Volunteers – Page 3

The Perfect Excuse to Dish Out a Helping of West Virginia Goodness

09.16.16

Photo by Volunteer West Virginia

Take a wild and wonderful road trip this fall and volunteer. Grab some old work clothes, a map and soak up some West Virginia goodness.

September kicked off the state’s annual gathering of neighbors and strangers joining together to make a difference, Day to Serve. From September 11 – October 10, volunteer opportunities will cover the mountain state from top to bottom.

Day to Serve is a perfect opportunity to plan a day trip or to give back in your own community.

Last year more than 11,000 West Virginians teamed up to clean up trash, spruce up community gardens, build free little libraries, install smoke alarms, and more.

Day to Serve is a perfect opportunity to plan a day trip or to give back in your own community. Find a volunteer project at the Day to Serve website.

If you are feeling inspired, plan your own volunteer project. Mini-grants are available for communities to host a Day to Serve project. Qualifying nonprofits may be eligible for an award of up to $300. Groups are encouraged to register their projects to help raise awareness and recruit new volunteers.

The Day to Serve began in 2012 as a collaboration between the Governors of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and the Mayor of Washington D.C. Organized by Volunteer West Virginia, the initiative invites all citizens, faith groups, businesses and community organizations to join the cause. Community members and local organizations are encouraged to meet the needs of people in their own backyards.

Dana-Myslinsky

Saving Our Memories: Operation Photo Rescue To Fix Flood-Damaged Photos

08.19.16

Photo by Nick Roach/FlickrCC

A nonprofit organization that restores damaged photographs is coming to West Virginia to help families whose photos were damaged by the flood.

Operation Photo Rescue will be in Charleston next Friday and Saturday (August 26 and 27) and Richwood Sunday and Monday (August 28-29) to provide free photo restoration.

They will make digital copies of up to 20 photos per family, do the restorations, and then print and ship the photos to the family for free. Operation Photo Rescue has volunteers coming in from several states across America to help catalogue the pictures.

Operation Photo Rescue got its start after Hurricane Katrina when photo journalists doing a story on the flooding observed families throwing away damaged photos. With thousands of photos needing restoration, Operation Photo Rescue was formed and enlisted volunteers from around the world to help restore photos.

Local volunteers are needed to man registration tables at the event. If you’re interested please contact Margie Hayes from Operation Photo Rescue, at mhayes@operationphotorescue.org.

For more information visit www.operationphotorescue.org/

Jake-Lynch

Everything You Wanted to Know About Flood Relief Volunteering But Were Afraid to Ask…

08.05.16

Photo by Sherry Cole St Peters

Q: Are volunteers still needed and how do I sign up?

A: Yes, volunteers will be needed throughout the long recovery and rebuilding process. Click here for more information. For those who want to volunteer, call the local center directly. Visit this webpage regularly as information changes often.

You can also connect with a disaster relief organization to affiliate and train for response.

Q: What types of volunteer positions are available?

A: Current opportunities to help include providing administrative support for volunteer and donations management, assisting with loading and unloading donations, and helping families clean up homes.

Q: How does rebuilding and recovery occur?

A: For the rebuilding and recovery process, agencies like Habitat for Humanity, Missionary USA, Samaritan’s Purse and the United Methodist Committee on Relief will begin working together with Long Term Recovery Committees and state and local government partners to help families in need. These agencies are part of a network called Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). Volunteer West Virginia is a state agency and one member of VOAD.

Q: What is Volunteer West Virginia?

A: Volunteer West Virginia is the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. Our small staff does a lot: we oversee the state’s AmeriCorps programs, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Governor’s Service Awards and more. Review our annual report here.

While we are not a disaster relief agency, we are active members of West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and as a partner agency are charged with supporting local volunteer coordination efforts during a disaster.

Volunteer Opportunity: Clarksburg Area to Greenbrier County

Join a team of volunteers on Sunday, August 7, at the Kroger on Emily Drive in Clarksburg at 6:30 a.m. The team will be leaving for Greenbrier County shortly after. Bring old clothes, rubber boots, work gloves, a sense of humor, and a giving heart! And, yes, be prepared to get your hands dirty!

Volunteer Opportunity: Charleston

Want to help with the flood response but can’t get an entire day free? Believe in WV are recruiting volunteers to help load and unload trucks full of furniture and make minor repairs. Opportunities occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for several weeks.

Keep updated on the latest information about flood relief volunteer needs at wvflood.com.

