March 2020
Big News About
Our Keynote Speaker! 
The Virginia Volunteerism and Service Conference (May 20-21, in Richmond) is thrilled to announce our powerful keynote speaker for this year's event. Dr. Allison Jackson, a nationally- and internationally-renowned expert on the subject trauma-informed care. She currently serves as the CEO of Integration Solutions, Inc., where she provides trauma and resilience-informed care consultation to human service and healthcare organizations invested in the lives of ‘at-promise’ children, families, and adults impacted by emotional trauma. A Richmond native and VCU graduate, Dr. Jackson's TEDx-RVA Talk has received nearly 140,000 views worldwide. She is sure to inspire and educate all of us at our plenary luncheon on May 21st. Don't miss it!
2019 Impact of National Service in Virginia
Last year nearly 4,000 individuals  of all ages and backgrounds met local needs, strengthened communities, and expanded economic opportunity through national service in Virginia, according to a new report from the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members served at more than 400 locations across Virginia, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations.  Last year,  more than 600 AmeriCorps State & National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC members  met pressing local needs across Virginia, making a lasting impact in communities while gaining valuable skills and experience to advance their careers. Last year,  more than 3,100 Virginia Senior Corps members  met critical community needs while contributing to longer, healthier lives through Foster Grandparents,  Senior Companions, and  RSVP programs.
Remember to Thank Your Volunteers During National Volunteer Week!  
Mark your calendar! April 19-25, is your chance to recognize your volunteers. Each year, National Volunteer Week is a chance to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities. Have some great volunteer stories? We'd love to help you share your volunteer stories this Volunteer Week. 
 
Virginia Youth Awarded National Volunteerism Awards  
Ryan Janaske of Ashburn, age 12, and Rayan Yu of Vienna, age 16, have been named Virginia's top youth volunteers for 2020 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Ryan, a seventh-grader at Trailside Middle School, stuffs up to 100 backpacks with school supplies each summer and donates them to elementary schools in her area for students who can’t afford to start the school year with everything they need. Rayan, a junior at James Madison High School, worked with a partner to create free STEM-education mobile apps to help level the playing field for students around the world who otherwise might not have the resources to reach their full potential.  Youth volunteers were also recognized from Sterling, Glen Allen, Norfolk, Herndon, and Ashburn.   
Virginia AmeriCorps Member Nominated for
National Award
Kayla Brooks, second-year Virginia College Advising Corps member at Harrisonburg High School, was one of the finalists nominated for the Peter and Laurie Grauer True North award. Peter Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg L.P. and College Advising Corps founding board chair, presents this award to recognize advisers who demonstrate impact, grace, humility, leadership, and the ability to guide students and fellow advisers in a way that makes College Advising Corps a better organization. Great job Kayla!
Fire Service Awards Highlight Volunteers Making Virginia Safer
Governor Northam recently honored individuals and organizations who have served to make Virginia communities safer at this year's Governor’s Fire Service Awards. One of the honorees included the Arlington County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for training more than 800 community members since 2002 on topics like disaster preparedness, first aid, and terrorism awareness. Another was Lieutenant Adam Dolan who was the force behind the creation and administration of the “Firefighters for Literacy” program in Augusta County.
Disaster Preparedness
Training Coming Soon!
Are you ready for hurricane season? Do you know what to do with spontaneous volunteers if they arrive to help? Do you know how to operate a Volunteer Reception Center? The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Services will be offering free training sessions in your area soon. Stay tuned for dates and locations.

Please contact Vickie Johnson-Scott, v.johnson-scott@dss.virginia.gov, for additional information.
Nonprofit Toolbox
Each month we're happy to share some of our favorite resources and funding opportunities.  Let us know your favorites  so we can pass them along.   

  • It's not too late! Apply for Day of Service Grants to fund projects for either September 11th Day of Service or MLK Day of Service -- or both. Deadline: March 25


  • Global Youth Service Day, April 17-19, is coming up soon. For lists of creative project ideas and tools, visit the Youth Service America website.


  • Human Biases: Why People Underprepare for Disasters is the lates PrepTalk podcast from FEMA which explores why disaster damages and fatalities from disasters increased globally through the early twenty-first century despite advances in forecasting and warnings.






  • American Express NGen Fellows are accepting nominations from changemakers ages 40 and younger to participate in this learning opportunity to build leadership and strategic skills. Deadline: March 15
Do You Subscribe?
The EdEquityVA Monthly Newsletter is a brand new publication produced in collaboration with the Board of Education, local school divisions, and Virginia’s varied education stakeholders. Each month, this newsletter will feature an area of practice impacting equity outcomes for Virginia’s students. The premiere issue features a focus on Disproportionality in School Discipline outcomes.  

Upcoming Opportunities
Training & Events
Volunteers Needed!

AmeriCorps Member Positions Available!
AmeriCorps – Virginia Service and Conservation Corps (VSCC)
Members serving in the  Interpretive Trail Project  will focus on educational interpretation and trail maintenance during the summer season. Interpretive members receive training on how to effectively educate and inspire park guests. Members serve their choice of 450 or 675 hours over a two to three month service period.

Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
The Youth Conservation Corps is now recruiting for crew member and leader positions. Members must be between the ages of 14-17 Leaders must be at least a sophomore in college or equivalent ( leader application ).
Virginia Office on Volunteerism & Community Services