Do you have what it takes to be a part of this fun team? Volunteer Kalamazoo is currently taking applications for a Program Director. Applications/resumes will be accepted through June 7th, 2013. Interested candidates should send application, resume, and cover letter to Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director, at carrie@volunteerkalamazoo.org.

Click here for an Application (.doc)
Click here for Job Description (.doc)

POSITION TITLE: Program Director

SUMMARY:

The Program Director is responsible for the implementation of programs designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations by fostering effective volunteerism and board leadership, and to connect community members with opportunities to serve nonprofit organizations for maximum community impact. This position reports to the Executive Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement training programs for current and potential board members, volunteer managers, and other nonprofit staff to develop leadership capacity and effective volunteer programs.
  • Identify and develop relationships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and service clubs to provide employee/member training sessions.
  • Prepare all class materials, schedule speakers, facilitate sessions.
  • Conduct volunteer management training, board development training and resources (public and custom).
  • Provide consulting support to nonprofit organizations and/or individuals.
  • Develop and implement a schedule of training workshops and classes, including volunteer management training and other training as needed.
• Manage Days of Service Program
  • Contact program partners and facilitate meetings to coordinate outreach activities, develop relationships and partner roles.
  • Identity and contact local nonprofit organizations that increase public and neighborhood safety and invite their participation in large episodic volunteer events.
  • Engage Kalamazoo Community in three days of service throughout the year, where community members can volunteer at local neighborhood associations to increase neighborhood safety.
  • Create and implement marketing tactics to promote days of service and engage community members in service projects.
  • Effectively recruit volunteers and place them at volunteer opportunities where their skills will be best utilized.
  • Promote events to the public to increase volunteer participation.
  • Create and engage new “volunteer leaders” who can assist in planning events.
  • Identify and apply for relevant supplemental grants for the program
  • Facilitate evaluation of the program
• Manage VolunTEENs program and Michigan Student Service Awards.
• Assist with other youth programs as needed.
• Advisor to the Youth Council.
• Manage Day of Caring program to engage community members in volunteer events.
• Effectively recruit volunteers and match potential volunteers with appropriate volunteer opportunities.
• Promote volunteerism through speaking engagements, articles and interviews.
• Manage special projects as required to implement the strategic plan.
• Represent VK at KAVA meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills.
• Knowledge of principles and best practices for nonprofit boards and volunteer management; nonprofit board or staff experience and/or volunteer management experience is desirable.
• Able to lead training activities, speak to organizations and media.
• A high level of competency using MS Office and desktop publishing applications is required.
• Ability to work independently or in collaboration with others.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

The qualified candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business or related field of study. Minimum two years of related experience, or a Master’s Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration.

Applications/resumes will be accepted through June 7th, 2013. Interested candidates should send application, resume, and cover letter to Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director, at carrie@volunteerkalamazoo.org.

Hi, I would like to introduce myself. I am Carrie Vanderbush, the new Executive Director of Volunteer Kalamazoo. I have now been serving you since January. I am proud and excited to have been chosen to lead this organization. I’ve spoken with some of you since I came on board, and I look forward to connecting with many more of you in the months and years ahead. Thank you for the warm greetings I have received thus far.

The mission of Volunteer Kalamazoo is to build capacity for effective local volunteering, to connect people with opportunities to serve and to promote volunteerism in our community. This is a mission that I fully support. Volunteerism is something that I passionately believe is essential to a strong community. It is also something that I personally believe has helped shape me. My journey with volunteering began at my mother’s side following her example. My mom, JoAnn, sought to help where she could and we, as a family, volunteered at our church and in our community. We picked up trash on our street, walked our elderly neighbors’ dogs, and helped rake leaves for another neighbor with disabilities. My mom believed that “you do what you can without expecting anything in return.” When I was young, she shared with me one of her favorite poems by Emily Dickinson:

My mom, with me and my sister & great aunt

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

I have carried this poem with me on my own volunteering journey. It is a reminder of my mom’s legacy – her belief in helping your neighbor and strengthening your community ties. Volunteering is all about the power of one – giving one hour, one day, one action that can change one person’s life. Together all those “ones” add up to one great community.

