Volunteer Connections

Volunteer Connection Seeks Strategic Partnership In 2011
February 8, 2011, for immediate release

Volunteer Connection, Boulder County's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities, is looking to establish a strategic partnership with another nonprofit organization.

"Volunteer Connection connects thousands of families, individuals, businesses, and service groups to more than 400 agencies and government programs in need of volunteers every year," said Rachel Weinberg, President of the Board of Directors for Volunteer Connection. "Tough economic times take a toll on nonprofits, and we're no exception. We believe the best way for us to continue supporting the Boulder area is for us to partner with another organization."

Established in 1969 as a division of the United Way, Volunteer Connection was one of the first volunteer information and referral centers in the nation. The organization's mission is to engage and connect people as volunteers to service and nonprofit agencies with volunteer opportunities, and to strengthen these organizations through resources, training and education in Boulder County and surrounding areas.

The Board of Directors feels that the services provided by Volunteer Connection are vital to the community of Boulder County, and the organization is relentlessly devoted to promoting volunteerism. The Board of Directors is working on a plan for the organization to move forward under a more efficient structure. Effective Thursday, February 3, Executive Director Jim Pollicita has left the organization, and the organization has now begun to explore strategic partnerships to strengthen the many functions it provides.

If interested in discussing a possible partnership, please email the Volunteer Connection Board of Directors at [email protected].

City of Boulder and County Declare January as MentorsMatter Month
January 11, 2011

City of Boulder Mayor, Susan Osborne, and the Boulder County Commissioners have declared January 2011 as “MentorsMatter” Month. They call on all citizens to become involved, express their appreciation for mentors, and “Help Them Get There, Be a Mentor.” The designation of January as MentorsMatter Month will help call attention to the critical role mentors and mentoring programs play in Boulder County in helping young people realize their potential.

MentorsMatter is a collaboration between Volunteer Connection of Boulder County, Partners Mentoring Program, “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services, YWCA of Boulder County, Boulder County Community Services, the Mental Health Center Serving Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and Big Brother Big Sisters of Colorado.

The collaboration works together to promote the benefits of mentoring, to educate the community about the needs of at-risk youth, and to recruit adult mentors to serve as positive role models for the many youth in Boulder County who are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult.

For more information on mentoring programs and how to become a mentor contact Sue McCullough, MentorsMatter Coordinator, Volunteer Connection, 303-444-4904, [email protected].

Local Storage Technology Company Helps Area Teens
Spectra Logic Employees Volunteer to Assist Attention Homes
October 21, 2010

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County has customized a volunteer project for Spectra Logic Corporation, a Boulder data storage company, to assist Attention Homes, a Boulder nonprofit whose mission is to provide residential treatment, counseling and safe shelter for at-risk youth.

The Volunteer Day will engage a team of Spectra Logic employees in an interactive, one-day project on Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Teens at Attention Homes will move from their Boulder home on Broadway Avenue to a different location on Chase Court, to make room for Attention Homes’ new Runaway & Homeless Youth program opening in the Broadway facility. Spectra Logic employees will assist them with the move. Spectra Logic volunteers will help the teens living at the Broadway location with placing their packed belongings in vehicles for transport to their new home. Volunteers at the Chase Court location will be preparing their new home for a warm welcome and a well-deserved lunch.

The volunteer project is one of the first to be organized by Volunteer Connection under a new Business Connected Program that matches volunteer opportunities for businesses with the needs of member nonprofit agencies. Many companies are eager to engage in community service through volunteerism, and Volunteer Connection aims to facilitate the selection and organization of a project in conjunction with the business’s interests, objectives and availability.

One of the initial reasons Spectra Logic contacted Volunteer Connection with an interest in the program was to “get involved in the community and to promote a positive image to the Boulder community.” Mitchell Rodehaver, Process and Material Analyst at Spectra Logic, says “Spectra employees came together during the Fourmile Fire incident, raising over $4000 for those who lost property in that disaster. We have also recently contributed to a local high school, realizing that education is having increasing difficulties in funding their non-core educational opportunities like music, language, and the arts. The opportunity to help out kids in need seemed like a logical next step.”

The volunteer project collaboration between a business and nonprofit benefits both parties. Claire Clurman, Volunteer Coordinator at Attention Homes, says "We welcome the chance to host corporate groups interested in serving their local community and at-risk youth. Spectra Logic will have a unique opportunity to work alongside and meet our teenagers, all of whom are working hard in their struggle to lead healthier, more productive lives. Our kids benefit from the experience of meeting compassionate working professionals who inspire them with hope and change."

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County Appoints New
Executive Director
April 5, 2010

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County recently announced the appointment of Jim Pollicita to the position of executive director. Pollicita joined the Volunteer Connection on March 8, 2010.

Pollicita has 30 years of experience in new program development, management, marketing, and policy development in nonprofits, higher education, and business. Most recently Pollicita was co-owner and principal consultant for The Entrepreneur’s Source in Louisville, Colorado.

“I look forward to putting my multi-sector experience to work for our communities through Volunteer Connection,” said Pollicita. “Volunteer Connection uniquely builds awareness of nonprofit needs and fosters crucial connections to provide critical resources for essential services. In today’s climate of reduced funds and increased demand, Volunteer Connection is positioned for an even more powerful impact among nonprofit organizations and ultimately in the lives of many individuals.”

“I’m excited to be working with the Volunteer Connection’s committed Board, staff, volunteers, and organizational partners. Boulder County has a rich tradition of volunteer commitment. Volunteer Connection has been a leader in volunteer action in Boulder County and nationally for over 40 years, connecting hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers. Together we are building on that history to serve Boulder County even better now and in the future,“ added Pollicita.

Pollicita has a strong track record of organizational leadership, community service, and lifelong volunteerism. He currently serves on the District Accountability Committee and Budget Advisory Committee for the Boulder Valley School District and the State Advisory Council on Parent Involvement.

Pollicita received a B.A. in Community Development from Springfield College, a M.Ed. in Adult Education from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Volunteer Connection to Hold 7th Annual I Volunteer! Day
March 29, 2010

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County will hold its 7th Annual I Volunteer! Day, Saturday, April 17, from 8 a.m.-noon. This Serve-a-Thon, a countywide celebration of service in honor of Earth Day and National Volunteer Week, epitomizes what Volunteer Connection has been doing for 40 years -- connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities.

Participants will complete many projects, raise funds to support volunteerism in 2010, and expand community awareness about local nonprofit and service agencies. Over 300 volunteers of all ages will devote more than 1200 hours of service to 20 different Boulder County nonprofit and service agencies.

Projects are suitable for individuals, families, groups, and businesses. Some of this year’s projects include cleaning up Boulder Creek, building homes for St. Vrain Habitat for Humanity, building a new play structure at an Emergency Family Assistance shelter, spring cleaning at the historic Old Mill Park in Longmont, and gardening at the Medicine Horse Program. A drop-in site at Calvary Bible Church in Boulder will offer projects that are better suited for families with young children, people with disabilities, and those unable to meet the entire time commitment at a specific project.

Registration, project details, and pledge information are available online at www.volunteerconnection.net. All participants will receive a T-shirt featuring custom artwork by local artist Harriet Peck Taylor, and are invited to the post-event celebration lunch.