FEMA, Hardware Stores Host Free Home Rebuilding Sessions for Flood Victims

08.03.16

Photo by Team Rubicon USA

As West Virginians repair or rebuild their homes damaged by last month’s storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and four local hardware and home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand this week to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters.

A variety of free workshops for storm-impacted homeowners on such topics as repairing or installing flooring and what to do with rain-soaked drywall will be presented daily.

Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourselfers and general contractors.

FEMA advisors will be available at:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
50 RHL Blvd
Charleston, WV 25301
Aug. 4 to 10 (Workshop closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
46 Fayette Town Center
Fayetteville, WV 25801
Aug. 4 to 10 (Workshop closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1000 Nitro Market Place
Cross Lanes, WV 25131
Aug. 4 to 10 (Workshop closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ace Hardware
116 Skyline Plaza Drive
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Aug. 4 to 11 (Workshop closed Sunday)
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free reference booklets, in English and Spanish, with information on protecting your home from flood damage, will be available at all locations. More information about strengthening property can be found at www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting fema.gov/disaster/4273.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal: You Don’t Have to Wear a Military Uniform to Serve Your Country

07.22.16

Photo by AmeriCorps

By General Stanley McChrystal, writing for The Atlantic

In 1838, a 28-year-old Abraham Lincoln declared that the greatest threat facing America comes not from a foreign invader:

If it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time, or die by suicide.

The thought that Americans, themselves, may destroy the ideals for which so many have sacrificed is sobering. Trust among Americans is at its lowest levels in generations, and stereotyping and prejudice have become substitutes for knowing and understanding one another as individuals.

How Americans restore trust may be an existential question for their country, then, but it’s ultimately a practical one: What U.S. society needs to answer it in the coming years aren’t lamentations but practical measures, especially among the emerging generations that will define America’s future.

A year of service has the power to bring young people together from different races, ethnicities, incomes, faiths, and political backgrounds to work on pressing problems facing U.S. society today.

Service may be at the heart of the answer.

A year of service has the power to bring young people together from different races, ethnicities, incomes, faiths, and political backgrounds to work on pressing problems facing U.S. society today. In the process, they can build empathy by getting to know each other around something positive—the shared work of participating in a democracy—as they shape their views of their country and the world.

The danger of inaction should be clear. Tensions and violence in cities across America are reminders of how quickly communities can erupt with an absence of social trust. Dallas, St. Paul, Baton Rouge, and Orlando, following on the heels of Ferguson, Baltimore, and Chicago illustrate a disheartening reality.

Political campaigns offer Americans an opportunity to adjust direction, reaffirm values, and recommit to the covenant that binds them together.

But politics can also summon the smaller side of America’s national character, offering final glimpses of desperately needed big ideas and real solutions before they go up in political smoke, disappearing in favor of what’s popular or easy.

As the presidential candidates head to their national conventions, they should advance ideas to help restore social trust in the United States—practical solutions, such as engaging young Americans in a year or more of national service…

Read the full story at www.theatlantic.com

West Virginia, We Need You Now: Hundreds of Volunteers Needed To Help Flood Victims

07.14.16

Photo courtesy Team Rubicon USA – www.facebook.com/teamrubicon/

Local flood response organizers are reporting an urgent need for volunteers to help with flood cleanup efforts over the next 10 days.

According to Volunteer West Virginia Executive Director Heather Foster, more than 1,000 homeowners have reported needing cleanup and recovery assistance, primarily in Kanawha, Clay, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties.

“Immediately after the flood we had a huge number of people putting their hand up to help, which was so inspiring,” Foster said. “Now is a critical time to maintain that momentum.”

To volunteer, all individuals and groups are encouraged to simply report to the Volunteer Reception Center nearest them.

To volunteer, all individuals and groups are encouraged to simply report to the Volunteer Reception Center nearest them. Groups of 10 or more should call in advance so the center can prepare work assignments. If you registered online and haven’t received a call to volunteer, please report directly to the nearest reception center for an assignment.

A complete list of Volunteer Reception Centers is found at wvflood.com/volunteer

Foster said AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams arrived in West Virginia this week from neighboring states, and are waiting and prepared to process the large number of volunteers needed to help flooded communities, clean out and repair damaged buildings, and provide displaced residents with adequate shelter.

She said the next 7 to 10 days is a critical window for those communities, before those AmeriCorps teams finished their deployment and returned home.

