New Year, New Opportunities!
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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We're making 2023 our best year yet.
Thanks for being a part of this community! We're looking forward to so many things this year, including the 2023 VA Volunteerism Summit, launching new projects like the Virginia Community Engagement Index, and so much more. Keep reading for details about upcoming events and projects, ways to get involved, and more.
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Can't wait to see you at the 2023 Summit! |
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The Virginia Volunteerism Summit will be virtual, and feature a diverse array of inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and more! Don't miss this signature event, and the opportunity to gather with other leaders in service and volunteerism from across the state.
The Summit will focus on how we bring together passion and purpose in our work. Through keynote speakers, small group opportunities, and featured content, attendees will walk away with fresh ideas and resources to use to bring a new perspective to their work.
Have an idea for a workshop session?
Workshop presenters will share their knowledge and experience with Summit attendees about “putting purpose to their passion” as they use their interests and skills to spark change around them. We are looking for speakers interested in sharing about cultivating a culture of service, partnerships and collaboration, and ways to leverage service to make a community impact. These smaller group sessions will provide practical tools while facilitating thoughtful discussions and dialogue.
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Please contact Analise Gammel if you'd like to be involved on the event committee, or would like more details about speaking at or sponsoring the event. Registration will open in early February. Stay tuned!!
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MLK Day 2023: United We Serve |
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MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
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Find a Volunteer Opportunity: In addition to looking at the latest from your nearest volunteer center, you can use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search to find opportunities near you. Some of our favorite MLK Day opportunities and resources:
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Check out the projects awarded 2023 MLK mini grants by the Virginia Service Foundation! |
The Virginia Service Foundation offers mini-grants for national days of service to any public or private nonprofit organization serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, including faith-based and nonprofit organizations, public or private schools, and government entities. The next round of mini grants will be available in July-August for 9/11 Day of Service.
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Coming Soon: Virginia Community Engagement Index |
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As a part of the 2022-2024 State Service Plan, leaders and experts have been building the first “Virginia Community Engagement Index”, creating a way to see the impact of civic engagement, volunteerism, and how we turn our desire to serve into greater impact. The survey will be released at the beginning of February!
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The Virginia Service Commission, in partnership with SIR, has been gathering state and national leaders to create this tool. The VCEI will provide insights to better understand how Virginians contribute to the Commonwealth, from “traditional” volunteering, national service programs like AmeriCorps, and even less formal “neighbors helping neighbors” types of activities that are the backbone of strong communities. The first step in meeting the goals of the Virginia Community Engagement Index is hearing from as many Virginians as possible through a statewide survey. |
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Let us know if you'd like to send the survey to your volunteers, organization, or commmunity:
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Yes, I'd like a survey link for my listserv/organization/program!
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I don't need a link, but I'm excited to share the survey when I recieve it!
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Was this newsletter helpful to you?
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Yes, thanks! The linked resources and/or content is related to my work.
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No, not really. This content doesn't help me in my work.
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Virginia Service Commission
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