My family – photo courtesy of Becky Howrigon Photography

Prior to coming to Volunteer Kalamazoo, I worked at Pretty Lake Camp as the marketing manager. I have my Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. I am a Past-President of the Junior League of Kalamazoo and have volunteered in various capacities in the community. I am originally from Gaylord, Michigan but have called Kalamazoo home for the last 23 years. I have a wonderful husband, Pat, who is an engineer at Pfizer and three energetic, amazing children, Zoie (13), Halle (11) and Quinten (8). I am striving to follow my mom’s lead and teach my children the power and reward of volunteering. My oldest daughter is looking forward to being a VolunTEEN this summer, so I hope I’m succeeding.

Because I believe so strongly in this organization’s mission, in the power of volunteering to strengthen communities, and in this fantastic community I now call home, I invite you to join me in pledging your support of our mission with your time as a volunteer and with a financial donation. Giving is easy – click here to make a secure online donation. Your contribution will go directly to support volunteerism in our community. Volunteering is just as easy, click on this link to take a look at the current opportunity calendar. I hope you will join me in making Kalamazoo an even stronger community – a true network of neighbors.

Best regards,

Carrie

Phone Room Volunteer for Ministry with Community

The MwC phone room is lonely on Wednesdays and could use a volunteer. If you have time on Wednesdays to help with this important task, contact (269) 343-6073 ext. 15, via email.

Weekend Meal Service for Ministry with Community (Groups Preferred)

MwC has a big need to fill summer weekend shifts. Assist with kitchen duties required to serve lunch or breakfast time meals to members: prepare food, setting tables, serving lunch, and cleaning the dining room. Skills needed include compassion, flexibility and an ability to serve persons dealing with homelessness, poverty and other life struggles. Serving requires being on ones feet for about 2 hours. Hours: Days chosen by volunteer, [12:30-2:30pm]. Minimum age: 18, or 10 with adult

Food Pantry Help for Portage Community Center

Assisting clients in our food pantry. Helping people shop, stocking, and light cleaning. Friendly and patient people are a must!

Hours: Mon-Fri [11am-1pm]; Looking for a one day a week commitment.
Contact Keshia Dickason, 269.323.1942, keshia@portagecommunitycenter.net.

Receptionist for Portage Community Center

Duties include greeting customers, answering the telephone and assisting staff with clerical tasks. Volunteers should have good people and organizational skills. Hours: Commitment generally 1 half day/wk, either [9am-1pm] or [1pm-5pm] Minimum age: 18
Contact Keshia Dickason, 269.323.1942, via email.

Outdoor Volunteer for Disability Network SWMI

DNSWMI is looking for a volunteer to help with some yard work. They have flowers being donated May 22 and the flower beds need some work before the planting can be done. They also have some staining that needs to be done. If you are interested in helping this valuable organization with some outdoor work, please contact Miranda Grunwell, 269.345.1516, via email.

Be a Patient for KRESA EFE Class

As a part of the curriculum in the Education For Employment Health Sciences class, they will be having a health clinic. For this clinic the EFE program is looking for volunteers to come and be “patients” while one of the Health Sciences students takes vital signs as part of the final exam. If you would be willing to give 30 – 90 mins of your time please contact instructor Yashica Washintgon, 269-250-8954, via email.

Hours: Flexible times (you can volunteer anywhere from 30-90 minutes of your time), Friday, May 17 [7:45-11:15am]; Mon, May 20 [7:45am-1:30pm]; Wed, May 22[7:45am-1:30pm]; Fri, May 24 [7:45am-1:30pm]

The school is located in side the Compass High School at the far left. Address: 3010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo Township, MI 49048.

