Category Archives: Community Service

Intern, Volunteer and Work-study Opportunities

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Volunteer for Everywoman’s Center at UMass Amherst!!!

Allies of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, abilities, ages, and income levels are encouraged to apply for our volunteer positions. Our continued goal is to build a staff that is fully representative of the community we serve. Application deadline for Educator Advocates is April 15th and any time for Counselor Advocates.

Become an Educator Advocate!

Using education as a tool for change, we work to prevent sexual violence and relationship violence on campus and in the community. We facilitate workshops, discussions, and events at UMass, other local colleges, middle and high schools, community organization and businesses throughout Hampshire.

Become a Counselor/Advocate!

We seek people with a strong commitment to better understand issues of sexual violence and a desire to support and advocate for victims and survivors of sexual violence. This requires strong listening skills, but no previous counseling experience is expected.

Volunteer benefits include:

  • Certification for the State of Massachusetts which includes a comprehensive 60+ hour training on sexual violence, relationship violence and related topics, sponsored by the Department of Public Health, UMass.
  • A better understanding of issues of oppression, social justice and  peer advocacy.
  • Working collaboratively with a staff dedicated to supporting  survivors of sexual violence.
  • Network with professionals in the field, community agencies and  campus programs.
  • Career development opportunities including: staff development  trainings, conference and workshop attendance on a local and national level.
  • Academic credit. (optional)

For more info:

Web Page: http://www.umass.edu/ewc/

E-mail: ewcmail@admin.umass.edu

Phone: 413.545.0883

Address: 180 Infirmary Way, New Africa House, Amherst MA 01003

Leadership Opportunity at Nuestras Raices Farm

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Apply to be 1 of the 2 Seminar Coordinators for a Community-based Sustainability & Food Security course!
Unique, credit bearing practicum opportunity for two experienced  students to work with a Plant & Soil Science professor, UMass Civic   Engagement & Service Learning staff and community partner, Nuestras Raices to take the lead in coordinating a 2-credit Practicum course  for college students interested in a community-based, hands on
experience with community gardening, sustainability and food security  at Nuestras Raices in Holyoke, Mass. The coordinators will receive 4   Practicum credits for this role.

Project Description:
This Community-based Sustainability & Food Security course will be a   2-credit practicum course for up to 20 undergraduates.  It will   consist facilitating 2-hour seminar sessions, every other week (7   sessions) over the Fall 2012 semester as well as 4 farm work days   (likely Saturdays) at La Finca Farm, Nuestras Raices in Holyoke, Mass.
The topics of the sessions will be determined in conjunction with the  Practicum Facilitators, a sponsoring Plant and Soil Science faculty   member and a staff member from UMass CESL.

Position Description:
The Seminar Coordinators(s) of this practicum course will:
1.        Work with a faculty member and UMass CESL to plan 7 two-hour   practicum sessions to include orientation to community-based   service-learning practice, orientation to the Holyoke community, and   several curricular topics related to sustainability, community   gardening and food security.  Planning will take place of over the   Spring/Summer 2012.
2.        Identify and arrange for guest speakers related to curricular   topics for the 7 seminar sessions.
3.        Arrange for relevant readings for each seminar session.
4.        Facilitate the 7 seminar sessions.
5.        Provide meaningful and relevant Reflection prompts after each   practicum session that will help students connect the community-based   work with the classroom content.
6.        Review and provide feedback on student Reflections.
7.        Work with staff at Nuestras Raices to coordinate 4, six- hour  workdays (likely on Saturdays throughout the Fall) or the equivalent   of 24 hours minimum for the semester.
8.        Attend the workdays to provide coordination and leadership.
9.        Keep track of student attendance and participation at each session   and work day, and on each reflection assignment.
10.        Gather feedback from the community partner about the effectiveness   of the service and student participation.
11.        Collaborate with the instructor of record to determine grading  criteria and assign grades to the students.
12.        Meet with the instructor of record and UMass CESL staff person as   needed to create the most effective learning experience possible.
13.         Submit bi-weekly reports to the instructor of record and UMass   CESL staff.
14.        Submit an end of the semester report on the seminar course, the   service experience and a statement of personal learning.