Volunteer Connection appreciates the support of the following sponsors: the Camera, Yellow Scene magazine, and Scripps Howard Foundation; and our in-kind donors: Eco-Cycle, LARA Bars, Fiona’s Granola, King Soopers, Breadworks, Calvary Bible Church, Safeway, Sprouts, Einstein Bagels, Justin’s Nut Butter, Bobo’s Oat Bars, McGuckin’s Hardware, Eldorado Spring Water, Oogave Soda, and Snikiddy Snacks.

Mentor One Child, Change Two Lives - January Declared “MentorsMatter” Month
January 5, 2010

City of Boulder Mayor, Susan Osborne, and Boulder County Commissioners, Ben Pearlman, Cindy Domenico and Will Toor declare January 2010 as “MentorsMatter” Month in Boulder County. They call on all citizens to become involved, express their appreciation for mentors and “Expand Your Universe. Mentor a Child.” The designation of January as MentorsMatter Month will help call attention to the critical role mentors and mentoring programs play in Boulder County in helping young people realize their potential.

MentorsMatter, a collaboration between Volunteer Connection, Partners Mentoring Program, “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services, YWCA, Boulder Enhanced Supervision Team (B.E.S.T), The Mental Health Center of Boulder & Broomfield Counties, Boulder Valley School District, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado and RSVP are working together to promote the benefits of mentoring, educate the community about the needs of at-risk youth and recruit adult mentors to serve as positive role models for the many youth in Boulder County who are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult.

Continued research on mentoring shows that formal, high-quality mentoring focused on developing the competence and character of the mentee promotes positive outcomes, such as improved academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills and career development. Further research on mentoring provides strong evidence that mentoring successfully reduces substance use and abuse, academic failure, and delinquency.

More than 4,200 mentoring programs in communities of all sizes across the United States, 8 within the MentorsMatter collaboration here in Boulder County, focus on building strong, effective relationships between mentors and mentees. In spite of the progress made to increase mentoring, the Nation has a serious “mentoring gap”, with nearly 15,000,000 young people in need of mentors and at least 200 young people here in Boulder County that would benefit from a mentoring relationship.

Mentors find their experience to be sometimes challenging but overall, extremely meaningful and rewarding. Memorable moments abound for volunteer Lisa Gorman, who shares her time and talents through Partners Mentoring Program. This is a non-profit youth mentoring agency that matches needing youth with caring adult mentors.
Gorman spends approximately 4-6 hours a week with her 11- year old mentor partner, enjoying a variety of activities such as swimming, school projects, crafts, and eating. Gorman states this has allowed her "great hands-on experience to learn about children. It has also taught her not to take simple things for granted." Gorman helped create the opportunity for her junior partner to have several "new experiences," such as joining band at school and attending her first recital, jumping off a diving board, and going to a movie.

Gorman is recognized by Partners Mentoring as an exceptional senior partner, and her enthusiasm is evident as she states what a very "rewarding experience it is for her to be able to make a difference in a child's life by encouraging a positive self image, instilling a sense of responsibility and helping a child reach her full potential."

For information about mentoring programs in Boulder County, contact MentorsMatter c/o Volunteer Connection at [email protected] or call Sue McCullough at 303-444-4904.

Volunteer Connection Poised for Success in 2010
January 12, 2010

Volunteer Connection wishes Executive Director Roman Krafczyk wild success in his new position as VP of Programming at Easter Seals Colorado.

During his tenure at the Volunteer Connection Krafczyk acted swiftly to implement the vision of the Board of Directors and set the organization on track to emerge from a year of transition as the only one stop shop for volunteerism in Boulder County.

Executive Director Roman Krafczyk said, “Last week I made a personal decision to join Easter Seals of Colorado. I have a long history with Easter Seals and the VP position is a unique opportunity that I could not pass up. The timing is disappointing and I am heartbroken to leave the Volunteer Connection on the edge of such exciting changes, but the opportunity that arose has proven to be the best decision for my family. My decision does not reflect on the respect and admiration I have for the Board, staff, and volunteers of Volunteer Connection. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful organization.”

The Board of Directors is delighted with the current direction of the organization and the programs and services that are emerging to support Boulder County. The Board of Directors expects to implement the Recruit, Resource, Connect plan, which is a product of community input, volunteer feedback, and requests of local governmental and non-profit organizations. The community will continue to see more of the Volunteer Connection emerge in the coming months.

“It has been an amazing year for us to dream together with so many members of our community about the many ways the Volunteer Connection is able to support the county. We are more excited than ever about the future of volunteerism in Boulder County and the integral role Volunteer Connection plays in bringing resources together,” said Treasurer Niles Emerick.

The Board of Directors and staff are relentlessly devoted to the success of Volunteer Connection in Boulder County, to Recruit, Resource, and Connect with the amazing people in this community and to provide unparalleled support for the organizations that serve this county.

Volunteer Connection will be accepting resumes for the Executive Director position beginning January 20, 2010. Please visit our website January 20th for the full job announcement at www.volunteerconnection.net. No calls regarding this position, please.

VC Board of Directors can be reached at [email protected]

Volunteer Connection is delighted to announce the hiring of our new executive director, Roman Krafcyzk.

Mr. Krafcyzk brings extensive nonprofit experience, most recently as CEO of the Beanstalk Foundation in Denver, CO, and also as executive director of Rocky Mountain Village, an Easter Seals conference center serving people with disabilities in the Rocky Mountain West.

With a B.A. in sociology and human services, and a deep interest in community nonprofit organizations, Mr. Krafcyzk will lead Volunteer Connection in supporting and promoting volunteers and volunteerism in the Boulder region.

Mr Krafcyzk will help Volunteer Connection utilize current technology to effectively match volunteers with needs in the community, and will develop volunteer management best practices to assist every non-profit in Boulder County leverage their volunteer support to create the most impact.

“We are extremely pleased to have a new executive director with Roman’s experience, and we believe that he has a clear vision to provide expanded support to our local nonprofit and service agencies, working with our great staff and board. Roman will begin work at Volunteer Connection on October 19th, 2009, and we hope you will join us in welcoming him”, said board president Chris Nelson.

Roman can be reached at [email protected].

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County’s 6th Annual
I Volunteer! Day - April 8, 2009

Several Boulder County government officials and employees from local businesses are showing their commitment to public service, joining more than 500 other volunteers in support of Volunteer Connection’s 6th Annual I Volunteer! Day, Saturday, April 25.

Volunteers will complete projects for more than 30 Boulder County nonprofit and government agencies between 8:00 a.m. and noon, in addition to raising funds to support volunteerism in 2009. Projects require a four-hour time commitment.

Boulder City Mayor Matthew Appelbaum and council members will roll up their sleeves to clean and paint emergency housing units for Boulder’s Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA). Philanthropiece will participate on projects at the drop-in site at Calvary Bible Church, including decorating meal bags for people with life-threatening illnesses, sewing quilts for children in foster care, and assembling ribbons to raise awareness to end violence against women.

Entrepreneurs Foundation of Colorado (EFCO) employees, as well as Rally Software Development and Symplified employees and families will get their hands dirty giving a face lift to Horizons K-8 and will dig-in at Growing Gardens. Regional Manager of HandsOn Network, Brian Leftwich, will lend his support in giving national recognition at various sites throughout the county.

Families, social groups and individuals will also find many opportunities of interest. I Volunteer! Day serves as a great venue for a social outing and provides a charitable gift that will make our community a better place to live in - all in one!