Retail Thrift Store Workers for Kalamazoo Dream Center

The Kalamazoo Dream Center is opening a thrift store to support the Dream Center’s mission. Volunteers are needed to help at Dream Designs, with sales of furniture, household goods, clothing, home decor and more! Volunteers will work as a team to stock the store, clean, organize and assist customers. Hours: Mon-Fri [10-6], Sat [10-2], shifts available 2-8 hours in length.
Contact Rik Stone for more information, 267-6445, via email.

Blood Drive Help for Michigan Blood

Michigan Blood is looking for volunteers to help at blood drives in the Kalamazoo area, as well as surrounding counties. Volunteers trained in the Post Donation area are responsible for socializing with donors, observing donors for reactions, and offering fluids and other refreshments after the donation process. We do ask donors to remain in the Post Donation area for a period of time after their donation, in which the volunteer will be available to serve refreshments and offer conversation.

Any time you can give is extremely appreciated. You can volunteer as often or as little as you want. This opportunity is perfect for those in college, retired, or who want to be more involved in their community. No experience is necessary, just a friendly, dependable, and caring attitude, and a willingness to travel to blood drives. Training is provided by Michigan Blood. Please visit www.miblood.org to learn more, or call or email to speak to a Volunteer Services staff member.

Residents in Kalamazoo County have yet another reason to love where they live. As part of National and Michigan Volunteer Week, the Volunteer Centers of Michigan presented the inaugural Volunteer Center of the Year Award to Volunteer Kalamazoo during the annual Giving and Volunteer Celebration at Michigan’s Capitol on April 24, 2013.

The Volunteer Center of the Year Award recognizes the work of one local Volunteer Center that has made significant growth and is engaged in innovative initiatives in their community related to volunteer engagement.

“In the inaugural year of the award, the Volunteer Centers of Michigan is very excited to have presented Volunteer Kalamazoo with the Volunteer Center of the Year Award for their organization’s use of new technology and deployment of Days of Service Projects,” said Diana Algra, executive director of the Volunteer Centers of Michigan.

Volunteer Kalamazoo’s commitment to service and ongoing innovation has allowed the center to build and strengthen relationships with community partners and increase the engagement of volunteers. Their mission of …”Build…Connect…Promote” is exemplified by their local impact.

“We are very humbled to receive the first-ever Volunteer Center of the Year Award. There are over 30 Volunteer Centers in the state of Michigan and to be recognized as one of the best is an honor,” says Carrie Vanderbush, executive director of Volunteer Kalamazoo. “Kalamazoo just keeps getting better and better and we are happy to play a part in that.”

About Volunteer Kalamazoo: Volunteer Kalamazoo has been the center for volunteerism in Kalamazoo since 1965. Volunteer Kalamazoo builds capacity for effective local volunteering, connects people with opportunities to volunteer and promotes volunteerism in our community. Each year thousands of area residents contact Volunteer Kalamazoo to find ways to serve their community. Volunteer Kalamazoo maintains and publishes a comprehensive, up-to-date list of nonprofit volunteer needs that local organizations and individuals can easily search to find volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests.

Volunteer Centers of Michigan:

Volunteer Centers of Michigan is a statewide network of over 30 Volunteer Centers serving 59 Michigan counties. Volunteer Centers mobilize people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems. Through the convening of organizations, the promotion of community service, and the matching of volunteers to nonprofit programs and events, Volunteer Centers take a leadership role in addressing key community issues.

Statewide, Hope Network serves over 3,000 people each year who would otherwise have no access to medical care. The need has never been greater in Kalamazoo County, and several regular volunteer drivers are urgently needed to serve clients in this area.

Hope Network’s VTS program is actively seeking kind and caring volunteers in Kalamazoo County to join the largest volunteer transportation network in the Great Lakes Region. Volunteers enjoy benefits:

• Flexible scheduling
• Supporting local community members
• Meeting new people
• Staying active
• Fuel reimbursement for miles driven

Drivers make trips in county and out-of-county to get people to important, non-emergency medical appointments. Drivers are not caregivers but are truly helping to make someone’s life better with their service.

