Caring Kids Love Kids Care Clubs
Abbey Kos

Whether you're a Faith-Based, Family Strengthening, Disaster Relief or EITC VISTA, working with kids can be a big part of your job. And although Family Strengthening VISTAs certainly have the most interaction with youth and families, VISTAs from all content areas can make a positive impact in people's lives by giving some of their time to children.

If you're looking for a way to start a children's organization, or if you have an existing program for young people that you're looking to strengthen, why not start a Kids Care Club? Just by turning your kids' club into a Kids Care Club, you can become part of a volunteering tradition that extends through America and beyond. Since their creation in 1990, Kids Care Clubs have grown from their hometown of New Canaan , CT , to over 1000 clubs both in the United States and abroad.

So why should you start a Kids Care Club?

• It's free. All you need to do is visit www.kidscare.org and click on “Start a Kids Care Club.” Fill out the form, press send, and that's it! There are no dues to pay, no fees to see the website. The only things you need to be a Kids Care Club is a group of young people and the desire to help.
• It's fun. Take a look at past issues of Young Heroes magazine or look around www.kidscare.org and you'll see the kids of Kids Care Clubs making a difference and having a good time while they do it. Kids Care Club kids volunteer with smiles on their faces.
• It's fast. One of the perks of being a Kids Care Club is access to an archive of projects specially designed for young volunteers. One of the hardest parts of leading a group of volunteers can be coming up with project ideas — especially if you haven't dealt with kids before. All the projects in the Kids Care Club database are tried-and-true volunteering opportunities for young people.
• It's for a good cause. Not only does the work of a Kids Care Club have an impact on others, but the kids who are involved benefit too. They have a safe place to go, people their own age to interact with, and a positive adult role model — in you!

If all this sounds like something you're interested in, take a look around www.kidscare.org and see if your program would benefit from being a member of Kids Care Clubs. For more information, feel free to e-mail Abbey at akos@pointsoflight.org .

This month I will feature another extraordinary disaster preparedness program. I am hoping that you can use these examples as inspiration for creating your own programs. I realize that each Volunteer Center has different needs and also varying capacity, so these examples are meant to give you more ideas, not necessarily to be copied directly.

Volunteer Center: Volunteer Mobile

Project: “Operation Good Morning”

Description: Volunteers are linked with an elderly person who would like to have daily contact with someone. Often seniors live alone and may not have anyone to check up on them. This can be dangerous should they fall ill or become injured. In a disaster such a service is particularly important. The Volunteer would be responsible for checking in with the elderly person and would become familiar with what types of medications were necessary. This makes the response phase of the disaster more efficient and reliable.

Benefits to the Volunteer: This volunteer opportunity is great for people who do not have very much time to spare during the week. A daily phone call is a valuable contribution to make without even leaving the home.

Ideas For How to Start This Program:

• Contact elderly people living in your area. This information can be found through contacting organizations that serve this population.
• Let other organizations know that this service is available
• Post the volunteer option on your website
• Include this opportunity in CERT classes as a volunteer option following the completion of the course
• Link volunteers with seniors and perhaps organize a picnic for everyone to be introduced to each other. Keep in mind that some homebound seniors may have difficulty reaching certain locations.

This information was provided to you by:

http://www.volunteermobile.org

MASTER OF DISASTER TRIVIA 

QUESTION: What is the most common natural disaster in the United States ?
(See bottom of newsletter for answer)

 
Put Yourself on the Side of Faith
Kristen Cambell

On November 29 and 30, 2005, faith and community leaders met at the Points of Light Foundation in Washington, D.C. to discuss the strategic plan and role of Faith-based service in the nation as it relates to the work and mission of the Foundation.

The group, 75 percent Volunteer Center leaders and 25 percent faith-based organization leaders, discussed the current position of Faith-based and grassroots volunteerism, as well as their dealings in the field. Especially important was the need for the group to be able to identify common ground and begin to bridge the informational gap to work as a cohesive team within the national movement.