Volunteers over age 8 are asked to make a minimum pledge of $20 per participant for participation in I Volunteer! Day. Pledges may be secured by inviting others to sponsor the four hours of service. Each dollar will help support Volunteer Connection’s year-round efforts to connect community members with community needs. Registration is available online at www.volunteerconnection.net.

Thank you to the following sponsors: Camera, Yellow Scene, Roche Colorado, Scripps Howard Foundation, Philanthropiece and WhiteWave Foods.

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County’s 6th Annual
I Volunteer! Day - March 15, 2009

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County will host its 6th Annual I Volunteer! Day, Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m.-noon. This countywide celebration of service in honor of Earth Day and National Volunteer Week epitomizes what Volunteer Connection has been doing for 40 years -- connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities. Participants will complete many important countywide projects, raise funds to support volunteerism in 2009, and expand community awareness about local nonprofit and service agencies. 500+ volunteers of all ages will devote over 2,000 hours of service to more than 30 different nonprofit and service agencies throughout Boulder County.

Projects include landscaping, building, painting, cleaning, and crafts, and require a four-hour time commitment. A drop-in site at Calvary Bible Church in Boulder offers multiple projects that may be better suited for families with young children, people with disabilities and those unable to meet the entire time commitment at a specific project site.

All participants will receive a T-shirt featuring custom artwork donated by local artist Harriet Peck Taylor, and are invited to the culminating celebratory lunch.

Volunteer Connection is proud to announce the following Boulder County service agencies are participating in the 6th Annual I Volunteer! Day:

Attention Homes, BeadforLife, Boulder County AIDS Project, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative, Boulder Housing Partners, Cal-Wood Education Center, Center for People With Disabilities, Center for Safe Schools and Communities, City of Lafayette Open Space, Colorado Horse Rescue, Colorado Reptile Humane Society, Community Cycles, Eco-Cycle Boulder, Emergency Family Assistance Association, Frasier Meadows, Growing Gardens, Horizons K-8 School, “I Have A Dream” Foundation, Lafayette Senior Services, Longmont Ending Violence Initiative (LEVI), Longmont Humane Society, OUR Center, Project Angel Heart, Project Linus, ReSource, Teaching Peace, The Acorn School, The Living School, Women’s Health (BVWHC), Boulder Pride, Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley.

Thank you to the following sponsors: Camera, Yellow Scene, Roche Colorado, Scripps Howard Foundation, Philantropiece.

Volunteer Connection has been promoting volunteerism and connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities in Boulder County since 1969. 380 service organizations are currently registered with the searchable online database and are recommended through a one-on-one referral service. Volunteer Connection also publishes volunteer opportunities and a weekly “Volunteer of the Week” column in three local newspapers. Volunteer Connection provides affordable volunteer management training for local service organizations, and is ready to respond to local disasters by providing spontaneous volunteer management.

Our Mission: Volunteer Connection engages and connects people as volunteers to service and non-profit agencies with volunteer opportunities and strengthens these organizations through resources, training, and education in Boulder County

Our Vision: Everyone in Boulder County volunteers and every agency has the knowledge to effectively utilize the time and talent of their volunteers.

Starbucks Joins Call for National Service and Asks, “Are You In?”
January 21, 2009

Starbucks and HandsOn Network Affiliates are partnering to raise one million hours of service across America.

“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.” Starbucks and HandsOn Network affiliate Volunteer Connection are joining to launch the “I’m In!” campaign, an initiative to make it easy to participate in the President Obama’s call for service. In participating Starbucks stores across the nation and in Boulder County, the American public will have an opportunity to pledge five hours or more of community service toward a local volunteer opportunity of choice.

Starbucks will honor each person who pledges with a free tall brewed coffee beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 25. The goal of the effort is to raise pledges in excess of one million hours of service from all over the country.

“When thousands of people add their five hours together to local agencies in Boulder County, we will feel the impact,” says Laura Kinder, executive director of Volunteer Connection. “Boulder County has a strong and diverse nonprofit sector that reaches into the lives of people in our communities and into communities around the world. Our work addresses the important issues of the day – poverty, homelessness, literacy, violence, global warming – and I witness every day the people of Boulder County stepping forward to embrace their power to make a difference in ending these issues. I am thrilled to have Starbucks giving their customers the opportunity to join in the work that makes our communities strong for all.”

“Five hours is just 25 minutes a month for a year, two afternoons at a food bank creating care packages, a day reading to children at a hospital or in a park planting trees,” said Vivek Varma, senior vice president of Global Affairs, Starbucks Coffee Company. “We hope to help spark a new spirit of volunteerism by exceeding a million pledge hours and HandsOn Network is the perfect partner to allow our customers to join us in a renewed national commitment to community service.”

“HandsOn Network is excited to join forces with Starbucks. We have witnessed the partnerships between corporations and nonprofits grow more creative and this type of collaboration is a powerful way to reach scale and truly create a movement. Starbucks is the catalyst to reach millions of volunteers and HandsOn equips, activates and provides the much needed resources to help America fulfill the commitments made from this initiative,” said Michelle Nunn, chief executive officer. “HandsOn has over 270 HandsOn Action Centers located in the United States and works with over 31,000 nonprofit organizations. A quick online questionnaire can steer consumers toward a fulfilling volunteer opportunity.”

How to Participate at Your Local Starbucks

· Visit Starbucks:
You can join the “I’m In” campaign, part of the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ commitment to community involvement, when visiting a local participating Starbucks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21 (and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 25). Stop by the “I’m In” display featuring community pledge cards, pick up the card, and fill it out with your five-hour commitment to volunteer.

· Pledge Five:
Place the “I’m In” sticker from the pledge card on your lapel, signifying your pledge, and take the card with you as a reminder to keep the effort going. As a thank you, each customer who pledges five hours of their own time will receive a complimentary tall cup of brewed coffee. In Boulder County Starbucks pick up the card with Volunteer Connection’s website address. The website contains more than 400 volunteer opportunities with nonprofits, service groups and muncipalities that make an impact everyday locally, statewide, nationally and globally.

· Track Success:
Customers can log on to pledge5.starbucks.com to record pledge hours, find local volunteer opportunities via the HandsOn Network, track hours pledged-to-date, and receive updates on the campaign.

About Volunteer Connection
Volunteer Connection mission is to engage and connection people as volunteers to non-profit and service agencies with volunteer opportunities and strengthen these organizations through resources, training, and education in Boulder County and surrounding areas. https://www.volunteerconnection.net

About HandsOn Network
HandsOn Network is a national nonprofit whose core mission is to equip, mobilize and inspire people to take action that changes the world. More information on the organization is at http://www.handsonnetwork.org/ .

About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. For more information on Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ please visit www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com

City of Boulder declares January as “MentorsMatter” Month
January 15, 2009

Mayor McGrath declared January 2009 As “MentorsMatter” Month in the City of Boulder, and calls on all citizens to become involved, express their appreciation for mentors and “Expand Your Universe. Mentor a Child.” We are very proud to have the highest elected official in the city supporting our efforts and increasing awareness about the need for mentors here in Boulder.

MentorsMatter, an award winning collaboration between Volunteer Connection, RSVP, Partners Mentoring Program, “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Boulder County Department of Social Services, YWCA, Boulder Enhanced Supervision Team (B.E.S.T), The Mental Health Center of Boulder & Broomfield Counties, Boulder Valley School District and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado are working together to promote the benefits of mentoring, educate the community about the needs of at-risk youth and recruit adult mentors to serve as positive role models for the many youth in Boulder and Boulder County who are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult.

