November 2009 Archives

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities Benefiting Youth:

 

Mentors

Help build a brighter future for a child by becoming a mentor with Bolder Options in Minneapolis.  They are an activity-based, one-to-one youth mentoring program using running & biking, academic goal setting, and volunteerism to build self-esteem and healthy habits.  Meet 2-4 hours weekly for one year.  Must be 21, have access to reliable transportation and pass a screening process.

 

Mentor a Child

Kids 'n Kinship matches children who have a need for an additional supportive relationship with screened adult volunteers.  Activities might include attending sporting events, games, crafts, being outdoors, or just hanging out together.  Volunteers make a one year, 1-4 hours per week commitment in Dakota County.

 

Birthday Bag Blitz

Any group -- civic, corporate, church, family or friends can hold a Birthday Bag Blitz at your location to provide birthday gift bags for less fortunate children.  Each person brings small new toys for children ages 3-12, then together assemble the bags and deliver them to a nearby shelter or food shelf.  Contact Cheerful Givers in Eagan for more information.  www.cheerfulgivers.org.

One Time/Short Term Volunteer Opportunities:

 

Lotsa Linens Drive

Our Saviour's Emergency Shelter in Minneapolis provides a warm bed for 40 men and women every night of the year.  They need linens such as washcloths, towels, twin-size bedsheets, pillows, pillowcases, and laundry soap.  They are not accepting quilts, blankets, or comforters at this time.  Gather items individually or as a group.

 

Volunteer Juror

William Mitchell College of Law is looking for volunteer jurors to participate in several mock trials in St Paul.  You will deliberate on a verdict, announce the verdict, and spend time with the judge and students critiquing the students.  Starts at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at approximately 3:30.  Refreshments and lunch provided.  Dates in December.

 

Youth Winter Wonderland Camp

Neighbors, Inc.'s Youth Winter Wonderland Camp in West St Paul will engage students from Garlough Environmental Magnet School and Moreland Elementary School in healthy physical and intellectual activities December 29th and 30th.  Play games, mentor students in healthy activities, and talk about positive lifestyles.  Must be 16 and undergo a background check.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

 

ABE/GED Tutor Classroom Aide

Volunteer for minimum of 2 hours a week at one of several sites in the Northern Metro: Blaine, Centennial, Columbia Heights, Elk River, Forest Lake, St Francis. Work under supervising instructor with low to advanced ABE students. Curriculum and training is provided.

 

Like to Shop?

Help Vision Loss Resources of Minneapolis provide a visually impaired person with round-trip transportation to a nearby grocery store and help select items for purchase.  Hours are flexible and mileage reimbursement is available.

 

General Maintenance Assistant

Assist with general maintenance at Guild Incorporated in St Paul.  Including maintenance of property, electrical, plumbing, patching walls, painting, cleaning, grounds-keeping, and other.  Must possess knowledge of general maintenance, be able to lift 50 pounds, negotiate steps, have a valid drivers license, and provide your own clothing, gloves, and safety equipment.  Providing own tools is helpful.

 

Customer Service Assistant

Customer Service Assistant to help low-income families reach financial stability with AccountAbility Minnesota (AAM).  Work with other volunteers and an AAM staff person for 10 - 12 weeks, 4 hours a week, weekdays or Saturdays, starting in late January.  Must attend an orientation this fall, and training in January.  Locations in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Hopkins, and Brooklyn Park.

If you have a strong interest in public service, apply for the Alfred I. Johnson Scholarship for 2010-2011.  Scholarship amounts vary from year to year but this year's two recipients received $8,000.  Recipients of this scholarship are required to commit 400 hours to an internship next fall and/or spring semesters. The internship must be with some sort of agency or organization that serves the public good (including international organizations). Applicants are not expected to have an internship secured at the time of application but they will be expected to explore internship opportunities over the summer and finalize arrangements for an internship for next year. Students may earn all of their 400 hours by completing a full-time internship in either fall or spring semesters OR they may opt to do two different part-time internships, one each semester.

Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an intention to pursue a career or avocational (extracurricular) activities in public affairs, including any kind of community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory committees, and service in elective offices.

A. I. Johnson scholarship recipients must also enroll in POL 3080, the Department of Political Science's internship course during the semester(s) in which they participate in the internship.

For questions, contact Rose at (612) 624-8517 or r-misk@umn.edu. Additional information can be found at http://www.polisci.umn.edu/ugrad/scholarships.html.

Interested in job, internship or volunteer opportunities with an organization that tries to inspire young people to be the change they want to see in the world?

http://www.projectlegos.org/wordpress/jobsvolunteer2

Project Legos was founded by Kyle Rucker in September of 2005.  Kyle's idea to engage young people in conversations, simulations and dialogues surrounding social values and leadership is still the backbone of Project Legos. Since the founding of Project Legos, we've had nearly 3,500 participants of all ages experience our programming.

Project Legos programs have taken many shapes and sizes. Since the beginning we've partnered with over 150 youth-serving and social service organizations and counting including schools, community centers, leadership camps, recreation centers, youth groups, retreat groups and leadership institutions. Our curriculum is designed to inspire every young person to be social leaders, volunteers and to dare to be the change. Through our programs we hope to empower all youth to thrive and be resilient.

We have trained and deployed nearly 60 program facilitators to lead and facilitate programming all over the United States. Each of our facilitators have deep faith in the power of young people to make a positive change in their own lives and seek to make a positive impact in their community and in the lives of others.

Do you see yourself as a creative, self-starter who wants to help design an engaged campus at the University of Minnesota? Are you able to explore ideas without the fear of failure; ready to try again if the last one didn't work out?

If this sounds like you, the Office for Student Engagement has a wonderful job opportunity for you to explore. The Office for Student Engagement is currently seeking student to fill four Engagement Theme Coordinators (ETC) positions.

Job Description:
• Developing a form of social media (Facebook), pertaining to one of the themes listed, connecting students with opportunities on and off campus.
• Developing a sense of community around your given theme by encouraging students to participate in discussions on Facebook, at events, and one-to-one meetings.
• Developing a network of contacts on campus and in the surrounding communities who can provide support related to your given theme.

Themes:
• Social Justice
• Diversity
• Global Issues
• Environment
• Mentoring

Engagement Theme Coordinators will:
• Work individually to create and maintain a Facebook page, helping students with similar interests connect and share their ideas,
• Attend monthly ETC meetings,
• Discover and test various methods of creating engagement opportunities.

Qualifications:
• Current Sophomore or Junior at University of Minnesota
• Interest in community organizing and networking
• Ability to work in culturally and ethnically diverse settings
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Good communication skills
• Computer skills including Facebook
• Self-motivating, resilient, and creative to ensure program success

Engagement Theme Coordinators will earn a stipend of $500 per semester by committing to 3-5 hours of work each week.

If you are interested send an email to engage@umn.edu, subject: "ETC Position"

Please include the following in your Email:
• Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Year in school
• Resume
• Theme you would like to explore (see list above)

I know that the majority of you aren't graduating yet but I'm sure that some of you are looking at options besides professional/graduate school.  If you're interested in teaching and social justice, check out the information below:

Inspired to make a lasting impact? Motivated to help ALL children learn?

 

At KIPP North Carolina, you have the unique opportunity to change the educational outcomes of students in underserved communities across the nation. An opportunity to do whatever it takes to help all students--many of whom begin KIPP one or two grade levels behind--reach their full potential.

 

KIPP, founded by two Teach For America corps members, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 82 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving around 20,000 students. As college-preparatory public schools, KIPP schools thrive on the motivation, compassion, and commitment of our teachers. Every day, our teachers embody the approach that makes KIPP schools successful: a culture of high expectations for achievement, a focus on results, and a philosophy that recognizes there are no excuses and no shortcuts in establishing a foundation of lifelong learning. And every day, these same teachers are helping around 20,000 students in 82 schools across the nation climb the mountain to college--one student at a time.

