Southern Rhode Island Volunteers Hosting Al's Moving Minds Training at the
Charlestown Senior & Community Center on Monday, June 24th
May 21, 2013 - Al's Moving Minds in conjunction with SRIV will host an information workshop for prospective volunteers in the month of June at the Charlestown Community Center. Al's Moving Minds is a Rhode Island non-profit dedicated to providing stimulating activities for adults in the early to mid stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Examples of activities include bowling, coffee & trivia, book clubs, art workshops, yoga classes and movie afternoons.
After attending the presentation volunteers may join a database from which Al's Moving Minds will contact them periodically to join local activities/programs. Volunteers can expect to commit to an activity for two hours a week for four weeks at a time.
Al's Moving Minds also encourages volunteers to start their own program in their own towns, which may seem quite daunting, but with Al's Moving Minds providing leadership and administrative support, volunteers can get right to the business of making a "one-on-one" difference.
The workshop in Washington County will take place at the Charlestown Community/Senior Center in Ninigret Park on:
Monday, June 24th from 3-4pm
The workshop will last one hour with a presentation of the program and options for volunteering followed by a Q & A session.
To confirm a spot at the trainings please contact Debra Tanner at 401.552.7661
After attending the presentation volunteers may join a database from which Al's Moving Minds will contact them periodically to join local activities/programs. Volunteers can expect to commit to an activity for two hours a week for four weeks at a time.
Al's Moving Minds also encourages volunteers to start their own program in their own towns, which may seem quite daunting, but with Al's Moving Minds providing leadership and administrative support, volunteers can get right to the business of making a "one-on-one" difference.
The workshop in Washington County will take place at the Charlestown Community/Senior Center in Ninigret Park on:
Monday, June 24th from 3-4pm
The workshop will last one hour with a presentation of the program and options for volunteering followed by a Q & A session.
To confirm a spot at the trainings please contact Debra Tanner at 401.552.7661
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers is Seeking New Board Members!
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers is seeking board candidates who are passionate about promoting service within the community. If you want to make a difference in your own backyard helping to address issues as varied as hunger, elder aging support, disaster preparedness and response, support of the arts, mentoring and so much more then you may be the right candidate to provide the leadership necessary to engage hundreds of volunteers. Ideal candidates will have an interest in and experience with public relations, outreach, promotion and fund-raising.
Board members contribute time and money based upon their ability to do so. They promote volunteerism and believe in service to others. If you think you have what it takes to help grow our volunteer association, we want you to join us in service to our communities across South County.
Please contact Executive Director, Debra Tanner at dtanner@southernrivol.org for preliminary materials.
Board members contribute time and money based upon their ability to do so. They promote volunteerism and believe in service to others. If you think you have what it takes to help grow our volunteer association, we want you to join us in service to our communities across South County.
Please contact Executive Director, Debra Tanner at dtanner@southernrivol.org for preliminary materials.
SRIV Serves Neighbors in Need during Winter Storm Nemo
March 8, 2013
The following is a review of SRIV's disaster management efforts during Blizzard Nemo (February 8-11, 2013) from SRIV Executive Director, Debra Tanner:
The last few months have been challenging for our neighbors with some of the severest weather our region has seen in many years. Hurricane Sandy devastated property along our coastline and many of our neighbors continue their clean up efforts to this day. Most recently, we braved and survived the Blizzard of 2013—Nemo, and not a cute, nice clown fish at all! The power outages across our region were many. By Saturday morning, our neighbors, especially our elders and young children, needed sheltering. Southern Rhode Island Volunteers met the need head on.
On Saturday morning, February 9th, Chief Vespia of South Kingstown made the initial call to Deb Tanner, SRIV’s Executive Director to request our volunteers’ assistance with our region’s shelter. By early morning Deb and her daughter Lindsay were at South Kingstown High School to set up and serve at the shelter. Joining the Tanners were John and Margie Bell and Tim Cashman. Our initial team began to welcome neighbors in need a of warm, safe place to stay during the power outage. The volunteers braved the roads to get to the shelter; Deb, not so brave, called upon her husband, Buz and his 4-wheel drive truck to get them to the shelter! Over 100 neighbors came and went at the shelter. Some stayed during the day to warm up and have a meal while others needed to stay the night or longer. 107 individuals were provided a place to sleep at the shelter for two nights. Thankfully by Monday evening, National Grid had restored power for almost everyone in the region.