Continued research on mentoring shows that formal, high-quality mentoring focused on developing the competence and character of the mentee promotes positive outcomes, such as improved academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills and career development. Further research on mentoring provides strong evidence that mentoring successfully reduces substance use and abuse, academic failure, and delinquency.

More than 4,200 mentoring programs in communities of all sizes across the United States, 10 within the MentorsMatter collaboration here in Boulder County, focus on building strong, effective relationships between mentors and mentees. In spite of the progress made to increase mentoring, the Nation has a serious “mentoring gap”, with nearly 15,000,000 young people in need of mentors and at least 300 young people here in Boulder County that would benefit from a mentoring relationship.

Mentors find their experience to be extremely meaningful and rewarding. Zuza Bohley, a mentor with the BVSD Community Access Mentoring program (CAM), more informally known as Cool Afterschool Moves, has a mission—to give Boulder Valley middle school students a new springboard, to kindle passion in an interest they can transfer to other areas of their life. On her mentoring experience, Bohley said, “I think in part the work that I do is so easy and so rewarding, I wish that others would take another person and share little ideas, little steps until they become strong enough to do something they have been shyly thinking about.”

For information about mentoring programs in Boulder County, contact MentorsMatter c/o Volunteer Connection at [email protected] or call Sue McCullough at 303-444-4904.

2008 Holiday Volunteer and Donation Opportunities Guide
November 11, 2008

For the staff at Volunteer Connection, the Holiday Giving Season begins early.

“Even before Halloween, our phone calls and emails are all about people wanting to know where they can volunteer during the Holidays,” reports Sue McCullough, Volunteer Connection services coordinator. “That’s why we put together the Holiday Volunteer and Donation Opportunities Guide. This guide is continually updated as our partner agencies provide us with their Holiday needs.”

Holiday volunteer opportunities are an excellent way for individuals, families, businesses, and communities of faith to join together and share their joy with those who may be less fortunate. Agency in-kind donations act as alternatives to work-place gift giving, where instead of buying something that may have no meaning to the recipient; an item is donated in his or her honor and given to someone who otherwise would have no gift at all.

Some of the volunteering opportunities include inspecting and sorting all the used and new toys donated to Share-A-Gift that will be distributed to low-income children on December 20, and providing a tree, decorations, and/or meals so at-risk teen boys staying in a local shelter can enjoy the holidays. There are opportunities to adopt-a-family from three agencies that support children and their families that are low-income or suffering from a parent or sibling diagnosed with cancer.

The impact of holiday volunteering is profound: the lonely and isolated are visited, the hungry are fed, the choice between gift giving for the sake of gift giving versus meeting basic needs for many local families and individuals is made easier, and the feeling of community becomes a reality for many.

To receive a copy of the 2008 Holiday Volunteer and Donation Opportunities Guide, visit the Volunteer Connection website, www.volunteerconnection.net and click on Holiday Guide on our home page, or email Sue McCullough at [email protected], or call 303-444-4904.

For 40 years, Volunteer Connection engages people as volunteers and strengthens volunteer-based programs, improving the quality of life in Boulder County.

Media Contact: Laura F. Kinder, Executive Director, Volunteer Connection, 2885 Aurora Ave., Suite 32, Boulder, CO 80303. 303-444-4904, 303-444-4915 (fax) or [email protected].

Volunteer Connection and ServiceNation engage volunteers throughout Boulder County
September 24, 2008

What: ServiceNation Day of Action
When: Saturday, September 27
Where: throughout Boulder County, Colorado and the nation, see below for Boulder County project details.

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County, one of the first volunteer information and referral centers in the nation, is partnering with ServiceNation for their first-ever nation-wide Day of Action event. Thousands of communities around the nation will mobilize on September 27, the Day of Action, to demonstrate the impact that service has – and could have - upon our country and the power of citizens to create large scale change.

ServiceNation is a national and bipartisan campaign that has brought together 100 organizations (ranging from the AARP to the National Council of La Raza, from the American Jewish Committee to the American Red Cross), which collectively represent more than 100 million Americans.

”This is an exceptional opportunity to connect individuals and families with volunteer opportunities made available by local nonprofit and government agencies,” says Volunteer Connection Executive Director, Laura Kinder.

Volunteer Connection currently partners with 400 agencies in Boulder County. “We are excited to be part of this nation-wide effort and proud that Boulder County nonprofits and government agencies will be part of this effort, as well.” See below for specific projects taking place in Boulder County.

Project Details:
BeadforLife - 1143 Portland Place Ste. 1, Boulder
Project: Product Branding
Description: BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by partnering with impoverished Ugandan women who produce handmade jewelry made of paper beads. Volunteers will be working with staff to brand handmade paper bead jewelry with the new “BeadforLife” metal tag.
Time: 09:00AM to 12:00PM
Hosted by Korri Roach 303-554-5901 x 106

Boulder County Parks and Open Space, 11212 Magnolia, Nederland, CO
Project: Aspen Enhancement
Description: Help celebrate National Public Lands Day and enjoy the magnificent fall colors in the mountains of Boulder County. Learn about montane forest ecology, while working with other volunteers to improve quaking aspen stands on open space south of Nederland.
Time: 09:00AM to 03:00PM
Hosted by Matt Bruce 303-678-6216

Center for ReSource Conservation. 2665 63rd Street, Boulder
On 63rd between Arapahoe and Valmont
Project: Getting your hands Green!
Description: Volunteers will help out at the donation center and sales yard on a variety of tasks.
Time: 09:00AM to 05:00PM
Hosted by Spenser Villwock 303-441-3278 X 18

Center for Safe Schools, 3663 Vestal Loop, Broomfield, CO
Located on Lowell off of hwy 7, make a left on Indian Peaks and a left on Vestal Loop
Project: Peace for Kids & Families Day
Description: Volunteers will help with stuffing training folders, putting together character cards with the Center’s 15 character traits for teachers, and copying cds.
Time: 01:00PM to 05:00PM
Hosted by Sara Salmon 303-828-9733

Colorado Friendship, 1525 Nelson Rd., Longmont, CO
Project: Warehouse Cleanup
Description: Volunteers will ort and pack donated clothing to be distributed to homeless and low-income populations. They will also help to organize our warehouse.
Time: 09:00AM to 02:00PM
Hosted by Liz Friedenson 303-545-0242

Hope’s Storehouse Thrift Store, 801 Main St., Longmont, CO
NorthWest corner of 8th and Main
Project: Seasonal Change
Description: Volunteers will help sort clothes and electronics and then stock the store. Winter items need to be brought out of storage.
Time: 12:00PM to 02:00PM
Hosted by Pam McCormick 303-776-3309

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Project: Light the Night Walk – Flatirons
Description: The Light the Night Walk is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. People form in teams of friends and family or co-workers to raise funds for cancer research. On Walk night, they gather in cities and towns across North American. Walking in twilight, they hold illuminated balloons. Volunteers, age 16 and older, are needed to help at our walk site at CU. Volunteer tasks include T-Shirt Distribution, Money Counters, Balloon Blow-up, Balloon Lights, Food Court Servers, Set Up, Clean Up, Route Marshals and floaters.
Time: 04:15PM to 08:00PM
Hosted by Kristen Perry 303-984-2110

There will also be Summit on Service and Service Project in Denver. The Summit will take place at Cook Park, 7100 Cherry Creek South Drive, and consist of Colorado community members joining local leaders in a discussion about the importance of service and volunteerism for healthy communities; highlighting how volunteers are a vital force in solving our most pressing community issues. The Service Project will immediately follow the summit. Volunteers will plant trees and assist with mulching.
Time: 09:00AM to 10:00AM (Summit)
Time: 10:00AM to 12:30PM (Service Project)
Hosted by Alexandra Lee 303-282-1234 x 306

“Volunteers are essential to nonprofits and government agencies in order to carry out their particular missions and deliver their services,” observes Kinder. “In addition to a meaningful and memorable experience, volunteers often learn new skills, make new friends and have fun!”