 

If you are interested in teaching or leading with KIPP, you need not have a degree in education. If you are passionate about social justice and believe in the potential of all students, no matter their zip code, you could be the perfect fit for KIPP North Carolina.

 

Sarah Tuttle, a University of Minnesota Political Science alum and '06 Teach For America corps member, will be holding office hours on Monday, November 23 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and Tuesday, November 24 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am for anyone interested in this career opportunity. Please email her at stuttle@kippgcp.org if you plan to attend or would like more information about potential teaching and leadership opportunities with KIPP.

 

"In my past four years with KIPP, I have done more than teach. KIPP has given me the opportunity to build a school, and in turn, a community. As part of a small and amazingly dedicated staff, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the quantifiable impact of quality teaching and high expectations. Last year, 100% of our graduating seniors earned college acceptance to four year colleges. As they graduate from college, they will exponentially increase the number of college degrees obtained by people in our county. I left the University of Minnesota at age 21 prepared and motivated to create change, and I've found a place to do just that." - Sarah Tuttle, 2006 University of Minnesota alum

Date: Monday, November 30th
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: 101 University International Center
Cost: Free

Description:

- 11:30 to Noon: Lunch and Poster/Information Session
- Noon to 1: Presentations

Info session participants include MN AIDS Project, Open Arms MN, FACE AIDS student group, Peace Corps, and Alex Marston and Anna Bartels, graduate students who are conducting research on AIDS in Africa.

Presentations include:

• Tenzin Namdu, a Tibetan physician from Dharamshala, India, who works with HIV prevention in South Asia and studies western medicine to compare with Tibetan medicine
• Shelley Jacobson, executive director of Peace House Africa, which works orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania
• Video about research on a new HIV prevention for women in Africa that is being conducted at the University's Academic Health Center

Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 27, to nunnx016@umn.edu or 612-626-8832 so we have an accurate count for lunch.

Sponsors: This event is hosted by the Office of International Programs and its Global Spotlight initiative. Global Spotlight is OIP's biennial focus on a region of the world and a pressing global issue. In 2009-2010, the focus will be on the continent of Africa and the issue of Water in the World.

Wednesday, November 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.
110 Heller Hall

The session will include a short video presentation as well as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer speaker and slideshow. Emily Zabor, current MPH student at the U, served in Ghana from 2003-2005 as an Environmental Education volunteer and will be sharing her experience and slides at this event. The Peace Corps Campus Representative, Erin McGillivray (Kenya 2002-2004), will also be available to answer questions and provide Peace Corps informational materials. Erin's office is in the Learning Abroad Center, 230 Heller Hall. Students are welcome to meet with her about Peace Corps on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-2pm. She can be reached at peacecor@umn.edu or at 612.626.5311.

I'm sorry for the very late notice but I just found out about this great opportunity!

Social Justice Leadership Retreat
Application Deadline - November 12th

What is the Social Justice Leadership Retreat?

University of Minnesota Social Justice Leadership Retreat takes 56 students and 18 facilitators away from campus for 3 days and 2 nights of amazing activities and story telling. After arriving mid-afternoon on day one, the group spends time developing trust and relationships in small groups of 7 students and 2 facilitators as well as through large group activities. The following two days are used to facilitate a journey for each student in exploring their own identities, sharing their personal story in their small group, listening to the personal stories of others, and attending training sessions on privilege, being an ally, and being a leader. Eight successful retreats have already taken place since January 2005.

Depart campus Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 1 PM and return to campus Monday, January 18, 2010 at 4pm.

