VOLUNTEER NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Organizations Now Recruiting
AmeriCorps Members Serve Local Needs
Volunteer Maryland is among the agencies now accepting applications from individuals interested in committing to a year of service as a 2019-2020 AmeriCorps member
More than 75,000 people across the United States serve nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups annually through AmeriCorps, an intensive service work program often referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps." Locally, several organizations are now recruiting AmeriCorps members to help tackle a variety of needs in our community. Here are some details:

CASA seeks full- and part-time immigrant integration specialists to support eligible lawful permanent residents in applying for U.S. citizenship and to provide community members with financial education and tax preparation assistance. CASA is also recruiting full-time youth education specialists to work with Latino and immigrant youth and families. Preference for those bilingual in Spanish, French, Korean, or Mandarin. For more information or to apply, visit the CASA jobs website or email Pablo Blank.

The Choice Program at UMBC recruits individuals throughout the year to serve full-time as mentors, teachers, and advocates for disconnected youth at sites in Montgomery County and across Maryland. The agency presents regular information sessions for prospective AmeriCorps members. Email Brittany Coverdale to learn more or to apply.

Community Mediation Maryland is recruiting mediation services specialists to mediate cases, organize service projects, collect and report data, and expand local partnerships while serving at community-based organizations throughout the state, including Montgomery County. Positions are full time and run August 2019 to August 2020. View the agency's AmeriCorps overview or email Hope Braveheart to learn more.

The Maryland Conservation Corps is looking for young adults (age 17-25) to provide full-time environmental, educational, and operational assistance at Assateague, Tuckahoe, Susquehanna, Gunpowder Falls, Patapsco Valley, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, and Deep Creek Lake state parks. Low-cost state park housing is available at some locations. Position descriptions and application are available online. Call Luke Terrell at 240-278-5218 to learn more. 

Project CHANGE Montgomery is recruiting individuals to serve as teaching assistants, mentors, and program coordinators at local partner agencies dedicated to helping county students from under-resourced communities. These full- and part-time opportunities run August 2019 to August 2020, working directly in MCPS schools, as well as at partner nonprofits such as Gandhi Brigade, Community Bridges, Montgomery Housing Partnership, and YMCA. For more information or to apply, email Paul Costello.

Volunteer Maryland seeks full-time volunteer program coordinators to develop or expand volunteer programs at nonprofit and public agencies throughout the state, including several in Montgomery County (these include CaringMatters, Literacy Council of Montgomery County, SEEC, Warrior Canine Connection, and Community Action Agency of Montgomery County).Year-long positions begin Sept. 4. Call 410-697-9285 or email Nathan Cabrera to learn more.

All AmeriCorps members are paid a living allowance stipend throughout the course of their service. They may also be eligible to receive an educational award at the end of their service and student loan deferment during their service.
SPOTLIGHT ORGANIZATION
American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
Mobilizing the Power of Volunteers
Red Cross
Each day, thousands of people provide compassionate care to those in need as volunteers with the American Red Cross, giving their time, money, and blood to help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They focus not only on the disaster relief many associate with the organization, but also things like providing training in life-saving skills, reaching across borders to reconnect families, and supporting military families. 

Locally, the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region is recruiting volunteers to serve in a range of capacities with varying time commitments. For instance, there are multiple opportunities to lead programs and serve as a face of the Red Cross in our community. These include workforce engagement team leaders, who devote about 10 hours per week to supporting local volunteers assigned to a particular activity, program managers for youth and young adults, who work with the organization's executive director to develop and promote Red Cross school clubs for approximately 10 to 20 hours per month during the school year, and blood donor ambassadors, who help promote blood drives, welcome donors, assist with initial intake, and handle other customer service activities at least twice a month for three- to six-hour shifts.

Those interested in education are needed as Pillowcase Project team members to present the Red Cross emergency preparedness curriculum to elementary school students twice a month. And those who want to lend a hand to patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and/or ensure delivery of emergency communications for members of the military and their families may serve as armed forces engagement volunteer team members and caseworkers.

