We LOVE this time of year!
Volunteer Virginia is a monthly newsletter created by the Virginia Service Commission to support the service and volunteerism ecosystem throughout the state. Have ideas or thoughts about how this newsletter could be most helpful, or stories you'd like to share to be featured? Let us know!
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A short month with lots to celebrate.
In the blink of an eye, February has come, brought lots of glitter and glue sticks (did you have a Valentine-making event this year?), and is making room for March. We're excited to share a couple of relevant updates for you to make the most of February and look forward to preparing for the spring!
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It's not too late: Take the VCEI today! |
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We are so grateful for each person that has shared or taken the Virginia Community Engagement Index Survey! We've received a tremendous response, and are looking forward to hearing from as many Virginians as we can before the survey closes Sunday night. This study, available until February 27 at midnight, will measure:
- How and why Virginians give back to their communities through service, volunteerism, and even those often-uncounted everyday acts of kindness;
- How these actions benefit our communities;
- What challenges our communities face;
- How Virginians feel we should meet those challenges;
- How Virginians expect their employers to engage in their communities; and
- Much more!
This survey is being conducted on behalf of the Virginia Service Commission and a team of community partners, and will take no longer than 15 minutes of your time. As a thank you for completing, you’ll have a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Finally, all responses you give will remain confidential. No reporting associated with the results will contain personally identifiable information, and all findings will be reported in aggregate. The Index results will be shared at the 2023 Virginia Volunteerism Summit!
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Can't wait to see you at the 2023 Summit! |
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The annual Virginia Volunteerism Summit is the Commonwealth’s leading event for organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities. The gathering will feature a diverse array of workshops, networking events, and inspiring keynotes to support innovation across the sector. |
CONNECT: Meet new people through small group discussions or one on one networking. Over 300 Virginians gather each year for this event, representing over 53 counties and cities and hundreds of nonprofit, faith based, and governmental organizations and programs.
ENGAGE: Hosted by the Virginia Service Commission and the Virginia Service Foundation, the event is designed with a priority on creating space for the community to gather. This event centers volunteer engagement professionals, and supports innovation across the sector.
LEARN: Expert speakers will share invaluable resources through keynote and workshop sessions, connecting you with the tools you need to expand your capacity and maximize your impact.
You'll also be the first to know the results of the Virginia Community Engagement Index: don't miss this chance to dig into the data and hear about the resources available help use this information to grow your volunteer program or nonprofit initiative.
What to Expect:
- 300+ attendees from across Virginia
- 40+ national, state, and local experts as speakers and panelists
- 25 workshops designed to teach hands-on skills, facilitate lively discussion, and share information in an interactive format
- 3 inspiring keynote sessions
- unlimited opportunities for networking, resources sharing, and more!
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Please contact Analise Gammel if you'd like more details about partnering on sharing resources, speaking at, or sponsoring the event. |
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United to Serve: Apply for Virginia AmeriCorps funding! |
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AmeriCorps is here to help you achieve your mission to serve the community. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers support nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations across the country in a variety of ways. The Virginia Service Commission can help you navigate which AmeriCorps program is right for you and your organization. Find more information about the different types of AmeriCorps programs here.
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AmeriCorps State: There is a Request for Applications available on eVA; for both PLANNING and OPERATIONAL grants. Operational grants support programs with members in service, planning grants (description starts on page 21 of the RFA)
- AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC accepts applications on a quarterly basis; information about those applications are available here.
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Share your favorite women-led organizations! |
We have had the honor of sharing some of our favorite Black-led organizations and volunteers that have made history on our social media this month in honor of Black History Month. We're getting ready for International Women's Day and Women's History Month--tell us who your volunteer or service #shero is! We're looking to amplify the stories of Virginia women past, present, and future who have had an impact through community service or volunteerism.
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Virginia Service Commission
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