Case in point, one new volunteer made a once per week commitment to driving when he first started. He loved it so much he started taking driving assignments every day. He was transporting a young boy with cancer on a regular basis when a bad snowstorm made rural roads inaccessible. The volunteer was so enthusiastic and committed to getting this boy to his treatment that day, he used his connections at the local Road Commission to get his road plowed so he could get out and transport the boy to his appointment.

Says volunteer coordinator, Nancy Potgeter, “That’s why I’m so thankful for our organization. Our volunteers are wonderful and they do wonderful things for people that need it.”

If you are interested in learning more, or signing up to be a driver for Hope Network, you can apply online or contact Nancy, (616) 248-5195 , via email. Read more about volunteer requirements here.

Administrative Assistant to Mental Health Program for Senior Services

The Mental Health Program of Senior Services, Inc. is in need of up to 2 volunteers to perform administrative tasks once a week.

The staff of the Mental Health Program is dedicated to providing the very best service to our consumers. Volunteers to the Program will provide invaluable assistance in this endeavor, by creating essential materials and helping to processes vital clinical documents. Volunteer help is greatly needed and would be very much appreciated. Senior Services is one of the largest and most comprehensive organizations serving the elderly and disabled anywhere. We provide vital, life sustaining services to our clients.

Serving Kalamazoo County and portions of Southwest lower Michigan, our organization has been caring for those in need since 1963. Each year we provide care that keeps our clients at-home, with our unique and integrated system of programs and services.

Volunteers should have:

• the ability to alphabetize and file.
• the ability to use a copier (or to learn to use a copier).
• the ability to stand/walk around a table with piles of paperwork that need to be collated (reaching/bending)

Hours: Once a week, [1pm-5pm] on either Monday, Thursday or Friday. Minimum age: 18

Trail Ambassadors for Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

The Kalamazoo County Parks Department is seeking volunteers to serve as “Trail Ambassadors,” a position that assists with promotion of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Being a “Trail Ambassador” involves distributing trail information and answering questions about the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail at community events, as well as on the trail itself.

A brief training is offered, and trail ambassador shifts average about 2 hours. Interested individuals should complete a volunteer application, which can be found by clicking on “Volunteers” at www.krvtrail.com. For questions, please call 269-373-5073.

In 2012, volunteers contributed over 1,700 hours toward programming on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Additional opportunities include trail maintenance, special event/program help. A job description for each opportunity can be found at www.krvtrail.com.

23rd Annual American Diabetes Association Golf Outing

The American Diabetes Association needs volunteers to assist us with our 23rd annual golf outing. Volunteers may help set up the golf outing with signs and banners, man ‘beat the pro’ contests or be assigned to a hole to share success stories throughout the day. Volunteers may also assist with registration or the silent auction. We are looking for those who are dedicated to stopping diabetes

Photo by Terry Johnston Photography

and who enjoy talking and like the golf experience. Date: Thursday, June 13th Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Gull Lake View Golf Club Minimum age: 18, or 14 with adult.

Kalamazoo Pride

Volunteers needed to help with various activities at this annual event: set-up, greeting/handing out guides at gate, beer pouring, drink

ticket selling. Location: Arcadia Creek Festival Site, downtown Kalamazoo. Hours: June 14, 5pm-11pm & June 15, 2-11pm; various shifts available. Sign-up Online!
Minimum age: 16

Housekeeping Helper & Companion

A woman with disabilities is not able to keep her apartment clean enough, on her own. Can you clean floors, wipe down a kitchen and bathroom? This assistance once or twice a week would be wonderful! She would also love to have some companionship with an upbeat friendly person, just like her. She has a cute but shy cat. She is a non-smoker and would ask that you don’t smoke around her. Not that it’s required at all, but she once enjoyed painting ceramics and would like to finish a project.

