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If you are interested in getting involved with the Hyde Park community while gaining skills and experiences that will doubtless be useful to you after MAPH, please be sure to read Keri’s blog post about Service Match from last week. We now have the full list of Community Partners & volunteer opportunities for this year’s program, so please read on for brief descriptions of the opportunities available. There are some pretty amazing ones. You can also find the application online here.
Also, a reminder: Crystal Coats will be in Classics 110 to talk/answer questions about Service Match this Wednesday, September 18 at 10:30 am. We strongly recommend that you attend if you are thinking about applying for any of these opportunities.
Coppin Community Center/ Coppin AME Church
5627-33 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Description of Volunteer Opportunities Available: Grant Writing, Policy Research, Youth Education, Community Development, Community-based Events, Computer Literacy, Literacy Programs
ADA Accessible? Yes
Maximum Number of Volunteers: 6
Volunteer Opportunity:
Title: Community Programs Facilitator
Description:
1. Freedom School Fund Development – Coppin Community Center is a member of the Donor’s Forum Library. This opportunity involves compiling data from our 2013 summer program in preparation for grant opportunities, gaining knowledge and understanding about the Freedom School model, and researching grant opportunities (list of suggested funders available). Give assistance in preparing apps for chosen RFPs.
2. Youth Programs: Cub & Boy Scouts – determine and implement recruitment plan in Washington Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Gain knowledge and understanding of scouting and Coppin policies and mission to inform plan design and implementation.
3. Education: GED Program – opportunity to increase understanding of factors involved in recruiting and retention of adult basic education students to include the computerization of the GED test in 2014 and implications thereof. Design and implement recruitment of target population.
4. Education & Technology: Computer Lab – Determine computer classes needed both for scouts, adult education and families at Coppin House Apartments. Expand organization’s website and social media to facilitate mission; teach designated staff. Review identified software in relation to needs of target population; consider how use of technology can improve equality of life of families we serve and build community.
5. Weekly Food Pantry – Get to know current client needs in terms of nutrition education by assisting in process of food pickup, setup and service at pantry. Determine ways we can engage in advocacy by informing/engaging the community on relevant issues (organize for action-possible urban garden) as Washington Park is a food desert.
Specific Duties Will Include:
See section above on our volunteer opportunities. Volunteers will engage our community partners in completing these projects, lead focus groups, and discover the ways in which policy shapes implementation while engaging in asset mapping with these projects.
Day/Time
Monday: 11am-9pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-8pm; Friday 9am-4pm: Saturday as planned
Skills required:
Database Management, Event Planning, Research, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN), Written Communication, Graphic Design (Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, etc.), Grant Writing
Is a background check required? No
Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
Description of Volunteer Opportunities Available:
Grant Writing, Marketing, Community-based Events, Data Analysis
ADA Accessible? Yes
Maximum Number of Volunteers: 5
Volunteer Opportunity 1:
Title: Archivist/Researcher/Grant Support
Description: Expectations:
- 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Successful candidates will exhibit:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Diplomacy & Tact while working with clients, volunteers, staff, board, community partners and donors.
- Curiosity
- Ability to take constructive feedback and apply to work product,
- Willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of HPNC.
- Work independently and off site relating to specific positions.
Specific Duties Will Include:
- Catalog HPNC collection housed at UIC Library
- Research and develop lists of influential figures to HPNC’s 104 year history
- Establish system of organization for current and future materials
- Utilize free websites and available portals through Donor’s Forum Library to research individuals, family foundations and other possible funding sources to create short bios
- Contribute to grant application content
Day/Time
Mondays- Thursdays afternoons. Exact hours flexible, weekly meetings on Monday afternoons
Skills required:
Research, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Editing, Grant Writing
Is a background check required? Yes
Volunteer Opportunity 2:
Title: Community Outreach/Marketing
Description: Expectations:
- 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Successful candidates will exhibit:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Diplomacy & Tact while working with clients, volunteers, staff, board, community partners and donors.