For more information about the Volunteer Connection or volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904 or visit the website at www.volunteerconnection.net

P.E.R.L. Program Graduates Inaugural Class of Diverse Leaders
June 20, 2008

(Boulder County, Colo.) – On June 26, the Boulder County community will gain 20 newly trained leaders representing a variety of races, ethnicities, ages, educational backgrounds and neighborhoods. These leaders are the inaugural graduating class of People Engaged in Raising Leaders (P.E.R.L.), a collaborative effort aimed at increasing the involvement of people of color on boards and commissioners across the county.

“Our goal is to make it possible for Boulder County’s non-profit, governmental and educational organizations to become inclusive and truly representative of our unique and diverse community,” said Perla Delgado, a program coordinator at Boulder County Community Action Programs and one of the P.E.R.L. collaborative’s coordinators.

The P.E.R.L. program was launched in response to findings by The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County that leadership among Boulder County’s non-profits did not mirror its population and that demand was high for a more inclusive pool of leaders. In 2007, the Boulder County Human Services Strategic Plan named inclusivity in decision-making and service delivery as an essential element of a comprehensive human service system.

Led by Boulder County Community Action Programs, a multi-agency collaboration formed to address the issue, with representatives and financial support from The Community Foundation, the University of Colorado, Longmont, Boulder and Lafayette. This collaboration aimed to empower people of color to participate and become more involved civically in their community by training them to be leaders. During 11 training sessions over the course of six months, participants in the program learned the process, structure and make-up of boards and commissions and gained skills and tools to help them take leadership roles in community organizations.

Several participants of the class have already been accepted onto non-profit boards and commissions; others will have the opportunity to seek out opportunities during a recruitment fair following their graduation ceremony on June 26. The fair will feature representatives from organizations such as the Latina League and Volunteer Connection, as well as from the collaborating agencies.

“It was an honor to be involved in P.E.R.L. This is the exact type of focused leadership development that is needed to actively develop and support inclusiveness within non-profits and boards and commissions,” said Carmen Ramirez of the Longmont Office of Community Relations. “I hope this is one of many more change agents to be developed. We will actively continue to work on inclusiveness and equity, which provides benefits within many areas of the community.”

The People Engaged in Raising Leaders graduation ceremony will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 26, at the Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Rd., Lafayette.

For more information about the P.E.R.L. program or to recruit graduates for your organization, contact Perla Delgado at 303-441-3956.

Local Elected Officials Embrace Volunteerism through the 5th Annual I Volunteer! Day
April 18, 2008

Several Boulder County government officials are showing their commitment to public service, joining over 500 other volunteers in Volunteer Connection of Boulder County’s 5th Annual I Volunteer! Day county-wide celebration of service on Saturday, April 19th. Joan Fitz-Gerald, Past Senator and President of Colorado State Senate and candidate for Second Congressional District of Colorado, will be getting her hands dirty planting trees with Lafayette Parks, Open Space and Golf, as well as Mayor of Lafayette Chris Cameron. Jared Polis, candidate for Colorado’s Second Congressional District, is a financial sponsor of the event.

Volunteers will complete service projects for over 35 Boulder County nonprofit and government agencies between 8am and noon, giving over $40,000 in volunteer time.

I Volunteer! Day is a popular way for groups to give back to their communities. Local companies are taking advantage of the event as a great teamwork opportunity. Over 20 Covidien staff will volunteer with Lafayette Parks, Open Space and Golf and celebrate afterwards with a picnic. Boulder software start-up Symplified will be cleaning up litter in and around Boulder Creek with the Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative.

Youth groups such as Louisville Methodist Youth Group, Heritage Middle School, I Have a Dream and the Colorado Youth Program are also getting into the spirit of volunteerism, as are grassroots organizations like Obama Works and Cycling for the Planet.

Close to 250 CU-Boulder students are participating through the CU Volunteer Clearinghouse’s Better Boulder Better World event.

“I believe that volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy,” remarks Laura Kinder, Executive Director of Volunteer Connection. “Unlike voting, which is usually done once or twice a year, volunteering allows people to vote every day about the kind of community they want to live in. Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions assist with present day solutions that mold a future of which everyone can be proud.”

In addition to groups and CU students, over 200 individuals and families are currently registered, and more are expected to stop by the indoor drop-in site at Calvary Bible Church at 3245 Kalmia Ave. in Boulder the day of the event.

Volunteer Connection and Colorado Hometown Newspapers Join Forces to Increase Local Volunteerism
April 16, 2008

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County, one of the first volunteer information and referral centers in the nation, and Colorado Hometown Newspapers, East Boulder County’s community news distributor, are joining forces to increase local volunteer involvement. Colorado Hometown Newspapers now publishes local volunteer opportunities provided by Volunteer Connection in four weekly Colorado Hometown Newspapers publications: Louisville Times, Lafayette News, Erie Review and Superior Observer. Weekly profiles honoring Volunteers of the Week and featuring local nonprofit and government agencies will also be published.

”This is an exceptional opportunity to connect individuals and families with volunteer opportunities made available by local nonprofit and government agencies,” says Volunteer Connection Executive Director, Laura Kinder.

Volunteer Connection currently partners with 400 agencies in Boulder County, of which 40 are located in East Boulder County. “We are excited to work with Colorado Hometown Newspapers,” says Kinder. “Based upon the circulation of all four weekly Colorado Hometown Newspapers publications, 18,500 homes will now have access to information regarding local volunteer opportunities delivered right to their doorsteps.”

Volunteer opportunities, featured agencies and their volunteers of the week are also published in the following Boulder County publications: The Longmont Daily Times-Call, Camera, and Colorado Daily.

Volunteer Connection's 5th Annual I Volunteer! Day
February 22, 2008

Roll up your sleeves and volunteer for Boulder County! Would you like to paint? Build a house? Plant a tree? Celebrate Earth Day and National Volunteer Week by joining Volunteer Connection on Saturday, April 19th for the 5th Annual I Volunteer! Day from 8am-noon. More than 500 volunteers will complete service projects with approximately 30 nonprofit and government agencies throughout Boulder County.

I Volunteer! Day is a chance for all of Boulder County to do a little spring cleaning. The goal is to engage first-time volunteers, demonstrate how fun and rewarding volunteerism can be and increase the visibility of local nonprofits. Projects range from prairie restoration with Boulder County Parks and Open Space to garden preparation with Growing Gardens to building tortoise habitat with the Colorado Reptile Humane Society. One drop-in site at Calvary Bible Church accommodates families with young children and people with special needs by offering projects that can be done in an hour or less. There are projects for every age, ability and interest!

We are pleased to partner with Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley’s Habitat Builds Colorado day, as well as the CU Volunteer Clearing House’s Better Boulder Better World event. We are also proud to offer one project with a bilingual ambassador to accommodate the Spanish-speaking community, as well as one project on Sunday, April 20th for those unable to attend on Saturday.