And, of course, the agency is always in need of volunteers to serve as disaster action team members and leaders, who provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, particularly house fires, ensuring that those affected can access food, shelter, and clothing.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities and more, visit the Red Cross website, call 703-584-8444, or email the Red Cross recruitment specialists.
FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Destination: Volunteer Service
No need to travel to experience something exciting this summer. Create an adventure close to home by volunteering for a project new to you! Here are just a few of the hundreds of volunteer positions listed on the Volunteer Center website. Check our online volunteer calendar for more date-specific opportunities or use the search box at the top of this email or the top of our home page to search for more ways to serve.
Opportunities marked with the graduation cap icon meet the MCPS guidelines for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours--but  they're not just for students ! Other opportunities may be eligible for SSL hours; visit the MCPS SSL website to learn more.
HIGHLIGHTS IN JULY & AUGUST
HOSPITAL BAZAAR VOLUNTEERS: Tuesday, July 23, shifts available 7:30 am-9 pm, Olney. Setup/take down booths, prepare/serve food, assist visitors, lead kid games, direct traffic, pick up trash, and/or assist with other activities at the Women's Board of Montgomery General Hospital's 99th annual picnic and bazaar, which funds scholarships for students pursuing degrees in healthcare. Minimum age: 12. Email Elissa Balsley or call 301-774-8840.
WOMEN'S HEALTH KIT ASSEMBLERS: Sunday, July 28, 10 am-1 pm, Rockville. Make and assemble menstrual health and education kits for girls and women around the world. Sponsored by Days for Girls Rockville Chapter. Minimum age: 10. Email Manmeet Kohli or call 202-285-6904.
BLANKET MAKERS: Thursday, Aug. 1, drop in between 10 am and 3 pm, Derwood. Sew, knit, or crochet afghans and quilts for hospitalized children. No experience necessary. Yarn and fabric provided but volunteers are asked to bring scissors, knitting needles, or crochet hook if possible. Sponsored by Montgomery County Association for Family & Community Education. Minimum age: 13. Email Jeanne Purich or call 301-641-4878.
WINE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS: Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 am-2 pm or 2-6 pm, Mt. Airy. Help lead kids' activities, direct traffic, pour wine, and more for Anna's Gift Foundation's annual fundraiser at the Taste of Linganore wine festival. Minimum age: 10 (or 21 to serve wine). Email Elizabeth Tomalis or call 443-745-3343.
5K RACE & WELLNESS EVENT ASSISTANTS: Saturday, Aug. 17, 6 am-1 pm, Wheaton. Help set up the course, register participants, and take on various other tasks at CCI Health & Wellness Services' inaugural 5K run/walk for healthier moms and babies. Volunteers may also assist with activities at a health & wellness expo scheduled in conjunction with the race. Minimum age: 14. Register online, email KellyAnn Rooney or call 301-340-7525 x3429.
ONGOING & FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
PERSONAL FINANCE VOLUNTEERS: Work with low-income county residents who need help managing their federal benefits and making sure their bills are paid. EveryMind's Representative Payee Program assists individuals who may be homebound, disabled, forgetful, and/or have no family or friends who can help them manage their finances, and is particularly in need of volunteers to help clients in Gaithersburg and Germantown. Volunteers must be willing to make a one-year commitment and must be at least 21. Email Rameela Tuladhar or call 301-424-0656 x541.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT ASSISTANTS: Welcome international families enrolling new students in Montgomery County Public Schools, guide them through offices at the MCPS Rocking Horse Road International Admissions and Enrollment Center in Rockville, and assist with other activities to help them register. Training required; next session will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1-2:30 pm. Sponsored by the Washington Center for International Education. Minimum age: 16. Email Paul Boesen or call 703-785-4580.
HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP CLERKS: Assist customers and maintain boutique shopping space at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Volunteers must commit to serving a four-hour shift weekly for 12 months. Sales experience helpful. Minimum age: 16. Apply online, email Sarah Walker, or call 301-557-6970.
MUSEUM SCHOOL PROGRAM EDUCATORS: Guide student groups through structured school programs at the National Museum of Natural History. Working alongside museum educators, volunteers help lead programs on a variety of science topics, including geology, anthropology, the ocean, and paleontology. Volunteers must pass a background check and commit to serving at least eight hours per month for one year. Training required; next session set for Sept. 17-20. Apply online, email Lisa Porter, or call 202-633-1083.
FLYING SQUIRREL FEEDERS: Load feeding platforms at Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda with sunflower seeds, use a pulley system to hoist the platforms high into the trees, and ring the dinner bell to watch the park's flying squirrels glide from platform to platform for a free meal. Orientation and training provided. Volunteers must be at least age 18 or accompanied by a volunteer age 18 or over and must commit to coming once a week at dusk for approximately 30 minutes. Email Lynn Vismara, or call 301-495-2504.
NEWS & RESOURCES
Donate School Supplies to Help Local Kids
Want to help ensure that all students in our area are equipped with the school supplies they need to get a great start to the upcoming school year? Donate to one or more of the following school supply drives sponsored by organizations that serve some of our county's neediest kids.