Volunteers should be physically able to clean, bend down, and reach. Just need a nice, friendly woman to get the job done and have a nice chat too. Hours: One or two hrs/wk, you can work out the schedule with her. Minimum age: 18, or 16 with adult

Photo by John Lacko, Kalamazoo Gazette

Kalamazoo Marathon

There are many opportunities to volunteer to help make the Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess Run for the Health of it a success.
Find descriptions for all of the various roles at the Kalamazoo Marathon website and sign-up to volunteer online through their site.
Some roles that are available: pre-race help, expo volunteers, race site set-up, parking/shuttles, start/finish line help, gear check, tent city, medical coverage, course monitors, aid stations, course excitement.
All volunteers will receive an official Borgess Run Volunteer T-shirt.
There are also opportunities for groups to sign up as well, you will be prompted for your group name on the volunteer registration form.

SIGN-UP ONLINE

Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA

This is an annual event that serves families with children of all ages.
The event is inside and outside.
This event serves healthy snacks, makes crafts, does active games, swims and uses the overall facilities of the YMCA.
Volunteers will check in families, pass out needed material, collect contact information, assist and oversee games, hands-on activities, assist in food prep/serving/cleanup. Volunteers should be friendly and outgoing. Hours: Apr 27, 2013 [Noon-6pm]. Minimum age: 14

Head Start Night at the YMCA

Beginning at 4pm, volunteers are needed to start setting up for the event.
During the event, volunteers will check in families, pass out totes, pass out activities agenda, lead games, oversee snack areas, lead a craft, get surveys from families prior to them leaving the event, along with staying and assist with clean up at the end of the event.
Volunteers should be friendly and outgoing. It would also be helpful if volunteers spoke/understood Spanish, but this is not required.
Hours: Sunday, April 21st from [4-8:30pm]. Volunteers can stay the entire shift or select a time. This is a one-time event.
Minimum age: 16, or 12 with adult

Financial Manager for Your Turn

Volunteer needed to assist us by entering receipts, balancing checkbook and creating monthly financial report for board.
Volunteers should have bookkeeping experience with QuickBooks.
Hours: 2 hrs/wk. Minimum age: 18

Retail Thrift Store Volunteers for Kalamazoo Dream Center

The Kalamazoo Dream Center is opening a thrift store to support the Dream Center’s mission. Volunteers are needed to help at Dream Designs, with sales of furniture, household goods, clothing, home decor and more! Volunteers will work as a team to stock the store, clean, organize and assist customers. Hours: Mon-Fri [10-6], Sat [10-2], shifts available 2-8 hours in length.
Contact Rik Stone for more information, 267-6445, via email.

Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival

The Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival (RAD Fest) is an exhilarating weekend of performances, workshops and activities celebrating some of the country’s leading innovative voices in modern dance, hosted in Kalamazoo by Wellspring. This exciting event has been held yearly since 2010, with sold-out performances, master classes and social events. All festival activities are open to the public.
Volunteers are needed throughout the weeked at various events for various tasks. Professional appearance is required. Volunteers receive free admission to dance performance.
Location: Wellspring Theater in the Epic Center, downtown Kalamazoo
Dates/Hours: March 14-17, various shifts available.
For more information, or to inquire about scheduling a volunteer interview, contact Michele Shelton, mshelton@wellspringdance.org, 269-342-4354.

Retail Thrift Store Volunteers for Kalamazoo Dream Center

The Kalamazoo Dream Center is opening a thrift store to support the Dream Center’s mission. Volunteers are needed to help at Dream Designs, with sales of furniture, household goods, clothing, home decor and more! Volunteers will work as a team to stock the store, clean, organize and assist customers. Hours: Mon-Fri [10-6], Sat [10-2], shifts available 2-8 hours in length.
Contact Rik Stone for more information, 267-6445, via email.