Each project is led by a volunteer ambassador and participants receive an I Volunteer! Day T-shirt, water, snacks, and a take home “goody bag” with sponsors’ promotional items.

Sign-ups begin in early March at www.volunteerconnection.net.

MentorsMatter Month Declared in Longmont and Boulder County
Residents of Boulder County Encouraged To "Share What You Know. Become A Mentor"

Boulder, January 25 – In recognition of the importance of mentors the County Commissioners declared January MentorsMatter Month in Boulder County. Mayor Roger Lange and the Longmont City Council also acknowledged MentorsMatter Month in Longmont.

MentorsMatter is a collaboration between Volunteer Connection, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) Senior Corps and six area mentoring organizations: Boulder Enhanced Supervision Team (B.E.S.T.) Mentoring Organization, HOPE Mentoring and Tutoring Program of the Boulder County Department of Social Services, “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Partners Mentoring Youth, Youth Advocacy Program of the Mental Health Center and the YWCA of Boulder. These organizations are working together to recruit more volunteer mentors for literally hundreds of “at-risk” youth in Boulder County who are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult mentor.

To honor past and current mentors and recruit new ones, MentorsMatter is hosting a Celebration and Toolbox Workshop Series on January 30th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Individuals can choose between attending these two workshops: Understanding the Stages of Youth Development, presented by Susi Keith, Executive Director of Partners Mentoring Youth; and Issues Your Mentee Faces in Boulder County-an overview of the Trends Report, presented by Morgan Rogers of The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County.

Proud to help out, pitch in
Letters to the editor, April 20. 2007

When we think of Broomfield, the city in which we live, we are so proud that our community does so much for each other. Whether it is helping restore a park, helping a friend or neighbor in the community garden or serving dinner at the Broomfield Senior Center, there are always people who recognize the importance of being involved with the Broomfield community. That is why we expect a huge turnout this year for Boulder County's community volunteer day.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21) Volunteer Connection has partnered in Broomfield with Bal Swan Children's Center, Eco-Cycle Recycling Center and Flatirons Habitat for Humanity to host "I Volunteer! Day" - a day for all of us to come together to support each other and our community through volunteering.

We invite you, our fellow Broomfield residents to volunteer in Broomfield on Saturday morning, April 21. We have projects suited for everyone: families, individuals, community groups, church groups, employee teams and youth. Volunteers can choose from a variety of four-hour projects, including building, painting and basic clean up.

Register online at www.volunteerconnection.net or call 303-444-4904 to support our wonderful community through volunteering. Be the difference. Volunteer.

Christine Berg,
I Volunteer! Day project manager

Volunteer Leaders Celebrated on November 1st

International Volunteer Manager Appreciation Day will be celebrated throughout the world on November 1, 2006, announced the event’s global Steering Committee. The annual event recognizes the efforts of the dedicated group of volunteer resources managers (VRMs) who are responsible for the coordination, support, training, administration, leadership and recruitment of the world's volunteers - skilled individuals who are adept at taking singular passion and turning it into effective action.

“Everyday, volunteer managers go to work engaging people to address issues affecting our communities,” comments Laura Kinder, executive director of Volunteer Connection of Boulder County. “These dedicated people, paid or unpaid, inspire, challenge and recognize the efforts of thousands of volunteers around Boulder County and beyond. Our volunteer managers inform, educate and train volunteers so that they can understand the impact their work has and whom they are serving. Volunteer managers often work in difficult conditions with few resources. Yet these truly talented professionals create opportunities for everyone to make a difference in our communities.”

The recognition day is based on a set of four core values:

· Volunteer managers have the skills and knowledge to help people be part of the solution in meeting community needs. Even in cynical times, they practice the art of the possible.
· Volunteer managers change lives — both the lives of volunteers themselves and of those served by well-led volunteers. It is a life-changing profession. Volunteer managers provide the leadership and direction that allows people to build a good and just society and to mend the social fabric. Without professional leadership, people's time, talents and efforts could be wasted.
· A well-run volunteer program shows the community, including potential donors, that the organization is not afraid of public scrutiny and involvement and endeavors to make the most efficient use of monetary assets.
· Well-led volunteers become an advocacy and public relations force for an agency or program — a force no amount of money could buy.

Events are planned in many countries and include activities such as celebratory breakfasts, high teas, award programs and special events. “The spotlight is generally on the volunteers who work in the community but volunteer managers quietly facilitate their vital community efforts. Their work is cause for celebration,” said Committee member Stephen Nill.

“I will be sending emails to our more than 300 local volunteer managers,” says Kinder, “to thank them for their dedication. Most nonprofit and service agencies would not be able to provide their services without the work of fully engaged volunteers. Volunteer managers empower volunteers.”

The International Supporters Group, includes member organizations from Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Mali, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, and the United States, have come together to show their support for this important day.

Anschutz Family Foundation Grant

Volunteer Connection of Boulder County, an independent 501(c)(3) agency, received a $5,000 grant from the Anschutz Family Foundation. Volunteer Connection engages people as volunteers and strengthens volunteer-based programs, improving the quality of life in Boulder County. www.volunteerconnection.net, (303) 444-4904.

“MentorsMatter” Month Declared in Boulder County
Citizens of Boulder County Encouraged To “Share What You Know. Mentor A Child!”

Boulder, January 19 – Today County Commissioners Tom Mayer, Ben Pearlman and Will Toor joined President Bush and former President Bill Clinton in recognizing the importance of mentors by declaring January MentorsMatter in Boulder County. Mayor Chris Berry acknowledges MentorsMatter Month in Lafayette.

MentorsMatter is a collaboration between the Volunteer Connection and four area mentoring organizations: Boulder County Partners, the HOPE Mentoring and Tutoring Program of the Boulder County Department of Social Services, the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, and the YWCA of Boulder. These organizations are working together to recruit more volunteer mentors for literally hundreds of “at-risk” youth in Boulder County who are currently waiting to be matched with a caring adult mentor.

On January 18, President Bush issued a proclamation designating January as National Mentoring Month 2006. In the proclamation the called upon “the people of the United States to recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities, and to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs.”

Former President Clinton has taped a public service announcement targeting members of his own generation, the baby boomers. In his message, Clinton says, “The longer you live, the more your obligations to the future grow. In the latter stages of your life, you want to carve out some time to give the gifts you have received from others to people who are younger than you. . .” The Harvard School of Public Health produced the PSA, which begins airing on January 20.

January was officially designated as National Mentoring Month in 2002 by a proclamation from President George W. Bush. The 2006 campaign theme is “Share What You Know. Mentor A Child!” and January 25 is “Thank Your Mentor Day” nationwide. The cities of Boulder, Longmont, and the town of Superior are also expected to proclaim January as “MentorsMatter” Month.

For more information on mentoring in Boulder County, contact MentorsMatter at Volunteer Connection, 303-444-4904 or by email at [email protected].

Boulder Dirt advertisement

Laurie Rhoads, Proving that Mentors Matter
Colorado Daily, March 14, 2005

Presently, there are around 200 at-risk youth on waitlists to work with mentors. These youth are on waiting lists with various programs, and Laurie Rhoads, the Administrative Organizer for MentorsMatter, works to bring the needs of these groups together and address them as a whole.

"All of these groups have more children that need to be served than they do volunteers," said Rhoads.