Location: Camp Courage (Annandale, MN, 60 miles northwest of the Twin Cities)
Who: 56 students and 18 facilitators from all areas of campus
Cost: Participants are requested to pay a $20 materials fee (Scholarships are available upon request. No one will be turned away for financial reasons). All other expenses, including transportation, food, and lodging, will be covered by the University of Minnesota. Do not send money with your application, we will take care of that later.

For more information, go to http://www.housing.umn.edu/events/index.shtml.  To apply, go to http://www.housing.umn.edu/events/socialjustice/part_app.php.

Biology Colloquium Presents: Research Project Showcase

 

Friday, November 13th

3:30-5:00 pm

MCB 2-122

 

* Come see former projects

* Get toasty with FREE cookies and burritos

* Stop by to discover how to get involved in research

* Meet new people

 

Hope to see you there--Everyone is Welcome!

 

Sponsored by the Biology Colloquium Program

College of Biological Sciences

Interested in pursuing a research experience at the University of Minnesota but don't know where to start? Want to know where you can earn NOL points, win cool raffles (iPod Nano, Kaplan Prep Course, etc..), and eat free food, while learning all about research?

Come to the annual "GOT RESEARCH?" event, hosted by the CBS Student Board!

Date: Thursday November 12th
Time: 5-7:30 PM
Location: Moos 2-650

This year's event features two speakers, Tim Mulcahy (VP of Research) and Dr. Daniel Garry (Director of the Lillehei Heart Institute), and three short breakout sessions devoted to helping YOU get involved with research.

Breakout Sessions (Choose 2 to attend):
1. How to find and get involved with research! - Jane Phillips
2. Student panelists share their research experiences and advice!
3. Research opportunities and health careers! - Academic Health Center

This year's "Got Research?" will conclude with free food (Erbs and Gerbs) and a mini-fair featuring representatives from UROP, the Lillehei Summer Scholars Program, the Biological Science Research Club, and more!

This isn't a volunteer/engagement opportunity but I thought some of you may be interested in these workshops:

Student Academic Success Services (SASS) office is offering three End-of-Semester workshops for students.  These workshops are excellent options if you need some last minute fine tuning of time plans or test taking skills or if you've fallen behind (and need to get back on track for a final push).   These are informative and practical 1 hour workshops.  

 

Ace Your Finals

Location:   251 Appleby Hall

Date:       Tuesday, November 17th

Time:       1:00 - 2:00 pm      

 

Time Management Refresher

Location:   251 Appleby Hall

Date:       Thursday, November 19th

Time:       1:00 - 2:00 pm 

      

Staying on Track (... if you're falling behind)

Location:   251 Appleby Hall

Date:       Tuesday, November 17th

Time:       3:00 - 4:00 pm 

      

REGISTRATION: 

call 612-624-3323 

 

* Seating is limited and students will be enrolled on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities Benefiting Seniors:

 

Office Volunteer

Provide clerical and other support functions to staff at Macalester-Groveland Seniors in St Paul.  Duties would include general office work including answering the telephone.  Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and must pass background screening.  Available 4-5 hours per weekday.  Very flexible schedule.

 

Senior Surf Day Instructor

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging in North St. Paul needs friendly volunteers who are familiar with computers.  Teach basic, hands-on computer and Internet training to seniors who have little or no experience with computers and provide them with the skills to access information on the Internet.

One-To-One Volunteer Opportunities:

 

Member Hours Assistant

Chat, play board games, enjoy a pool game or cards in a relaxed atmosphere at Guild Incorporated in West St Paul.  Get to know a people while doing arts & crafts, watching a movie or preparing healthful snacks.  Occurs four weekday afternoons and one evening each week, choose what fits your schedule.  Teams of two volunteers can work together.

 

Mentor Campaign

Bolder Options of Minneapolis is an activity-based, one-to-one youth mentoring program that encourages healthy habits in 10 - 14 year old youth.  They are currently in the middle of their Man Up and Mentor Campaign seeking 50 male mentors in 50 days.  They have a waiting list of young males in need of a mentor.  You can make a difference.

