin for the next month to info@vital-aging-network.org. While we will make every effort to include what you send us, space is limited.
Minnesota Reading Corps
Literacy tutors and math tutors urgently needed
One in five Minnesota third graders can’t read this sentence. The numbers are worse for math skills. With your help, we can reverse that trend. Minnesota Reading Corps—the nation’s largest state AmeriCorps program—and its sister program Minnesota Math Corps are looking to place over 1,000 literacy tutors and math tutors in schools across Minnesota. Tutors give back to their communities for one year by introducing research-based literacy or math strategies to kids struggling to succeed.
Tutors help children gain the confidence and skills to become successful readers by the end of third grade, or proficient in math by the end of eighth grade. As a tutor, you’ll receive training and a modest biweekly living allowance, and commit to 11 months of service, beginning in August. In addition, you’ll receive an education award of up to $5,550 to spend on either your own education or, if you’re over 55, the education of your child or grandchild.
Apply today to become a full-time or part-time tutor! Go to www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org. Direct questions to recruitment@mnedc.org or 866-859-2825.
One year. This year. Join Minnesota Reading Corps or Math Corps. Serve to grow.
Northern Clay Center
Are you looking for a dynamic volunteer position in the arts? Are you passionate about ceramic art? Northern Clay Center is always looking for people with all types of skill sets for special assignments. Check out the opportunities that are currently available at www.northernclaycenter.org/give/volunteer.php
Meals on Wheels
Build Your Community One Meal at a Time-- Deliver Meals on Wheels!
What: Make an impact in your community by delivering hot and nutritious Meals on Wheels to seniors and individuals with disabilities in your community. Our volunteers deliver much more than a meal - they bring a smile and kind words, they relieve isolation, and provide peace of mind for our clients and their caregivers. Deliver meals and deliver independence!
When: Volunteer one hour during lunch time; Monday through Friday. You can volunteer once a week, once a month, be on-call, or volunteer on a schedule that works for you.
Where: We have 37 member programs throughout the Twin Cities, so there is sure to be a program near you! Learn more:www.meals-on-wheels.com or contact Kelsey at kelsey@meals-on-wheels.com or 612-623-3363
Greater Twin Cities RSVP
The following two opportunities are with the Greater Twin Cities RSVP sponsored by Volunteers of America. Individuals 55+ can receive partial mileage reimbursement and other benefits for volunteering. Contact Carolyn Swenson at (952) 945-4161 or cswenson@voamn.org to learn more.
CarFit: Ensuring Your Car's Safest Fit
Did you know that seniors are much more vulnerable to injury in a crash than younger people? RSVP wants to increase older adult driver safety, and you can help! CarFit events are designed to provide a quick but comprehensive check of how well drivers and their vehicles work together. Drivers drive in with their vehicle and a trained volunteer asks simple questions from a 12-point checklist. The entire process takes about 20 minutes and the driver leaves with suggested car adjustments and adaptations, a list of resources, and greater peace of mind. CarFit is not a driver assessment program. It is a public education program centered on person to vehicle fit.
RSVP is looking for volunteers interested in being trained as technicians. CarFit events are friendly, fun, and educational. Volunteers who enjoy learning, interacting with older people, and who have physical stamina for standing, bending, and stooping are needed. Once trained, technicians will be asked to participate in at least two CarFit events during the year. The first round of events is currently being scheduled for May–June 2012. A three to four hour technician training will be scheduled in early May.
Bone Builders: Keep Bones Strong
Bone Builders is an osteoporosis prevention and reversal exercise program that relies upon weight training to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis through increasing both muscular strength and bone density. Benefits to committed participants can include:
- Increased bone density and muscle strength,
- Lowered blood pressure,
- Reduction in fall risk,
- Improved balance,
- Increased energy and mobility,
- Opportunities for socialization with other class participants
RSVP is planning to bring Bone Builders exercise classes to senior housing facilities, high rises, and community centers throughout the counties we serve. Classes are led, or co-led, by volunteers trained and supported through RSVP. If you are enthusiastic, a good teacher, and committed to senior health and well being, we need you!
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis
Volunteer Drivers
Because of increased need in the community, Jewish Family and Children’s Service needs volunteer drivers now more than ever to provide rides to older adult clients Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. If you are an adult who is available year round; have a safe driving record, appropriate insurance and a car in good condition, we would like to talk to you. If you can help, contact Debra Savitt, Volunteer Resources Program Manager, Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis, at dsavitt@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4859.
Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC)
Mentors
Are you looking for an exciting volunteer opportunity for personal growth? Mentor an ex-offender at the Hennepin County Correctional Facility to help him/her successfully transition back into society. Many of GMCC’s mentors 60-85 years old have found this experience to be rewarding. Mentors must have one year off of paper if an ex-offender and one year of sobriety if chemically dependent. Mentor commitment is four hours per month for one year. Trainings is on June 9 from 8:45 am to 2:00 pm at the Correctional Facility. If interested please contact Jennifer Edel at jedel@gmcc.org or 612-276-1549.
SeniorNet Minneapolis
SeniorNet Minneapolis provides low cost computer classes for individuals over the age of 50. Beginner classes range from learning mouse skills and PC basic functions to simple management of files within Windows Explorer. Intermediate and advanced classes in word processing, spreadsheets, photo editing, Internet, email and managing your PC are provided for those who understand PC basics. SeniorNet is looking for volunteers in two areas:
Coach
Coaches circulate among the students and provide assistance using the mouse, keyboard and performing the specific course examples demonstrated by the teacher. The intent is to have at least two coaches for ten students.
Teacher
For those with more experience, there is an opportunity to teach after familiarization with the course materials by serving as a coach.
Check our Additional Resources for more information
