Could Your Organization Use the Power of AmeriCorps?
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Does your organization need individuals dedicated to your goals and ready to make a major impact in your community? AmeriCorps could be the answer! The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Services (which serves as the Virginia Service Commission) is looking for organizations interested in applying for future AmeriCorps funding opportunities. Planning grants will be available soon to help get your program off the ground! Want to learn more?
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9/11 Day of Service:
How Will You Serve?
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As the anniversary of the attacks on September 11th once again approaches, take time to plan to serve your community on this date.
Looking for a way to serve? Visit
NationalService.gov
. There are numerous ways you can serve safely and still make an impact despite the current COVID-19 safety regulations.
- Host a Blood Drive
- Plan an anti-racist service project
- Sign up to serve/distribute meals
- Work with a local food bank or pantry to collect donations.
- Sign up to be a virtual mentor or tutor.
- Beautify a local park or community space – fall is a good time to plant trees and spring blooming bulbs.
- Check with your local fire station/rescue squad and see if you can organize a fall clean up or bring them a meal.
- Check with a veterans center to see if they need personal care items and launch a collection drive.
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New Value of Volunteer Time
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Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute, announced that the latest national value of a volunteer hour is $27.20. Virginia's value of volunteer time is $28.46, up 3.5 percent from the previous year. Estimated from data collected in 2019, the figure shows that volunteers contributed $187.7 billion to the U.S. through their time, talent, and effort last year.
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Organizations Will Join Together for Day to Serve
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Day to Serve, Sept. 11-Oct. 11, is a unique annual initiative that transcends political and religious differences. This multi-state effort unites people of all faiths, races, cultures, and backgrounds with the shared goal of helping those in need and improving the communities where we live. This year, despite the inability to host large gatherings, hundreds of service projects will take place in Virginia -- from creating activities and items for senior centers to donating food to local food banks.
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A ‘Go Bag’ Can Make All the Difference in an Emergency
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Hurricane season is in full swing in September with several named storms having already developed in 2020. September also serves as
National Preparedness Month, a time when FEMA’s Ready Campaign encourages individuals, families and communities to actively work on their own disaster and emergency planning. Here are a few basics you should have ready to go in bag according to a story from Jeff Rossen with NBC News.
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Basic electronics
Extra phone charger in case you have electricity and portable battery pack if not; long-lasting LED flashlight; small hand-cranked/battery-operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries)
Personal needs
Travel-size version of every toiletry you use daily, backup eyeglasses, first-aid kit, baby wipes, multipurpose tool with knife and can opener
Clothing
A few days’ worth of clothing (include layers you can add or remove), lightweight rain gear, waterproof boots
Meds
About 3 days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, portable version of larger items, such as an oxygen tank
Perfect Bag
Small and portable bag -- backpack is ideal, but lightweight suitcase with wheels will do. (Remember, you may literally be running with it.)
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Paperwork
Zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney/will; marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; information about your credit/ATM cards
Food and drink
Bottled water and granola/energy bars
Cash
In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.
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- 2021 Senior Corps RSVP Competition Funding Opportunities are available to engage older Americans in volunteer service that meets national and community needs and delivers lasting, meaningful results. Successful applicants will increase the impact of volunteers age 55 and older who provide volunteer service in response to local community needs. Deadline: Sept. 1
- The COVID-19 Nonprofit Response Playbook is a versatile framework to help you understand where your nonprofit is today and where you may need more help as you progress through the crisis response journey.
- The Arc 2021 MLK Day of Service Grants funds the development of projects that recruit volunteers with & without disabilities from diverse backgrounds to work with hunger-focused groups like food banks. Deadline: Aug. 27
- USDA: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program provides direct relief to agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who have faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. Deadline: Aug. 28
- Lyft's COVID-19 Response Initiative supports organizations that need delivery services for essential goods — such as groceries, medical supplies, auto parts, and home necessities — which are quickly matched with Lyft drivers, who can carry the deliveries out.
- Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is designed to bring high speed fixed broadband service to rural homes and small businesses that lack access. Deadline: Oct. 22
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Online Training Opportunities
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Virginia Office on Volunteerism & Community Services
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