Physically Active Volunteer Opportunities:

 

Women Build Regular Crew Position

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity volunteers build homes with and for low-income families.  Regular crews are groups of individuals who work on a consistent one or two days per month.  Their Women Build program provides women an opportunity to participate in a volunteer project that will make a difference in many ways.

 

Dog Walker

Several residents of Ebenezer Park Apartments in Minneapolis need a volunteer to walk their dogs.  A Pug, a Yorkie mix pooch, and a Yellow Lab service dog of a resident who is both deaf and blind.  If you love dogs and have about 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to spare, they would love to have your help in the mornings and afternoons!

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

 

Movie buffs wanted

Are you friendly? Do you like meeting new people?  Grab a friend and join the MLC community at the upcoming Movie Night at the Minnesota Literacy Council on December 8 in St Paul.  Help is needed with event set-up and clean-up; Set-up (5:15 pm; 6:30 pm); Clean-up (8:30 pm; 9:30 pm).  Individuals and groups are welcome.

 

Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Pathways of Minneapolis is looking for someone to support their service providers.  Pathways depends on Support Staff Volunteers to greet people, answer questions, offer support, schedule appointments, confirm appointments as well as do gardening, shoveling, maintenance, library tasks, computer entry, mailings and other special projects.

 

Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities

Metro Meals On Wheels of Minneapolis has multiple opportunities for families to work together and support Meals On Wheels.  These include: decorating oven mitts or lunch bags, creating placemats, No-Sew Blankets or greeting and birthday cards.  Plans and instruction provided, families supply their own material.  Families can also deliver meals.

 

Phone Banking

Help Resource Center of the Americas with their end of year member drive.  Volunteers will help staff weekly phone banks in St Paul, calling members and potential members informing them of current activities and asking them to renew or become members.

National Student Exchange is a network of nearly 200 U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities. Students can go on exchange for a semester or a year to schools all over the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada!  NSE is AFFORDABLE!  Most students pay U of M tuition while on exchange and most financial aid applies.

Benefits of NSE include:

   * Live in a different geographic location (like Hawaii, Maine, US Virgin Islands, Alaska, and many places in between!)
   * Gain access to different courses and faculty at another school.  You can choose from approximately 550 majors/minors!
   * Evaluate a school you might attend later for graduate studies.
   * Research another job market and network or look for jobs there.
   * Pursue internship opportunities outside of Minnesota.
   * Pursue language study (improve your Spanish at a school in Puerto Rico or work on your French at a school in Quebec!)
   * Experience different cultures and traditions.
   * Study at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
   * Grow personally, academically, and professionally!

Applications to participate in NSE during the 2010-2011 school year are due before *February 10th, 2010*.  Attend an info session (register at http://www.cclc.umn.edu/infosessions/#NSE) to receive an application.

If you'd like more information:

   * Visit www.offcampusstudy.umn.edu/nse.
   * Attend an NSE info session (register at http://www.cclc.umn.edu/infosessions/#NSE).
   * Pick up an NSE catalog in 345 Fraser Hall.
   * Contact an NSE advisor at 612-626-2044 or nseadv@umn.edu.

Diversity Networking Reception and Workshop

November 19, 2009, 3 to 5 p.m.
University Ballroom, Radisson University Hotel

The Office for Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota is pleased to host the first annual Diversity Networking Reception for diverse undergraduate students. Students who attend the event will have the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers across the Twin Cities metro who are interested in a diverse workforce.

WHO: Undergraduate students who identify with one or more of the populations served by the Office for Equity and Diversity (students of color, GLBT students, women, and students with disabilities) are invited to attend.

WHAT: A two-hour networking session with representatives with corporations, non-profits, and other employers from around the Twin Cities. Not a job fair, this is a chance for undergraduate students at all levels to practice their networking skills, talk to representatives from a wide range of industries, and learn about employers that are committed to organizational diversity.