“The national media has gone home, the spotlight of public attention has started to fade, but the disaster of the situation for people in these communities is as real as ever.”

“You know, the national media has gone home, the spotlight of public attention has started to fade, but the disaster of the situation for people in these communities is as real as ever,” Foster said. “We still have people without homes, people who have lost everything, people who need food and shelter.”

“The need for volunteers to help these fellow West Virginians is immediate and urgent. If you can volunteer, please do. You are needed, you will be put to work, and you will make a difference.”

Clubs, work teams, sports teams, church groups and all forms of community groups are encouraged to volunteer together.

“Get a group of friends together, come as a family team, the more people you can bring the bigger the impact you will have,” Foster said.

Volunteers that can do moderate to heavy manual labor are particularly sought after.

Special volunteer equipment needs include:

Work boots
Heavy duty gloves
Tyvek (coverall) suits
N100 particulate respirator masks
Flathead shovels
Rakes
Long pants
Bug spray

Volunteers who can bring all or any of these items are urged to do so.

For information about how to volunteer, visit wvflood.com/volunteer

Jake-Lynch

Need Flood Assistance, Or Want to Help Flood Victims? Use This Website.

06.29.16

West Virginians throughout the state and beyond have responded to the June 23 flood devastation in overwhelming numbers.

To coordinate the numerous efforts to aid flood victims, the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is working with volunteers to launch the website wvflood.com.

This site houses a compilation of drop-off sites for supplies, shelter locations, online fundraising efforts, and a comprehensive list of the items needed in flood-impacted communities.

The West Virginia Attorney General’s office has verified all resources posted to the wvflood.com. Triquetra Marketing is sponsoring the site, and encouraging volunteers to submit any information on flood recovery resources to the site.

We encourage anyone utilizing social media to pass along flood resources to include the #WVFLOOD, so that we may begin to connect the dots.

At this time, it is key that we listen to the needs of the individual communities, so that we may serve them in the most effective manner. To that end, an updated list of items needed specific to each community can be found on wvflood.com.

If you are aware of any resources that are not listed on the site, please feel free to contact me at m.russell@wvhub.org

In this tragic time, all of these incredible efforts are a shining reminder of the resiliency, and kindness of Mountaineers.

Amidst Devastation, West Virginians Are Responding. Here’s How You Can Help.

06.27.16

Photo courtesy Coast Guard News/FlickrCC

The past five days have brought fresh challenges to West Virginia communities.

As West Virginians, we are still trying to comprehend the scope of the devastation and tragedy caused by the June 23 flood. As communities move from a space of rescue to recovery, we are seeing the best of West Virginia in a moment of darkness and difficulty for our state.

Every day since the flood, in every county impacted by rising waters, we have seen West Virginians stepping up to help. That motivation to serve is incredible to see.

It is vitally important that well-meaning folks do not self deploy. In order for the volunteer effort to be most useful, it must be coordinated.

They are helping their friends and neighbors. They are helping people they don’t know, families they have never met. They are making dry beds for tired, frightened strangers. They are hauling away rubble, sweeping up broken glass. They are driving from across the state to bring donations, to pick up a shovel and to help out. They are searching through wrecked houses. They are holding children, providing shelter, providing comfort.

They are going wherever they are needed, doing whatever needs to be done. They are volunteering, donating money, food, baby supplies. From the Eastern Panhandle to the Kentucky border and beyond, West Virginians are responding.

Staff at The Hub have signed up to be a part of that coordinated effort. We know you want to help too. If you are able to lend some time to volunteering in flood-impacted communities, you are urged to register at Volunteer West Virginia’s special flood response volunteer webpage.

The West Virginia National Guard has told us it is vitally important that well-meaning folks do not self deploy. In order for that volunteer effort to be most useful, it must be coordinated. If you really want to do your part to help your fellow West Virginians, please register at www.volunteerwv.org.

Donations are being coordinated through the West Virginia chapter of the American Red Cross. To give, visit www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia

If you are not able to help out physically, you can still do your part. Donations are being coordinated through the West Virginia chapter of the American Red Cross. To give, visit www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia

We have a saying that is at the core of a lot of the community development work we do: Do what you can. With what you have. Where you are. Now.

Never has that been so important as today.