Rhoads' interest in mentoring and working with at-risk youth began when she spent a year in Mexico, after graduating from the University of Richmond in Virginia. "I wanted to have an international experience, and improve my Spanish. I did some research and found a good opportunity in Mexico," said Rhoads.

The opportunity was a year of work in an orphanage. Rhoads worked with four other women to take care of 43 eight-to ten-year-old girls. "These were girls who were going to be in this home until they grew up. We cared for them daily."

After her experience in Mexico, Rhoads joined Americorps, and applied for the MentorsMatter position. "I like working with youth, and I feel it's important to serve at risk youth. Also, being bilingual, I liked the component of working with and recruiting latinos," said Rhoads.

Thus, Rhoads started with .MentorsMatter on November 1st, 2004. "The MentorsMatter program has been in existence for a few years, but there wasn't really anyone who served as an organizer," said Rhoads. MentorsMatter now works with the YWCA Have A Dream Foundation, Boulder County Partners, and the Department of Social Services' Hope Program.

HR Consultants, LLC, is the formal group that rounds out the MentorMatters program. "They're a consulting firm who helps us with grant writing and attends all of the meetings," said Rhoads.

One important aspect of the program is to bring awareness to the community, so that MentorsMatter can recruit more volunteers for the children who need them. Rhoads has put together a speaker's bureau through which she organizes community presentation for service organizations and fraternal organizations. "I hope to present to church groups and corporate groups in the near future," said Rhoads.

The at-risk children who need mentors have varying characteristics. They may be having difficulty in school, come from low-income families, or live in abusive situations. The at-risk youth in the Hope Program are in foster care, or still live at home but are in situations of abuse or neglect.

For I Have a Dream, Boulder County Partners, and the Hope Program, mentors work one-on-one with a child. The time requirements differ for each organization, from three to five hours a week for Boulder County Partners, to four hours a month for I Have a Dream.

"The goal is just for the mentor and the child to spend time together, build trust and for the mentor to provide a good role model," said Rhoads. "They can do whatever the child and mentor are both interested in, whether it's taking a walk, cooking or seeing a play."

The YWCA has "circle mentoring", in which a group of girls and a group of professional women meet once a week and work on a project together, such as designing a website.

For more information on MentorsMatter, please visit www.volunteerconnection.net/MentorsMatter.

City of Boulder "MentorsMatter Month" Declaration
January, 2005

A PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING JANUARY 2005 AS
"MentorsMatter Month"
IN BOULDER, COLORADO

WHEREAS, January was officially designated as National Mentoring Month in 2002 by
the president of the United States; and

WHEREAS, there are at least 200 children in Boulder County who are on waiting lists
to be matched with a mentor; and

WHEREAS, youth with mentors have been shown to be less likely to begin using illegal
drugs and alcohol, less likely to skip school, and also less likely to hit someone; and

WHEREAS, youth involved in mentoring programs show improved self-confidence as
well as improved relationships with their parents, teachers, and peers; and

WHEREAS, the members of MentorsMatter, a collaboration between the Volunteer
Connection, Boulder County Partners, the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, the HOPE Program of the Boulder County Department of Social Services, and the Boulder YWCA, are working together to recruit more adult mentors to serve as positive role models for the many youth in Boulder County who are currently on waiting lists;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Ruzzin, Mayor, and the City of Boulder Council, do hereby proclaim January as "MentorsMatter Month" in Boulder, and call on all citizens to express their appreciation for mentors and to "Share What You Know. Mentor A Child!"

MAYOR

ATTEST

CITY CLERK

City of Boulder "I Volunteer Day!" Declaration
September 11, 2004

Declaration
"I Volunteer!" Day

WHEREAS, All citizens regardless of age and abilities can contribute to make
their community a better place through volunteer activities;

WHEREAS, Volunteering promotes unity and fellowship, as well as a strong
sense of community;

WHEREAS, Local nonprofit and service agencies provide a great benefit to our
community;

WHEREAS, Local nonprofit and service agencies depend upon volunteers to
reach their goals and deliver their services;

WHEREAS, September 11 has a special meaning for all citizens and is a day
recognized nationally to build and improve our communities;

WHEREAS, "I Volunteer!" Day, a project of Volunteer Connection of Boulder
County, offers all citizens of Boulder County the opportunity to complete much
needed projects for our community on the morning of Saturday, September 11;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DECLARED BY THE CITY OF BOULDER,
COLORADO, THAT:

1) The City of Boulder Council strongly supports the cause of "I Volunteer!"
Day; and
2) The City of Boulder Council continues to strongly support the nonprofit
and service agencies that better our community.
3) The City of Boulder Council declares Saturday, September 11, 2004 "I
Volunteer!" Day; and
4) The City of Boulder Council encourages all citizens of The City of Boulder
to volunteer on "I Volunteer!" Day by calling (303) 444-4904 or by going to
the web site www. volunteerconnection.net.

(signature)_____________
Will Toor, Mayor

Volunteer Connection Selected as Blue Ray Media's
Pro Bono Partner
October 15, 2003

Blue Ray Media, Inc. is a Denver-based Web site development studio founded in 1998. The company creates innovative internet, multimedia, and e-commerce solutions for businesses and nonprofit organizations around the country.

Each fall, Blue Ray Media selects a local nonprofit organization on which to focus their donation efforts. This allows the company to provide a group in need with free access to a wide spectrum of Web site development services for the upcoming year.

This year, Blue Ray Media chose the Volunteer Connection of Boulder County as a "Pro Bono Partner" because of the wonderful work the organization does matching volunteers in Boulder and Broomfield counties with opportunities at local nonprofit organizations.

"We look forward to helping the Volunteer Connection fulfill its mission throughout 2004. We expect to provide the organization with the same attention to detail we give our other clients, and hope to help them make the most of the exciting technology available," says Tom Grant, Executive Web Producer at Blue Ray Media.

"The Volunteer Connection has a well-conceived plan and they know what they want their Web site to be, which fits very well with our database integration skills. We look forward to working with them this coming year," says David Lampe, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Ray Media.

If your nonprofit organization is in need of Web-related design or technology services, and would like to be considered for next year's Pro Bono Partnership, visit www.blueraymedia.com/probono.asp.

The Volunteer Connection is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that has been Boulder County's leading volunteer information and referral center for more than 30 years.

A Time to Share
October, 2002

No one can doubt that this year we are experiencing an increase in the number of people who have urgent basic living needs. These people are no longer just strangers in our communities; they are our neighbors, our friends, our family members and even ourselves. As we tighten our belts and watch our budgets, we know there are others in more need than ourselves. This flyer addresses how we may help that less-fortunate population.

Two major Holiday Programs that cover both the St. Vrain and Boulder Valley School Districts are preparing to collect food, gently used coats and toys, and toiletries for individuals and families, and the agencies that serve them. Please consider contributing resources to these programs. Even better, consider organizing a drive - a food drive, a toy drive, a toiletry drive - it's fun, and it can involve your family, friends, school, clubs, faith community, and business.

Here are tips to ensure the success of your special drive:

- Talk with the people who will be involved with your drive. Find out which
type of drive they would like to support the most.

- Contact the Volunteer Connection at (303) 444-4904 to learn which program or agency would benefit most from your drive. Make sure you know what items are needed most. If you are collecting toys and gifts, learn if the items can be gift wrapped or not. Find out where and how to deliver your collected items. Learn the dates that your collected items will need to be delivered by for maximum benefit.