WHERE/WHEN: The University Ballroom, second floor, Radisson University Hotel.

HOW: The networking reception is free of charge for students but registration is strongly encouraged and space is limited. 

http://www.saa.umn.edu/oed/networking

Please note that we recommend that you register in advance. Those of you who register by 12:00 PM on November 13, 2009 will receive free business cards to be used at the networking reception. The business cards will be at the check-in desk when you arrive. All students that register will receive an email response that confirms your registration as well as information on a free 45 minute workshop to help you prepare for the event.

The Vice Provost's Committee on Non-Traditional Student Affairs (VPCNTSA) Announces the Third Annual University of Minnesota Non-traditional Student Week Celebration: November 2-6, 2009.

November is Non-traditional Student Month on college campuses across the nation. For the third year the Vice Provost's Committee on Non-Traditional Student Affairs is sponsoring a week-long series of campus-wide events to recognize the important contributions Older-than-Average, Student Parents, First Generation College Students, and Veterans make to the richness and diversity of our campus and throughout higher education.

All members of the U of MN campus community are welcome to attend these events, though we are extending a special, direct invitation to all non-traditional, undergraduate students.

Please see the schedule of events (which can also be viewed at http://www.osa.umn.edu/nontraditional/schedule.html).

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

12:00 to 3 PM - Open House at the Student Parent HELP Center. Take a study break for cider and donuts in the SPHC. Meet your fellow Moms and Dads, learn about resources for undergraduate students with children, RM 24 Appleby Hall.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

11AM to 1 PM - The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence invites all First Generation College Students to join them for pizza and beverages. Learn about MCAE's computer lab, tutoring and other services, build community with First Gen peers. RM 101 Walter Library

6 PM to 9 PM - Free Family Swim Night at the Rec Center/Cooke Pool 10: Open Family Swim Night, FREE for Student Parents, their children and other family members. Learn about the U's learn to swim programs. Check in at the Rec Center front desk, main entrance.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

11 AM to 12:30 PM - The Road Less Travelled: Non-traditional Journeys: Share food, share community, share your story. Free lunch and facilitated discussion on the unique experience of being a Non-traditional Student. RM 401-02 Walter Library.

Friday, November 6, 2009

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Lunch at the Veteran's Transition Center: Meet your fellow Veteran Students. Chat with fellow Vets, relax in the VTC lounge, learn about available services. Hosted by the VTC, 302 Westbrook Hall.

1:00 to 3:00 PM - St. Paul Campus Coffee Klatch for All St Paul Campus Non-Traditional Students: Join hosts and committee members Anne Daniels and Jane Delehanty, meet your Non-traditional peers and have a cup of coffee on us. Lori's Coffee House, SPC, 1441 Cleveland Ave, St. Paul (near the SP Student Center).

'Summer Cultural Programs' is an umbrella name for cultural arts programming during the Summer Term.  Administered by the Office of Evening Classes and Summer Session in cooperation with the Department of Concerts and Lectures, this program provides support for the various organizations that sponsor cultural arts events on campus.  The centerpiece of the program is the noon concert series held almost daily on Northrop Plaza during Summer Term.  Summer Cultural Programs, because of its funding source in Student Services Fees, requires student guidance through this important committee and offers valuable experience for students' resumes.

The time commitment for committee members is approximately 8-10 one-hour meetings, and some correspondence via e-mail, between November 2009 and July 2010.  Responsibilities include developing and presenting a funding request to the Student Services Fees Committee for summers 2011 and 2012, advising on funding allocations and programming, assisting in promotional planning and distribution of marketing materials for the Summer at Northrop concert series, and program evaluation.

Interested students are invited to contact Sarah Cook in the Office of Evening Classes and Summer Session by e-mail at konk0013@umn.edu.  Questions are welcome.  The first meeting will be held in November 2009 at a time and location to be determined by participant availability.