Volunteer Center received the opportunity to ask questions to better understand each other's work and how they can effectively work together. As VISTAs, when you begin to approach congregations and faith-based organizations, these questions may help give a better understanding of what to expect and how to direct your approach and gain you a more favorable outcome.

1. What is a faith-based organization's main goal?
           Each faith-based organization has their own individual goals they wish to accomplish. The goals vary widely, some being amongst fixing the world, establishing a reputation in the community and increasing congregation membership. Most said they want to put their faith values into action to help the community by inspiring and changing its people.

2. What are the barriers keeping faith groups from attaining their goals?
           Faith leaders repeatedly said the very infrastructure of a faith organization prohibits achievement of their goals. The leadership is always changing and the hierarchy presents challenges to making efficient decisions.
           A challenge of large congregations is keeping track of members. How do you remember that Jody is a master chef and Bob coaches soccer? This is amplified by a weak platform to showcase volunteer opportunities.
           Volunteering within a faith-based organization is often aimed at serving the members of their congregation and not reaching out to the community. Mainly, faith leaders said, some organizations are simply unaware of what they should or could know, such as money and volunteer management.

3. What is the best way a Volunteer Center can approach a faith-based organization?
           When approaching a faith group the Volunteer Center must be aware of the social and marketing techniques they are using. First, a faith group's time is as valuable as anybody's, so the Volunteer Center should not dilly-dally, but present a selling point. The faith group wants to know, “What is in it for us?” They want to know what the Volunteer Center can do for their congregation.
           Before coming to the faith group, a Volunteer Center should be prepared with material to back up the center's points and to leave behind for the faith group to look over on their own. Faith leaders suggest case studies, which showcase a positive outcome of an alliance of faith groups and Volunteer Centers.
           “Faith-friendly” marketing would also be helpful. This means pamphlets and brochures are specifically aimed at a congregation. Leaders of the faith community said they cannot relate to many of the publications they see from Volunteer Centers. The material in the handouts should specifically cater to this demographic with language they understand and topics they can identify with.
           Additionally, joining the ministerial alliance in the community would put an organization in good standing with a faith group. Approaching a faith-based organization through an established faith or interfaith group would especially be an advantage to the Volunteer Center because they will understand and may even know one another.

 
From the Quill of McGill
Kate McGill

“Creating a sustainable VISTA project ensures that a legacy of service is left with the host community. Sustainability of a VISTA project means that a community has been educated about the goals of the project, involved in program development and feels a sense of ownership in the projects success. A sustainable project represents a community that is engaged in the VISTA process and is committed to continuing the work initiated by the VISTA .” Amy Bonn, National Service Fellow

Perhaps I am thinking about the topic of “sustainability” because I am beginning to see the end of my VISTA service on the horizon. Perhaps I am thinking about it because I know promoting and ensuring project sustainability is one of the responsibilities of a VISTA Leader. But I also think there is a part of me that realizes how important this part of a VISTA program is. Sustainability is what all this is about. Without it, a year of service at a VISTA is little more than a great way to occupy 365 days of your time.

Many of you are also half way through your year of service (even if you started in November this topic still applies to you), and I want to challenge everyone, myself included, to think about what you can do from now until the end of your term of service to ensure that the spark you've ignited in your community spreads like wildfire.

The Resource Center at www.nationalserviceresources.org has some wonderful resources that I have been perusing. Specifically, I'd like to everyone to one particular resource called “Stone Soup Community Development: Sustainability and AmeriCorps*VISTA Projects” which can be found by doing a search on The Resource Center site. I plan to study this piece of research thoroughly and hone my knowledge to be able to work with each of you over the next five months to develop individual sustainability plans for your site. Start studying this resource as well and begin thinking about ways in which you can guarantee the long-term sustainability of your work. Count on hearing more from me on this topic.

Resolutions in 2006
    Here are some VISTAs admirable New Years Resolutions.