23rd Annual Golf Outing for Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo

The Boys & Girls Club needs volunteers to help us with our annual golf outing. Volunteers may help set up the golf outing with signs and banners, man golf outing hole contest events or be a point person assigned to a hole to share success stories throughout the day. Volunteers may also help with registration or the silent auction and 50/50 raffle. We are looking for advocates for kids who enjoy talking and like the golf experience.
Hours: Mon, May 20 [8-4], various shifts
Location: Gull Lake Country Club or Yarrow Golf Course
Minimum age: 18, or 14 with adult
Contact Cathy Weirick, (269) 349-4485, via email

Southwest Michigan Kidney Walk

The Southwest Michigan Kidney Walk to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) will be held on May 19, 2013 at the Celery Flats in Portage, MI. An estimated 400 walkers are expected to attend this year’s Walk, and will include dialysis and transplant patients, their families, community members and other corporate sponsors.

We need assistance with working the kids’ activities (including face painting and arts & crafts), food and beverage tent, set up and tear down, registration, and any other fun/creative ideas that can enhance everyone’s’ walk experience.

We walk because in the state of Michigan over 900,000 individuals have chronic kidney disease. The two leading causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Your support will help the NKFM continue its disease prevention and education programs as well as its life-enhancing services. Volunteers should be able to have fun while working and have a positive attitude!
Minimum age: 10. Contact Kiel Porter, 800-482-1455, via email

Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association

2013 Midwestern/Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Championships

January 23 – 26, 2013 at Wings Stadium
This four day championship event is the largest U.S. Figure Skating event in the country in terms of the numbers of skaters (Approx. 3000). Athletes from as far away as California participate in this event. The winners of this competition qualify for the national championships!
Volunteer positions include:
Gate Monitors:  Opening and closing Ice skating rink doors for teams entering and exiting the rink.

Guard Runners:  Moving the protectors that are worn on skates from one side of the rink to the other.

Test Results Runner:  Move results from competition judges to the accountant and then to the posting table.

Table Supervisors:  Sell programs, pins and results, Hand out medals to teams who have placed, etc.

Music Players:  Play music CDs for the teams who are practicing on the rinks.

Door Monitors:  Supervise exterior doors to the stadium.

All training provided during first 15 minute during your shift and/or by video training. These positions require no skating knowledge or skill.
Hours: 
Wednesday, January 23th: 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm (3 hour shifts)
Thursday, January 24th: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm (3 hour shifts)
Friday, January 25th: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm (3 hour shifts)
Saturday, January 26th: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm (3 hour shifts)
Sunday: January 27th: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm (3 hour shifts)
Minimum age: 12, or 6 with adult

Grace Hospice

Companion Grace Hospice is Looking for a caring person to provide companionship to a patient and family.

The contributions of volunteers are essential to the important work provided by our hospice team. If you are interested, there are several different ways you can become involved with Grace Hospice:

• Offering companionship and support to our patients and their family members
• Providing assistance with clerical duties in our office
• Assisting in our bereavement dept.
• Running errands for patients or their caregivers
• Massage Volunteers (must be licensed), Pet Therapy Volunteers (will need pet registered), other skills
• Supporting special projects behind the scenes

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan

Oakland Centre Adult Day Services-Various Opportunities Assist with lunch and activities for guests, provide companionship, share a hobby or talent, or help with clerical duties and special events. Qualifications include having a passion for working with the elderly and acceptance of older adults with health or cognitive impairments. Hours: Flexible, Mon-Fri [8:30am-5:30pm]. Minimum age: 18.