- Curiosity
- Ability to take constructive feedback and apply to work product,
- Willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of HPNC.
- Work independently and off site relating to specific positions.:
- Expectations: 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Specific Duties Will Include:
- Create marketing plan and/or editorial calendar to engage multiple constituencies.
- Develop a working list of contacts for service area schools, including but not limited to, appropriate school personnel, Local School Councils, PTA organizations, etc.
Day/Time
Mondays- Thursdays afternoons. Exact hours flexible, weekly meetings on Monday afternoons
Skills required:
Public Speaking, Research, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN), Verbal Communication
Is a background check required? Yes
Volunteer Opportunity 3:
Title: Board Development/ Special Events
Description: Expectations:
- 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Successful candidates will exhibit:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Diplomacy & Tact while working with clients, volunteers, staff, board, community partners and donors.
- Curiosity
- Ability to take constructive feedback and apply to work product,
- Willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of HPNC.
- Work independently and off site relating to specific positions.
Specific Duties Will Include:
- Research best practices in board development and make recommendations to staff
- Develop Board Calendar, templates for communications
- Develop opportunities to engage and increase commitment to organization based on industry best practices
- Support events of varying scale and purpose throughout the year.
Day/Time
Mondays- Thursdays afternoons. Exact hours flexible, weekly meetings on Monday afternoons
Skills required:
Event Planning, Public Speaking, Research, Written Communication, Verbal Communication
Is a background check required? Yes
Volunteer Opportunity 4:
Title: Service Learning and Stewardship
Description: Expectations:
- 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Successful candidates will exhibit:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Diplomacy & Tact while working with clients, volunteers, staff, board, community partners and donors.
- Curiosity
- Ability to take constructive feedback and apply to work product,
- Willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of HPNC.
- Work independently and off site relating to specific positions.
Specific Duties Will Include:
- Research best practices and make recommendations for stewardship program implementation at HPNC
- Research best practices and make recommendations for Community Service / Service Learning/ Volunteer activities
- Develop standardized recognition matrix for volunteers, donors, client (based on attendance)
- Work closely with Marketing/Community Outreach/ Events Intern to streamline solicitation of perks vs. other donation items.
- Assist making thank you calls and other follow up notes, letters, etc
Day/Time
Mondays- Thursdays afternoons. Exact hours flexible, weekly meetings on Monday afternoons
Skills required:
Database Management, Meeting Facilitation, Research, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN), Written Communication
Is a background check required? Yes
Volunteer Opportunity 5:
Title: Media/ Communications
Description: Expectations:
- 3-5 hours/ week
- Monthly team meetings
- Bi- weekly check in with staff mentor
- Attend Donors Forum Library Orientation within 30 days of start date
- Recommended Reading and related reflection will be incorporated into experience. Examples include: white papers, academic studies, book chapters, etc.
- Submit to criminal background check
- Participate in court-mandated reporter training
Successful candidates will exhibit:
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
- Diplomacy & Tact while working with clients, volunteers, staff, board, community partners and donors.
- Curiosity
- Ability to take constructive feedback and apply to work product,
- Willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of HPNC.
- Work independently and off site relating to specific positions.
* moderate to advanced SLR/ video skills requested for this position
Specific Duties Will Include:
- Interview clients, donors and others to develop content for use in marketing, solicitation and blog posts
- Write pieces for newsletter, media advisories, web, social media, etc
- Create short editorial videos for use on HPNC website and events throughout year
- Photograph selected programs, events and subjects for use for digital and print distribution.
- Add to list of media outlets to include for varying story distribution.
Day/Time
Monday – Thursday afternoons
Skills required:
Research, Written Communication, Graphic Design (Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, etc.), Verbal Communication , Editing
Is a background check required? Yes
S.I.S.T.E.R.S. INC. Leadership Program
Description of Volunteer Opportunities Available: Grant Writing, Youth Education, Classroom Management, Community-based Events
ADA Accessible? Yes
Maximum Number of Volunteers: 6
Mercedes Trigos (MAPH ’13) with her students from S.I.S.T.E.R.S.