Apply by Friday, April 6, 2012
To apply, send:
- your contact information (name, email, phone)
– anticipated year of graduation and major/minor
– a statement about why you are interested in this experience.
-an explanation of your qualifications related to the above Position Description
– names and contact info for 2 references who can speak to your ability related to this position
to both:
Molly Totman  mtotman@acad.umass.edu   and
Carol Soules      csoules.cesl@umass.edu

Living-wage union-made apparel from the Dominican Republic: Educational and Internship Opportunity!

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Are you a student interested in United States Against Sweatshops and workers in the Dominican Republic?

Have you heard of Alta Gracia? This video students made about the project’s history is an intriguing overview:

YouTube Preview Image

Alta Gracia is offering an internship in community education and organizing!!

Alta Gracia is a groundbreaking factory that sets a social responsibility standard high in the industry by paying a “living wage”. Set at more than three-and-a-half times the Dominican minimum wage and based on a cost of living study conducted by independent labor rights watchdog Workers Rights Consortium, this “salario digno” enables workers to support their families with dignity, covering food, housing, transportation, health care and education costs for their children. The ripple effect in the community is impressive: new businesses have opened across from the factory, construction has picked up as workers invest in more livable homes, and not just children but Alta Gracia workers themselves are going back to school on the weekend to continue where poverty had forced them to abandon studies. Workers enjoy top health and safety standards at work and a union, a voice on the job, and dignified working conditions.

If you’re interested, please contact:
Rachel Taber
Alta Gracia Community Education Coordinator
202.297.0971
taberrachel@gmail.com

Best in Class: Student Leadership Conference

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Interested in creating campus/community change, and learning about leadership?

Massachusetts Campus Compact works to develop students not only as active citizens but also as leaders in guiding their own civic and academic learning. They are hosting a student leadership conference this weekend.

October 1-2, 2010
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

You can find more information here

Registration will close on Wednesday, September 29.

Potential topics include: Language as  Tool for Change, Contemplative Practice-Meditation and Spirituality in Service Learning, Meeting Facilitation, Self Care, Grant Writing, Community Tours, Leadership Styles

Get involved and make a difference… Local volunteer opportunities.

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- VOLUNTEER OPENINGS – The ACT Volunteer Center serves the greater Hampshire-Franklin region and is located at 21 Abbot St. in Greenfield. ACT is a program of DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services. The phone for ACT is 313-774-7054 ext. 107, and the e-mail address is director@dialself.org. Further information about ACT is available at www.actcommunityservice.org

- FRIENDS OF THE HATFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY – Seeking volunteers for the Board. All welcome to attend meeting Wed., Feb. 10, 7 p.m., to learn more. 247-9097

- HISTORIC DEERFIELD – Seeking individuals who like working with people and who are interested in history, museums and the decorative arts to become museum guides. Flexible schedules, offering one or two days per week with some weekend and holiday work. Interviews for new guides held in early February. Nine-week training course begins in March. Amanda Rivera Lopez, 775-7216

- YOUTH R FUTURE OF HAMPSHIRE HEIGHTS – Seeking volunteers to help with February vacation camp Feb. 15-19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Activities include field trips, arts and crafts, creative writing, more. Darey, 413-209-5326

- HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM OF VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON – Volunteers needed to provide companionship and support for patients and their families through such services as visiting with patients, helping with errands or transportation. Must have transportation for visiting patients within a 10-mile radius and be available to offer 2-4 hours a week. Next training runs March 8-25 on Monday and Thursday evenings, 6-9 p.m. Application deadline March1. Carol Rinehart at carol_rinehart@cooley-dickinson.org or 582-5354

- BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – Seeks volunteers to become mentors to over 200 children on the waiting list. Training, support and lists of no cost/low cost activities are provided. Mentors spend three to fi e hours a week with a child. Call 253-2591 or e-mail bbbsvolcorps@chd.org

- DRIVERS – Disabled American Veterans transportation network is seeking volunteers in Hampshire, Franklin and berkshire counties to drive their vans. The program is designed to carry needy disabled veterans to and from medical appointments at the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Leo Vance, 582-3078 or Donna Hayes, 582-3042.