One Small Step for West Virginia… Celebrating Some Awesome Physical Activity Firsts in the Mountain State

05.13.16

Photo by Anna Jarvis Elementary School PTO

It’s only May and there have already been a lot of great physical activity “firsts” in West Virginia. Here’s a quick recap of some of them to inspire you and get you thinking about something you could try!

Opening Day for Harrison Rail Trails

This newly formed rail-trail group is going strong! On April 16 they hosted a Spring Discovery Walk to invite people to walk on the rail-trail and learn about all the different things they can do on the trail, including meeting with a local cycling club, learning about geocaching, joining a “gratitude walking group” (more on this below), and learning about West Virginia flora from certified herbalists.

Check out their Facebook page for more information about what they’re up to next: www.facebook.com/HarrisonRailTrails/

Gratitude Walking Group

This brand new idea is just getting off the ground in Harrison and Marion counties.

The idea is, we spend so much time complaining about things; why not take 30-60 minutes to move and to think about all the things we’re thankful for? The weekly walks take place at different times and in different locations, so there’s probably one that fits your schedule. More info: www.facebook.com/wvgratitudewalk/

Anna Jarvis Elementary School Color Run

A color run, at an elementary school? Yes!

Anna Jarvis Elementary in Grafton organized their first color run fundraiser this year. On April 30, 2016 the Anna Jarvis PTO held its first AJ Mother’s Day Color Run. With 350 in attendance, the event was a roaring success. Mark your calendars for next year’s AJ Mother’s Day Color Run: Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Check out some great photos from the event!

Photo by hopeless128/FlickrCC

West Virginia Bike Summit

The first statewide bike summit, organized by WV Connecting Communities, was held in Charleston on April 17-18. It included group rides, presentations about the best places to cycle in the state, and lots of great information about biking and health, quality of life, and economic development.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting has more information, plus a video of a group ride.

Ready to attend the 2017 summit? Stay up to date about what’s happening on WVCC’s website: wvconnectingcommunities.com/events.php.

Active Southern WV Bridge Day 5k, October 15, 2016

Okay, this one hasn’t happened yet, but it’s a very cool physical activity first…

This is the first ever, in history, running event across the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville! It benefits the Active SWV Kids Running Clubs. Start on the north side, and run across the bridge with a police escort in a closed lane. Exit the event onto open town streets, lap around the Fayetteville Town Park, and finish beside the Historic Fayette County Courthouse.

Pretty awesome. Heads up: due to tight Bridge Day event timing, no walkers are permitted this year.

Got a physical activity “first” happening in your area? Share the good news with the West Virginia Physical Activity Network!

Stop Meth Labs Proposal Falters, But Child Care Reform Passes For Our Children, Our Future Campaign

02.24.16

Photo by Our Children, Our Future

The citizens behind the Our Children, Our Future campaign have been aggressively working the marble steps at the West Virginia State Capitol over the past six weeks in support of bills that would help West Virginia’s children and families be happier, healthier and more prosperous.

We have had our share of both victories and defeats.

The Right to Work is Wrong team unfortunately faced a tough battle at the beginning of the session to stop this piece of legislation, and despite rallying to urge Governor Tomblin to veto the Right to Work bill, a simple majority veto in the Legislature in the end proved more powerful than the voices of thousands of working West Virginians.

Additionally, the Stop Meth Labs proposal to limit the availability access of single-ingredient pseudoephedrine products, and a proposal to make school’s fitness facilities available to the general public both hit hurdles raised by the state’s looming budget crisis.

The Juvenile Justice proposal to redirect money spent on building detention centers into community-based programs to reduce recidivism rates is currently being examined by the Senate Judiciary committee.

The proposal to create a statewide mental health advisory group, Mental Health Matters, received the most support in this year’s Our Children, Our Future platform vote. Thanks in part to that groundswell of grassroots support, that bill – SB 286 – is moving through the Senate committees and is currently before the Finance committee.

Second Chance for Employment, SB 411, a bill that would help nonviolent offenders reenter the workforce, passed the Senate Judiciary committee on Tuesday. As did SB 634, the Second Chance Driver’s License Act, that would allow a person with unpaid fines to be issued a provisional driver’s license so that they can drive to work while paying off their fines.

Both bills now await passage by the full Senate.

And there was terrific news for supporters of child care centers this week. SB 146, allowing child care centers and counties the flexibility to choose between a 4 and 5 day Pre-K week, made its way through both chambers and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Thank you to everyone for your continued dedication and response to helping our policy teams! Together we will help to end child poverty in West Virginia!