A huge thank you to the Bells, Tim Cashman, Muriel Benjamin, Su Rubinoff, Barbara Keegan, Jan and Mark Povar, Paulina Tudino, Tim Stone, Cyndi Lagasse, Nick Huntley, Mike Anderson, James and Bailey. Thank you to Mike DeMello, Director of Emergency Services in South Kingstown for his leadership of our team in the shelter and for his amazing support of our volunteers. Thank you to Chief Vespia and Chief Cotter for their direction and support as well and to Chris McGrath for helping with team communications. We are also very appreciative of South Kingstown Town Manager Steve Alfred’s support; he was in the shelter often supporting the team over the three days. We would also like to thank Andy Nota who was present at the high school in support of our volunteers. Thank you to Richard Kerbel, Narragansett Manager, for coming by to support our volunteer effort. To the amazing custodial staff at South Kingstown High School—Carol and team, you folks are awesome! Thank you Chartwells for providing food and food service assistance through Chef Maggie.
To the folks who came by with donated coffee and donuts but wished to remain anonymous—we appreciate the gift. Pizza for one meal for 124 was provided by Tony’s Pizza, DB’s Pizza, Estia’s Pizza, PD’s Pizza, Kingston Pizza, and The Mews. Thank you! Panera Bread, who was an important donor during Hurricane Sandy came through again for Nemo; it was much appreciated. Thank you also to the Red Cross for the blankets and the snacks.
It is so important to say thank you to everyone who helped to keep our neighbors safe and comfortable during a difficult few days. As a volunteer leader it so gratifying to see so many come together to provide whatever resources and skills they can to address a community need; this is what community means.
To sum up the experience, I want to quote from a letter received from Mary, a 90 year old who had to stay with us: “although this was not an experience I would want to have to go through, because of Southern Rhode Island Volunteers and what you did it was a pleasant experience. Your volunteers were ever present and always kind and smiling”. Once again volunteers, thank you.
Deb
If you are interested in joining SRIV’s Citizen Emergency Response Team we are always looking for new members. Training is currently underway and everyone is welcome. Volunteers train in disaster preparedness, response and recovery and receive thorough instruction from local experts in wide variety of disciplines.
To learn more about SRIV’s disaster management programs and how you can help please contact Lindsay Tanner at 401.789.2363
The following is a review of SRIV's disaster management efforts during Blizzard Nemo (February 8-11, 2013) from SRIV Executive Director, Debra Tanner:
The last few months have been challenging for our neighbors with some of the severest weather our region has seen in many years. Hurricane Sandy devastated property along our coastline and many of our neighbors continue their clean up efforts to this day. Most recently, we braved and survived the Blizzard of 2013—Nemo, and not a cute, nice clown fish at all! The power outages across our region were many. By Saturday morning, our neighbors, especially our elders and young children, needed sheltering. Southern Rhode Island Volunteers met the need head on.
On Saturday morning, February 9th, Chief Vespia of South Kingstown made the initial call to Deb Tanner, SRIV’s Executive Director to request our volunteers’ assistance with our region’s shelter. By early morning Deb and her daughter Lindsay were at South Kingstown High School to set up and serve at the shelter. Joining the Tanners were John and Margie Bell and Tim Cashman. Our initial team began to welcome neighbors in need a of warm, safe place to stay during the power outage. The volunteers braved the roads to get to the shelter; Deb, not so brave, called upon her husband, Buz and his 4-wheel drive truck to get them to the shelter! Over 100 neighbors came and went at the shelter. Some stayed during the day to warm up and have a meal while others needed to stay the night or longer. 107 individuals were provided a place to sleep at the shelter for two nights. Thankfully by Monday evening, National Grid had restored power for almost everyone in the region.
A huge thank you to the Bells, Tim Cashman, Muriel Benjamin, Su Rubinoff, Barbara Keegan, Jan and Mark Povar, Paulina Tudino, Tim Stone, Cyndi Lagasse, Nick Huntley, Mike Anderson, James and Bailey. Thank you to Mike DeMello, Director of Emergency Services in South Kingstown for his leadership of our team in the shelter and for his amazing support of our volunteers. Thank you to Chief Vespia and Chief Cotter for their direction and support as well and to Chris McGrath for helping with team communications. We are also very appreciative of South Kingstown Town Manager Steve Alfred’s support; he was in the shelter often supporting the team over the three days. We would also like to thank Andy Nota who was present at the high school in support of our volunteers. Thank you to Richard Kerbel, Narragansett Manager, for coming by to support our volunteer effort. To the amazing custodial staff at South Kingstown High School—Carol and team, you folks are awesome! Thank you Chartwells for providing food and food service assistance through Chef Maggie.
To the folks who came by with donated coffee and donuts but wished to remain anonymous—we appreciate the gift. Pizza for one meal for 124 was provided by Tony’s Pizza, DB’s Pizza, Estia’s Pizza, PD’s Pizza, Kingston Pizza, and The Mews. Thank you! Panera Bread, who was an important donor during Hurricane Sandy came through again for Nemo; it was much appreciated. Thank you also to the Red Cross for the blankets and the snacks.
It is so important to say thank you to everyone who helped to keep our neighbors safe and comfortable during a difficult few days. As a volunteer leader it so gratifying to see so many come together to provide whatever resources and skills they can to address a community need; this is what community means.