Kalamazoo Ballet

Hauler Volunteers haul stage sets and costumes to out of town locations for one-day performances. Volunteers must be available to attend two performances before out-of-town events. Transportation will be provided, must have current driver’s license and good driving record. Must be dependable, timely, a nonsmoker, energetic and ready to work. Personal references will be required. For more information call 343-3027. If there is no answer please leave your name and phone number so we may return your call. Hours: Vary. Call for more information. Minimum age: 18

Seamstress Are you a talented seamstress with time to give? Individuals with varying levels of expertise are needed to sew for a variety of ballet performances. Sewing must be done on location and volunteers will be called as needed. For information please call 343-3027, and leave your name and phone number if there is no answer. Hours: To be arranged. Call for more information. Minimum age: 16

Kalamazoo Collective Housing

Board Member Looking for an individual to support KCH by attending monthly meetings and participating in focus committees. Experience in fundraising, human resources, law and real estate, property maintenance or finance are helpful. Hours: 4 hrs/month. Minimum age: 21

Kalamazoo County

Advisory Boards & Commissions

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners regularly seeks area residents interested in serving on county-wide boards and commissions.

The following are current vacancies. Interested volunteers can contact Tina Baker at tmbeck@kalcounty.com or by phone at 269-384-8111.

Volunteer Kalamazoo is part of the inaugural #GivingTuesday, a nationwide movement that harnesses the power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday has already inspired over 1,400 organizations and people in all 50U.S.states and around the world to take collaborative action. Each aims to improve their local communities and give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. Scheduled for November 27, 2012 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – and the Day after the famed “Black Friday and “Cyber Monday” shopping days, #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create an opening day for giving.

Volunteer Kalamazoo joined the #GivingTuesday campaign in hopes to get the word out to Kalamazoo about giving this holiday season – both in time and gifts to the organization. “We are fortunate to live in a unique community where volunteerism is highly valued and supporting the local community is of the utmost importance,” said Jennifer Nemecek, President of the Board of Directors of Volunteer Kalamazoo. “We buy local and with #GivingTuesday campaign we are hoping to encourage others to give local.” Volunteer Kalamazoo will be getting into the spirit of giving by sharing ideas for random acts of kindness throughout the day on Tuesday through their social media outlets.

At Volunteer Kalamazoo, we love the work that we do. You can make a donation to support the programs and services of Volunteer Kalamazoo by clicking the link below, visiting our donation page, calling our offices at 269.382.8350, or sending a donation to our offices at 709-A S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, 49007.

#GivingTuesday:  The Background:  Seeing an opportunity to channel the generous spirit of the holiday season to inspire action around charitable giving, a group of friends, partners and philanthropy experts, led by the 92nd Street Y, came together to find ways to promote and celebrate the great American tradition of giving. Thought leaders in philanthropy, social media and grassroots organizing joined to explore what is working in modern philanthropy and how to expand these innovations throughout the philanthropic sector. The concept gained steam, and by bringing together a group of founding partners—including the United Nations Foundation, DonorsChoose.org, Mashable, Blackbaud, charity: water, GlobalGiving, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Kiva, Darden Restaurant Group, Groupon, Unilever, the Case Foundation, United Way and VentureThree Capital—a nationwide series of discussions helped inform the #GivingTuesday approach and built the movement. New organizations have rapidly joined the movement, offering creative ways people could embrace #GivingTuesday and collaborate in giving efforts to create more meaningful results.

A team of influencers have been advising #GivingTuesday organizers to discuss the innovative ways that people are approaching giving during challenging economic times, along with how Americans can give smarter and use new media to encourage positive change in their communities.

Currently, more than 1,400 corporate and nonprofit organizations have committed to participate in the initiative. #GivingTuesday is endorsed by Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, DorothyA.JohnsonCenteron Philanthropy, Giving Institute, Giving USA Foundation and InterAction. Charity Navigator and GuideStar are serving as Charity Advisors. VolunteerMatch is a volunteer advisor to #GivingTuesday.    

For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow #GivingTuesday (https://twitter.com/GivingTues) and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.

