My first week working as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) at CVNL is quickly coming to a close. Throughout this week my mind has been jammed packed with names, organization acronyms, programs and procedures. Yet, it has been an extremely gratifying week as well. Let me quickly explain...In past volunteer coordinator positions I often preached that volunteering once a month, or even once a year could still make a difference in the community. However, I found it difficult to create a program that allowed volunteers to do so. Therefore, I was so excited (and impressed) that CVNL has found a way to provide easy, time-efficient projects for volunteers. The FLEXible Volunteer Program provides the perfect way for busy people of all ages to volunteer in a fun, meaningful setting by coordinating projects that volunteers may sign-up for online. These Flex opportunities often take place outside of traditional work/school hours and require no ongoing commitment. I was inspired by the feedback of previous Flex Volunteers, and I hope you will be as well.....
"Not having to make a long commitment is great because I can just sign up whenever I'm available, and having a busy schedule doesn't necessarily get in the way."
-Flex Volunteer, Glean Team Organic School Lunch Project
"I had actually called Manzanita Center at the beginning of the summer to ask about volunteer opportunities and never heard back. CVNL sent me an email this week offering the Manzanita opportunity, so I am very grateful for CVNL!!"
-Flex Volunteer, Manzanita Center Read to Kids Project
"The Flex program allows the volunteer the flexibility of multiple programs but without a weekly or monthly commitment. This works great for me as I get exposure to various organizations."
-Flex Volunteer, Grocery Bingo Project
"It works!"
-Flex Volunteer, San Rafael Conversation Club Project
"I am certified in ESL and was teaching through Canal Alliance until the death of my mother last year. It has been incredibly difficult for me to commit to anything and as a result I stopped teaching. The one-day volunteering opportunity gave me a chance to teach/assist/mentor again. The student I worked with was wonderful. I was so inspired, that as soon as I came home that day, I signed up for the following week and had the opportunity to work with the same student again. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for me to help."
-Flex Volunteer, San Rafael Conversation Club Project
"Flex programs are great because they often take place on the weekend and are just a one-time commitment. For instance, I was able to participate in one day of volunteer service for Habitat for Humanity and feel like part of a larger project that my busy work schedule otherwise wouldn't allow through regular volunteer commitments."
-Flex Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity Project
"This experience was so great for me, to be intensely involved in a project and to meet a lot of new people. It inspires me to volunteer more to expand my circle of friends and experience."
-Flex Volunteer, Marin Farmers Market Project
If you would like to participate in the Flex Volunteer program please go to www.volunteermarin.org and click on the Flexible Volunteer Program link. Happy volunteering!
No comments:
Post a Comment