To sum up the experience, I want to quote from a letter received from Mary, a 90 year old who had to stay with us: “although this was not an experience I would want to have to go through, because of Southern Rhode Island Volunteers and what you did it was a pleasant experience. Your volunteers were ever present and always kind and smiling”. Once again volunteers, thank you.
Deb
If you are interested in joining SRIV’s Citizen Emergency Response Team we are always looking for new members. Training is currently underway and everyone is welcome. Volunteers train in disaster preparedness, response and recovery and receive thorough instruction from local experts in wide variety of disciplines.
To learn more about SRIV’s disaster management programs and how you can help please contact Lindsay Tanner at 401.789.2363
Volunteer of the Year - Adam Coutu
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers celebrated National Volunteer Month during a busy April by recognizing Adam Coutu of Narragansett, RI as our Volunteer of the Year. Adam has been an amazing ambassador for volunteerism over the past year. Adam took a hiatus from his professional career as a pharmacist but worked even harder volunteering for SRIV’s meals on wheels delivery, food commodities delivery and transportation assistance services for the elderly as well as becoming a member of SRIV’s development committee and substantially supporting events and fund-raising activities. Adam is in the process of changing his career path to teaching; however he will continue to volunteer with SRIV. Adam was recognized at the Grand Opening Ceremony of SRIV’s Charlestown office in Ninigret Park. Senator Reed, Congressman Langevin and a number of distinguished guests including many wonderful volunteers celebrated the completion of a renovation project at the Charlestown Senior/Community Center. Senator Reed helped SRIV to identify seed money to renovate space that will help to promote volunteerism across Charlestown and the greater Washington County area. A volunteer recognition event will take place on June 12th to further recognize Adam and our many other incredible volunteers.
Southern R.I. Volunteers would also like to thank all the supporters and sponsors of its recent “Bowled Over for Volunteers” event held at Old Mountain Lanes, and especially the generous sponsorship of Baud Builders ($2500 gold-level sponsor). Southern Rhode Island Volunteers also invites you to our annual Oceanside Beer & Wine Tasting at the Westerly Yacht Club on Friday, July 20th (sponsorships available). Come learn about the organization and how you can become engaged with your community! Watch for our volunteers this summer at the Big Apple Circus, Charlestown Chamber Seafood Festival and Washington County Fair (just to name a few). Join us to be a part of this exciting summer schedule.
Southern R.I. Volunteers would also like to thank all the supporters and sponsors of its recent “Bowled Over for Volunteers” event held at Old Mountain Lanes, and especially the generous sponsorship of Baud Builders ($2500 gold-level sponsor). Southern Rhode Island Volunteers also invites you to our annual Oceanside Beer & Wine Tasting at the Westerly Yacht Club on Friday, July 20th (sponsorships available). Come learn about the organization and how you can become engaged with your community! Watch for our volunteers this summer at the Big Apple Circus, Charlestown Chamber Seafood Festival and Washington County Fair (just to name a few). Join us to be a part of this exciting summer schedule.
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers expands to Charlestown
Volunteering - A great way to learn real executive leadership
Volunteer work boosts resume power
http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/CT_job30_09-30-11_GFQLOSR_v8.6c0html
Friday, September 30, 2011 By Ann Belser PITTSBURGH You're looking for a job? So are 22.6 million other people who are unemployed or working part-time because full-time work is not available. But, in the time you haven't been working, you have been volunteering to keep yourself busy and to give back to your community. Good news: That unpaid work could help you get a paying job. Nicole Williams, the author of the book "Girl on Top" and a spokeswoman for networking site LinkedIn, said jobseekers should make sure they include their volunteer jobs on their resumes and their online profiles to differentiate themselves from other job seekers. "The majority of people volunteer, and nobody's putting it on their resume." Williams said The main reason, she said, is that job seekers feel it takes away from the altruistic nature of volunteer work to use it for job hunting. But, in the words of President Calvin Coolidge, "No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." Nothing is more giving than donating time to help others. And nothing says more about you as a person than being the type of person who gives time and energy to others. Volunteering, Williams noted, also gives the volunteer more than a warm feeling. Working on a cause helps to build skill sets (beyond stuffing gift bags); it can give someone a set schedule around which to work on other obligations (if you have only three hours in the morning before volunteering, you aren't going to put off those calls until afternoon); and it opens up a whole new network of people who might be able to help in a job search. There is the question, though, about what if your volunteer work is political. Do you want to put being an escort at an abortion clinic on your resume? Or organizing Tea Party projects? Sure, said Williams. If you believe in a cause enough to volunteer for it, do you want to work for someone who has politically opposite views? The staffs at nonprofits also make great references because nothing is more heartfelt or gracious than the good words of someone who didn't have to do everything herself. Ann Belser (abelser@post-gazette.com) writes for The Pittsburgh Post Gazette. |
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