Sean Duggan-San Diego, CA
“To work hard and enjoy my time as an AmeriCorps* VISTA . I have to remember to enjoy it!”

Abbey Kos-Washington , DC
“To remember life is long and it'll all work out in the end.”

Sandra Stone-Macon, GA
“I vow to organize all of my closets and then keep them organized and to get rid of stuff I haven't used or worn in years. But it is so hard for me to do. Also, organize by desk and my files on my computer. And to eat fried chicken ONLY once a month instead of every week.”

Michelle Harburg-Washington, DC
“Be more grateful for my health. Also to try and be more organized in my apartment. I don't like having people over these days b/c I tend to leave it cluttered thinking I will clean it later. Clean now, not later, should be my motto!”

Rhona Colbert-Muskegon , MI
“No I do not do resolutions because I always break them and then I beat myself up about it. But I do wake up every morning and say I am going to find three things positive for the day and try to concentrate my energies on that!

Kristen Cambell-Washington, DC
“Mine is to take things one day at a time and live for the day. Not to dwell too much on the past or worry so much about the future.”  

What better way to start off the New Year than by recognizing your dedicated volunteers with the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award? Millions of Americans of all ages are already helping others in countless ways. Beyond the personal satisfaction of making a difference, your volunteers can also reap an additional reward: Presidential recognition through the President's Volunteer Service Award.

The Award consists of a certificate, a letter signed by President Bush, a letter of commendation from the President's Council, and a lapel pin. The Award was created to serve as the highest honor the country can bestow on volunteers of all ages. Award levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — are based on the number of volunteer hours in a year.

These awards are presented year-round and are perfect for recognition during National Volunteer week (April 23-29, 2006) and at the end of the school year. For more information, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov .

 
VITAL VISTA: Feature VISTA of the Month

Who: Neecee Blackwell Focus: Family Strengthening Site: The Extra Mile Region VII, Inc., Shreveport , LA crookedtree@bellsouth.net

Why AmeriCorps? “I was in a life-changing situation (bad divorce, moving, etc) and wasn't really wanting to do what I used to do for a living - running my own business for 16 years. I have always been one to try to help people and when I heard about this opportunity, I thought, "Wow, I can do what I always do -- and they'll PAY me for it? What a concept!"  Having been self-employed, I know how to live on a small amount of money, so it seemed just right for me, especially at this time.”

Most proud of? “I have taught art (laced with self-esteem building exercises) in after school programs at Title One Schools for many years and now I'm doing as a VISTA . The thing I'm the most proud of is possibly being a good influence on someone, and helping them to see how valuable they are. To watch their self-esteem grow and see them realize they can do ANYTHING they want to do -- that's the BEST.  So, I guess in short helping kids (or anyone) build their self-esteem and help them do what they really want and love to do.”

Previous education? A two year Commercial Art Degree from a small business college in Shreveport .

Previous work experience? “I started out as a secretary at a church and after college (at night), a preacher sold me his small but successful t-shirt screenprinting business 16 years ago and I started my own graphic design company printing t-shirts. In this company I also did brochure/business card design, large format sign painting and murals (my house was full of them!), professional photography, and ornate/artistic facepainting.”

What advice would you give to other VISTAs? “Do this job with everything you have and don't worry about the money. No amount of money could trade for the rewards and personal satisfaction of doing all that you can to help people. (Well, maybe SOME amounts of money!!!) The rewards are immediate and the money and lots of other good stuff will follow. What goes around comes around, I always say.”

Favorite dessert? Angel food cake (my birthday is on 2/1 - and I'll get some then! Yum!)

Why we chose Neecee: Even though Neecee's only been with us since December, she's aided, raised money for, and contributed in a positive way to thousands of people affected by this year's hurricane season. Whether she's opening a satellite office or treating a group of kids to an Iron Chef extravaganza dinner, Neecee gets the job done. For these reasons and more, we're honoring her as February's Feature VISTA.

ANSWER TO TRIVIA: Floods