Title: Facilitator/Mentor
Description: Mentor Role
- Take the lead in supporting a young person through ongoing, group mentoring and facilitation
- Serve as a positive role model and friend
- Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities
- Strive for mutual respect
- Build self-esteem and motivation
- Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
Time Commitment
- Make a one-year, three-month minimum commitment
- Spend a minimum of ten hours per month in participation
- Attend an initial two-hour training session and additional two-hour training sessions twice during each year of participation in the program
- Attend group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events
Participation Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Reside in the Chicago area
- Be interested in working with young people
- Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
- Be willing to complete the application and screening process
- Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
- Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
- Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
- Have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record
- Have a clean criminal history
- No use of illicit drugs
- No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
- Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years
- Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years
Desirable Qualities
- Willing listener
- Encouraging and supportive
- Patient and flexible
- Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
Benefits
- Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
- Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
- Training sessions and group activities
- Participation in a mentor support group
Specific Duties Will Include:
Building productive relationships with the participants
Day/Time
Every 2nd and 4thSaturday of every month 9am-12pm
Skills required:
Meeting Facilitation, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication, Relationship Building Mentoring
Is a background check required? Yes
Volunteer Opportunity 2:
Title: Volunteer Grant Writer
Description: S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Inc. Leadership Program seeks a volunteer with the expertise in researching and developing grant proposals in efforts to secure funding to advance our mission.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer grant writer will assist the grants officer in preparing written proposals for funding.
- Meeting with the Executive Director to discuss the specifics of writing assignments and to learn details about the program or project to be described in the written proposal.
- As needed, attending program activities to gain firsthand understanding of the program to be described.
- Writing draft proposals, including finding strong data for compelling case statements.
- Submitting the drafts to the Executive Director for editing, and working together with grants officer and finalize the document.
Specific Duties Will Include:
Grant Writing and Research, creating a funding database
Day/Time
This position is available year round, and requires a solid time commitment of 3 – 4 hours per week for a minimum of three months. The Volunteer Grant Writer would be welcome to make his/her own schedule and be able to commit to it for the duration of the position held.
Skills required:
Database Management, Research, Grant Writing
Is a background check required? No
Volunteer Opportunity 3:
Title: Volunteer Social Media Coordinator
Description: As a Volunteer Social Media Coordinator, you will be a key member of our team of five volunteer staff members, plus other volunteers.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, refine, and execute a project plan for each major area of responsibility, including
- Updating and upgrading of website with weekly maintenance, new features, content development, etc.
- Social media campaigns and posting (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.)
- Research and provide direction on trends, best practices, etc.
- Support/assist with newsletters, direct mail, solicitation letters, etc.
- Each project plan will include action steps, timeline, goals, and evaluation
- Additional duties as assigned will include attendance and support for special events, programs, and meetings, and a limited amount of general office and administrative support.
Specific Duties Will Include:
Web design and updating, and updating social media outlets
Day/Time
This position is available year round, and requires a minimum 10-week commitment of at least 7 hours per week over 3-4 days/week. The Volunteer Social Media Coordinator would be welcome to make their own schedule and be able to commit to it for the duration of the position held
Skills required:
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN)
Is a background check required? No
Volunteer Opportunity 4:
Title: Volunteer-Volunteer Coordinator
Description: The Volunteer-Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for promoting SILP and its many programs and events. Specifically, the role of the Volunteer-Volunteer Coordinator is to recruit volunteers for SILP committees as well as for the programs, events and other projects held throughout the year.This includes reaching out to parent and fundraising volunteers; sending texts and email blasts. Some phone calling may be required.
Specific Duties Will Include:
Organization Outreach; Creating a volunteer database and potential partners and/or resources for the organization.
Day/Time
The position requires a solid time commitment of 3 – 4 hours per week for a minimum of three months. The Volunteer Coordinator would be welcome to make his/her own schedule and be able to commit to it for the duration of the position held.
Skills required:
Database Management, Research, Written Communication, Verbal Communication
Is a background check required? No