Housing Opportunities Commission is collecting backpacks, school supplies, gift cards, and cash donations to create 2,000 backpacks filled with supplies for youth living in HOC's low- and moderate-income housing.
When: Through Wednesday, Aug. 2
Where: HOC offices at 10400 Detrick Ave., Kensington, and 231 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg
Details: Email Kiara Crawley or call 240-627-9708  

Interfaith Works seeks donations of a variety of school supplies, backpacks, and new children's socks and underwear to help prepare 3,000 local low-income students for the school year. The organization also accepts monetary donations that will allow it to purchase needed supplies.
When: Throughout summer
Where: 751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville
Details: Email Yahav Lachovizer or call 301-424-3796

Montgomery County Association of Family & Community Education is gathering school supplies to donate to children served by sites such as the Betty Ann Krahnke Center, a domestic violence shelter in Gaithersburg. Accepted items include backpacks, pens, pencils, white glue, glue sticks, rulers, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, markers, compasses, protractors, scissors, paper clips, and binder clips.
When: Throughout summer
Where: front porch at 15500 Gallaudet Ave., Silver Spring, or 7208 Maple Ave., Takoma Park
Details: Email Kathie Mack or call 301-270-5367

Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless is collecting backpacks, lunchboxes, books, and a variety of school supplies for the children it serves and is also in need of donations of food, gift cards, and other items for its back-to-school fair where supplies are distributed. In addition, the agency needs volunteers to help sort supplies and fill backpacks throughout the month of August and to help during the fair on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
When: Weekdays, 9 am-5 pm, through Monday, Aug. 20 
Where: 600-B East Gude Drive, Rockville
Details: Email Lynn Rose or sign up online to donate or volunteer

Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation's Give BACKpacks campaign accepts monetary donations (online, by mail, and by text), which it uses to provide students in need with backpacks filled with school supplies. A $10 contribution covers the cost of a backpack and supplies for one student. 
When: Throughout summer
Details: Visit the Give BACKpacks website

A Wider Circle is running a school supplies drive to gather new backpacks, binders, markers, crayons, pens, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, loose leaf paper, calculators, and other supplies for local children in need.
When: Mondays-Saturdays, 9 am-6 pm, and Sundays 12 noon-6 pm
Where: 9159 Brookville Road, Silver Spring
Details: Email the volunteer team or call 301-608-3504
Free Advocacy Training Available
The Montgomery County Community Action Board is now accepting applications for its Community Advocacy Institute, which provides free advocacy training to county residents with household incomes of $55,000 or less. The eight-month program begins in October and includes hands-on workshops focused on best practices for engaging elected officials through storytelling, research, letter-writing, and public testimony.  
 
Apply online by Friday, Aug. 16.
Watch the Ways to Make a Difference
Make a Difference, a monthly County Cable Montgomery program, highlights the contributions of stellar county volunteers and organizations that work to better our community. This month's episode highlights volunteer opportunities with the Button Farm Living History Center in Germantown, Maryland's only living history center depicting 19th century slave plantation life.
Subscribe to Our Partner Newsletters
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is part of the Office of Community Partnerships, which works to strengthen the relationship between the Montgomery County government and the residents it serves, with special emphasis on underserved and emerging communities. Subscribe to the monthly OCP newsletter to keep up with these activities. 

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Montgomery County Volunteer Center
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