Curriculum Coordinators Volunteers needed to coordinate curriculum for each of our four workshops to be finalized and assigned trainers. Communicate and coordinate with the trainers to prepare facilitation plans and supporting materials. As a volunteer, you will be assisting us in defining the future job positions we will require for this organization, which may result in full-time employment for you.  See our website for program details.Hours: Flexible. Minimum age: 18

Binder Park Zoo

Special Events Binder Park Zoo hosts many special events such as Cheetah Chase (June 22), Kids FUNfari (July 13), the Great ZooBoo (Oct 11-27), Reptile Weekend (Aug 3-4), Howl-a-palooza (Oct 5), BonteOktoberfest (Oct 4) and Corks for Conservation (June 1). If you are interested in having fun while helping out the zoo, please fill out a volunteer application. Applications are available on-line at www.binderparkzoo.org. Minimum age: 18

Black Arts & Cultural Center

Receptionist The Black Arts & Cultural Center is looking for a volunteer receptionist.   Duties include:   answer telephone  take and relay messages  provide information to callers  greet persons entering organization  general administrative and clerical support  prepare letters and documents  receive and sort mail and deliveries   Skills or requirements:  high school diploma generally required  knowledge of computers and relevant software applications/or willing to learn  knowledge of customer service principles and practices  keyboard skills  verbal and written communication skills  professional personal presentation  customer service orientation  reliability    Hours: Mon-Fri [1-pm-6pm]. Hours will vary based on volunteer availability. We would like volunteers to be available a minimum of three hours and a maximum of six.  Minimum age: 21

Colleagues International

Host Families Families or individuals are needed to host international visitors in their homes for an evening or longer while visiting the area. Hours: Vary. Please call for current needs.

Professional Hosts Professional hosts are needed to share their career knowledge and experience with international visitors. Hours: Vary. Please call for current needs. Minimum age: 21

Comstock Community Center

Tutor Volunteers needed to tutor K-5 grade students in grade level reading at Comstock Elementary schools. Prefer tutors with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or graduated high school with high honors.   Hours: Mon-Thu [3-6pm]; 1 hour of tutoring per student, 2 day/week minimum.  Minimum age: 18  For more information, contact Jamie Gooddell, 269-345-7243.

Senior Special Events Assistant Help with the planning, publicity, decorating & carrying out of special events, potlucks & other activities for seniors. Committee meeting is the first Monday of the month along with 1-2 events during the month most of which occur during the daytime. Having an ability or interest in planning, decorating, etc. is helpful as well as being able to work as a committee member with others, leadership ability is a plus! Hours: One committee meeting (1st Mon of each month) plus 1-2 scheduled events during the month. Minimum age: 50

Fresh Fire Church

Administrative Secretary/Receptionist Clerical support to church staff, greet church members and the public, answer phones, data entry. Hours: Twenty hours per week with a one-year commitment. Min age: 21.

Friendship Village

Pianist Do you like good old-fashioned hymns? Do you enjoy playing piano and hearing people sing along? Do you only have any hour or son on weekends to volunteer your time? If so, this opportunity is for you! Provide accompaniment for weekly Vespers service by working alongside Chaplain to choose weekly hyms and accompany congregants during services. Volunteers should have the ability to play hymns with congregants singing along and be able to work with Chaplain on a weekly basis (phone call is fine). Hours: Sun [3-4pm] Minimum age: 14

Transport Volunteer Have you ever been told that you could talk a mouse into a mousetrap or been accused of being a “sweet talker?” We would love for you to use your power of persuasion to encourage residents to get in a wheelchair and be taken to their appointments! (Some do great; others need a little push – pun intended.) Volunteers are needed to aid Health Center and Woodside staff in moving residents around the building by transporting wheelchair-bound residents to their appointments or events safely and on time. Volunteer must be organized and have the ability to follow an appointment schedule. Should also have the ability to positively interact with residents and staff and the ability to persuade resident(s) to places they may not want to go at a given time (i.e. Beauty Shop, P.T. appointments, etc.). Hours: Consistent need on Tue, otherwise as needed for special events or programs. Minimum age: 16, or 14 with adult