- Contact the Volunteer Connection to register your drive so you may receive a 2002 Certificate of Participation in recognition of and appreciation for your efforts.
- Determine a start date and ending date for your drive.

- Determine a collection site - In the hallway by the school gym? In the lobby or lunchroom of your business? Or will you hold a special party or event at your home? Have fun creating collection boxes, or Holiday Giving Trees. (Some agencies will have collection bins they can give you to use.) Are there any security issues to address?

- Determine how you will advertise your drive - with flyers, posters or memos, e–mail or newsletters? Come up with a fun slogan and theme for your drive. Set a goal for the number of boxes to fill or the pounds of food to collect. Set challenges to groups similar to yours - another neighborhood, school, faith organization or business.

- How will you thank and recognize the people who participate? General acknowledgment in newsletters? E–mails? Personalized notes? A celebration party? Be sure you know how much you collected so you can celebrate the success of the drive! Don't forget to take photos for bulletin boards, memory books, and newsletters.

- Evaluate your drive. What worked and didn't work? Did everyone enjoy participating in the planning, collecting and delivery of the items for the drive? Was it good for your business or neighborhood? Was it easy to work with the recipient agencies? Will you hold another drive in the future?

What should you collect?

Food:

- Canned food - fruit, meats (tuna, other fish, beef), beans, soups, meals in a can,   chili, stews, tomato products, spaghetti, ravioli and veggies. Smaller-size cans and   low-salt foods are especially needed for elders.

- Dry and packaged food - rice (plain is best), macaroni and cheese, peanut butter,   cereals, crackers, cake mixes, coffee, tea, honey, and flour.

- For animals - Science Diet Feline and Canine Growth (dry and canned); high-quality   dry puppy food; high-quality canned and dry dog/cat food; finch, wild bird and   sunflower seeds; jars of baby food (chicken, turkey, fruits and
  veggies); kitten milk replacement (KMR or Nuturall); and puppy milk replacement   (Esbilac or Nuturall).

Essential Nonfood Items
(new, unopened items, please)

- Diapers (especially large), soap, toilet paper, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine-hygiene products, deodorant, laundry detergent, dish soap, razors & shaving cream, band aids, infant medicines, aspirin, Tylenol,
paper towels, garbage bags (39-gallon size), bleach, and non-clumping cat litter.

Essential Items
(new or gently used)

- Blankets, coats, toys, games, bicycles, hot-water bottles, heating pads, egg timers, dog and cat carriers, dog igloos, small mammal toys, and cotton towels.

Other ways to share

- You may also participate in the Boulder County Family-to-Family Program where you and your group directly give gifts to a family. You may give to a single-parent family, a two-parent family, a child or adolescent, or a disabled or elderly individual. Contact Eric Schulz at (303) 441-1050.

- Volunteers are needed to help with the Holiday programs (collection, sorting and distribution) and at individual agencies. To volunteer, contact the Volunteer Connection at (303) 444-4904, (303) 772-5772 or on the web.

- And, of course, monetary donations are always welcome. Contact individual agencies, the Culture of Giving at (303) 442-0436 (www.cultureofgiving.org) or the Foothills United Way at (303) 444-4013 for advice on how to make monetary contributions with the most impact. We recommend that you SUPERSIZE your donation this year!

There is no doubt that people working together conquer what individuals cannot. The hungry are fed. The lonely are comforted. The homeless are sheltered. Thank you for opening your heart, time and efforts to those in need.

Make a difference in your community
Daily Camera, Letter to the Editor, October 25, 2002

All across the United States, Americans are volunteering their time and talent on Sat., Oct. 26, in celebration of "Make A Difference Day." This year, the unmet needs of our community are greater than ever.

We feel that every day can be a day to make a difference in your community. The Volunteer Connection of Boulder County makes it easy to volunteer. With over 1,000 opportunities at more than 450 nonprofit, government, faith-based and grassroots organizations, the perfect fit is waiting for you.

Contact the Volunteer Connection, (303)444-4904, www.volunteerconnection.net, where staff is waiting to help you find an on-going or one-time volunteer position for you, your business, your friends or your family.

If you can't find the time to volunteer, help provide services to help others volunteer by making a financial contribution to the Volunteer Connection. Send your tax-deductible donation to 2885 Aurora Ave., Suite 32, Boulder, CO 80303.

Volunteering lifts our spirits by fulfilling our need to give back and help each other.

Happy Volunteering!

Deborah Havas, Mary Kay Gondrezick and Jeanine Zeman
For the Friends of the Volunteer Connection

Young volunteers' slide presentation now showing at BaseMar Theater
September, 2002

Thanks to a grant from the City of Boulder's Youth Opportunities Program and a year's worth of design work by young people, BaseMar Cinema Saver Theater is now showing a series of slides promoting youth volunteerism.

"Our youth volunteers were in this from beginning to end," says Laura Kinder, executive director of the Volunteer Connection, the agency that received the grant. "They worked on the conception of the project, writing the grant proposal and defending the proposal before the Youth Opportunity Advisory Board."

The city's Youth Opportunities Program helps build resources in the community to meet the needs of youth. Last year, the program awarded nearly $4,000 to fund the "big screen project" proposed by youths under the aegis of the Volunteer Connection.

After receiving the generous grant, the young volunteers, ages 12 to 18, began to put together the presentation. Val Morgan, the ad agency that handles the theater's account, worked with the kids to produce the series of three slides.

The slides—all featuring photos of young volunteers—carry the message of Volunteer Connection: Where Kids, Teens and Fun Meet!

"The experience of volunteering is important for our young people," said Kinder. "They meet each other and enjoy new friendships. At the same time, they can be exploring future careers and rounding out their college applications."

For Katy Messenger Bouricius, 13, there is another satisfaction to volunteering. When asked to write about the importance of the "big screen project" in the grant proposal, she wrote: "When people volunteer it gives a sense of self-pride and you feel good about yourself. The more people feel good about themselves, the less time they worry about themselves and the more time they have to focus on other people's feelings. Volunteering is a big step to bringing people together."

Everything from the layout, the colors of the background and the copy to the photographs came from the kids, according to Kinder. Val Morgan couldn't have been more patient, she said. "

In October, BaseMar Cinema Saver Theater began showing the slides in its pre-feature advertisements and will continue the showing for approximately six months.

For further information or for interviews, contact Laura Kinder at 303-444-4904

Scripps Howard Foundation Volunteer Grant
February 4, 2002

Daily Camera general manager, Mike Madigan, presented a $1,000 grant from Scripps Howard Foundation Volunteer Grant Program to the Volunteer Connection. The grant money will be applied to the PSA production fees promoting the services and mission of the Volunteer Connection. The creative talent for producing the PSAs was donated by Bob Griff Advertising & Public Relations, Inc. AT&T Cable Television donated 200 spots for local Boulder County airing of the PSAs during the months of July and August.

StandUp For Kids-Boulder Special Recognition Award
February 4, 2002

The Volunteer Connection of Boulder County, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to actively promote volunteerism, connect volunteers with opportunities, and help organizations effectively engage volunteers to meet our community's needs, was recently the recipient of a 2001-2002 Special Recognition Award from Ilene Blum, executive director of StandUp For Kids-Boulder. The award recognizes the Volunteer Connection for outstanding assistance and commitment to the rescue of homeless and street kids in the Boulder area.