- ANIMAL CARE – The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society welcomes volunteers for its Leverett and Springfield sites. Positions and available times vary. Call coordinator of volunteer services Emily Kolod at 413-781-4000, ext. 111, or e-mail ekolod@dpvhs.org. For more information on volunteering, go to www.dpvhs.org

- NORTHAMPTON SENIOR CENTER – Transportation assistance needed for seniors’ medical appointments and grocery shopping needs using personal vehicle and/or handicapped accessible van. Flexible hours. No special driver’s license necessary. Vehicle insurance covered under City of Northampton. Diana, 587-1232 or ddamon@northamptonma.gov

Help Needed: Western Massachusetts Labor Action

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A typical low-income family in Berkshire County falls $17,000 short of making ends meet every year.  The gap is growing this winter as families face unprecedented job losses as well as high heating costs.  But the holiday season need not be only about economic hardship and impossible expectations!

Western Massachusetts Labor Action’s (WLMA) Family Holiday Party is a time when WMLA members and volunteers can join in a demonstration of solidarity and progress through mutal self-help.  The party will include food, family entertainment and speakers.  WLMA members who sign up in advance through WMLA’s Benefit Plan II will receive presents to provide to their children for the holiday.  This toy distribution to parents is part of WMLA’s budget-savings Holiday Campaign, which also includes food distributions.

HOW TO HELP: Please contact WMLA for volunteering opportunities (413-443-9862)

The Holiday Party is Friday, December 18th @ 5pm

The Address: ITAM Sons of Italy #564 Lodge, Waubeek Road, Pittsfield

Volunteering Opportunities:

Help organize food, turkey, toy drive, food drive

Donate turkey, food, toys

Volunteer at the Family Holiday Party

Campaign in low-income neighborhoods

Make phone calls, organize mailouts/ posters

Community Service Opportunities (UPDATED 11/5)

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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

This is a program to volunteer to help people 55 and older.  There are various activities you can engage in and genuinely keep these seniors company and even learn from their experiences!

Contact: Pat Sicard 413-584-1300, www.hampshirecog.org

Nami Iris Project

Volunteer to sell silk irises at churches, stores and other community location.  There are three hour shifts with all materials provided.  Proceeds benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness and its work with people living with Mental illness

Contact: Barbara Kirchner 413-586-6641

Northampton Senior Center

Transportation help is needed to transport Seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping.  No special driver’s license necessary; and vehicle insurance is covered by the city of Northampton.

Contact: Diana 413-587-1232, ddamon@northamptonma.gov

Community Service Opportunities around Hampshire/Franklin County

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ACT VOLUNTEER CENTER:

At this center you can get involved in such organizations like DAIL and SELF Youth.  Work with children; help with homework and hangout with awesome kids who are looking for mentors and genuine people to learn from.

Contact: 413-774-7054, www.actcommunityservice.org

WESTFIELD RIVER WILD AND SCENIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

Help keep the scenic Western Massachusetts beautiful!  Work on trail maintenance, learn to read directions while hiking and learn about photo monitoring.  Free trainging!

Contact: Meredyth Babcock 413-623-2070, volunteer@westfieldriverwildscenic.org

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMEN:

Want to work with senior citizens or at nursing homes doing various volunteering services? Volunteers needed to serve as advocates for residents of local nursing homes and rest homes.  Ombudsmen visit residents regularly and investigate concerns and complaints brought to their attention.  Training is provided.

Contact: Barbara Levy 413-773-5555, blevy@fchcc.org

AARP TAX COUNSLEORS:

They are seeking volunteers to help out their locations in Hampshire County.  Training is provided in early November.  You are asked to volunteer at least eight hours a week in February through April.

Contact: 888-687-2277, www.aarp.org/taxaid

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN:

One of the best programs in Northampton and Greenfield.  Enjoy playing and spending time with children as you brighten their day by giving them outside interactions with people they might not get otherwise.  There is a 6 month commitment, with only two hours per week!

Contact: Jessica Netto 413-532-0526, jnetto@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org

PIONEER VALLEY THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION:

Volunteers needed to assist with brushing horses and tacking them up, leading horses during lessons and side-walking with horses and riders.  Experience not needed.

Contact: mmesheau@aol.com

**Community Service**

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HELLO!  For those of you who are interested in getting involved in the Amherst community here is your chance!  The first event we are planning to work at is the Halloween Festivities at the Bang Community Center in town.  If you are looking to get involved please attend an important meeting on October 14th @ 7pm at the BCC.  At this meeting we will find out what tasks need to be done and then we will carry them out on the 30th of October (you will NOT miss your Halloween)!  There will be more opportunities to get involved….email us at advising@umass.edu!