Volunteer Virginia - October 2021

October 2021

Save the Date!

Annual Virginia Volunteerism Event is May 4-5, 2022!!

The Virginia Service Commission is excited to announce that the Virginia Volunteerism Conference has not only finalized its 2022 dates, but has a whole new look and feel! The Virginia Volunteerism Summit, May 4-5, will feature a dynamic new format and a whole new lineup of speakers and presenters. Our first day will feature summit-style presentations from industry experts from around the country! The second day you'll take part in master class-style workshops at varying levels of expertise that will give you the tools you need to help your organization help others. Mark you calendars now!

Attention Youth!

Applications Are Open

for Prudential

Recognition Program!

Virginia students ages 14 to 18 who are taking on today’s toughest financial and societal challenges are invited to apply for the 2022 Prudential Emerging Visionaries Program (formerly Spirit of Community Awards). Winners will receive a cash prize of up to $15,000 awarded as follows: 25 winners will receive $5,000 each; 5 winners from the Financial Solutions category will be invited to join a pitch-off at the Prudential Emerging Visionaries Awards Summit at Prudential's headquarters. The deadline to apply is Nov. 4.

Charlottesville Region Honors Amazing Volunteers!

The United Way of Greater Charlottesville celebrated its 30th annual Day of Caring last month. This year, 1,300 volunteers were recognized for all they do to make the community a better place. The celebration honored the community’s local volunteers, businesses and nonprofits. Check out the honorees and read more about the event!

AmeriCorps VISTA

Positions Available

The Virginia Capacity Building Project, an AmeriCorps VISTA program dedicated to improving the social services landscape across the Commonwealth through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), is looking to fill fifteen (15) full-time national service positions. The AmeriCorps members serving through VISTA will be placed with six (6) VDSS offices and projects. The team will be addressing a wide variety of topics, including, but not limited to: expanding access to affordable childcare; providing resources to address substance use disorder; putting immigrants in touch with services tailored to their needs; and furthering the goals of food security and good nutrition for all.

Nonprofit Toolbox

If you would like to share additional resources with us, please pass them along to us via email at VirginiaServiceInfo@dss.virginia.gov.

The 50% Youth Participation by America 250 Campaign aims to increase youth participation rates in volunteering and service, voting and civic engagement, and joining and leadership to 50% by July 4, 2026. Their first big push is coming up on MLK Day 2022 so visit Youth Service America for tons of ideas for ways youth can serve.

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) recognizes and celebrates the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Educators and organizations can find resources and tools to participate at the link provided.

2022 America's Service Commissions Training & Technical Assistance Directory is looking for speakers and consultants for their directory. Deadline: November 30

Embracing Change: Charting a New Course for National Service is the 2020 Annual Report from America's Service Commissions. The report details how AmeriCorps programs tackled and overcame the challenges of the last year.

The latest edition of Civic Life Today explores voting rights.

Social Media for Nonprofits, Part 1: 9 Ways To Maximize Your Approach for Greater Impact offers advice to roll with the ever-changing social media landscape.

NEA Read Across America Sweepstakes will award a free set of books from the 2021-2022 Read Across America calendar—for every classroom in your public school. Deadline: October 7

2021 Hershey Heartwarming Project Action Grants program is looking for your best ideas focused on Creating Inclusive Communities; Supporting Authentic Connection & Belonging; and Advancing Mental Well-Being that incorporate themes of connection, belonging, well-being, empathy & inclusion. Deadline: December 31

Project to Support America’s Families and Educators (Project SAFE) grants seek to improve students’ safety and well-being by providing resources to local educational agencies (LEAs) that adopt and implement strategies to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Deadline: Rolling

Upcoming Opportunities

Events & Training Opportunities

Workshops and events are virtual unless otherwise noted.

Alliances for Climate Action Forum Series (October 6, 13, 20, & 27)
National Faith & Blue Weekend (Nationwide, October 8-11)
2021 Upswell Summit (October 20-21)
Rural Resilience Summit (October 28)
Future of Communications Conference (November 17)

More Volunteer Opportunities

Loudoun Cares Art Auction (Herndon, October 16)
Black Girl Rally (Richmond, October 15)
Celebrity Bagging Event (Southwest Virginia, November 23)
Habitat for Humanity Build Projects (Richmond, Ongoing)
Mask Sewers (Alexandria, Ongoing)
Reading Buddies (Arlington, Ongoing)
Volunteer Historians & Storytellers (Charlottesville, Ongoing)
Brain Injury Survivor PALS (Roanoke, Ongoing)
Food Box Builder (Danville, Ongoing)
Adult Literacy Tutors (Portsmouth, Ongoing)

Virginia Office on Volunteerism & Community Services

804-726-7065 | VirginiaServiceInfo@dss.virginia.gov

VirginiaService.virginia.gov