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Volunteers Needed!

The Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona inspires and mobilizes people to become engaged, take action and solve community problems. Many programs accomplish this. The Center connects individuals or groups of volunteers to opportunities. The Youth Now! collaboration designs service learning projects that educate and inspire youth ages 11-18 about social problems. Experience Corps stimulates older adults to solve literacy problems by tutoring.

Leadership opportunities challenge people to apply their professional expertise to short term projects or Board membership. The staff of the Volunteer Center organizes and deploys local volunteers during disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and manages multi-state programs in disaster preparedness. Local nonprofits can take training on topics such as building capacity, Board management or other concerns.

It's easy to get connected. You can browse hundreds of opportunities at the Center's website, www.volunteersoaz.org. Click "Volunteer Here" to get to the Welcome Page. There you can scan featured opportunities, public programs and nonprofit trainings. Under "Give Help" you can search for opportunities that match your interests by entering keywords or zip codes. Not sure what you'd like to do? For ideas, use the drop-down menu; it suggests issues like Children & Youth, Hunger, Community, etc. Choose something that intrigues you and click "search".

If you don't have a computer or need personalized assistance, call (520) 881-3300.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

Crime Victim Advocate
Volunteers, including law students, offer support and advocacy while helping crime victims navigate the legal system. Intensive two-day training.

Teach Skills for a Better Life
There is an urgent need for Health and Life Skills teachers for men and juveniles in minimum security units or the federal prison in Tucson. Volunteers receive teaching materials and extensive training; some earn college credit or internships for their service. The inmates are grateful and anxious to develop the skills and motivation to break free from a life of poverty and violence.

Outgoing and Chatty
Speak to clubs, schools and groups about the Red Cross and its history, services, disaster preparedness and safety. Materials, posters and videos are provided. Bilingual skills are a plus.

Teach Your Special Interests to Curious Seniors
Folks in an assisted-living home would like to see slide shows, learn about computers, study photography, exercise properly, or study the Bible.

Memories
Befriend hospice patients and document their lives through reminiscence.

Smart Choices Team
The Volunteer Center's youth program wants you on the Team! Bring your interests and passions and the Team will form groups of like-minded youth, ages 11 - 18. Do you want to make an impact on your peers or work on a social issue? Would you rather write a newsletter column or create a theatrical performance? The possibilities are endless and the resources, exposure and fun are waiting for you.
Call Matt at 881-3300 ext. 121.

Employer Relations Specialist
Call interested employers and organizations to promote the placement and value of mature workers (age 50+).

Disability Rights
A board that advocates for the disability culture and rights of those living with disabilities is recruiting members. Candidates with a general interest in the subject, as well as those with an expertise in finance, marketing and fundraising are welcome.

© 2008 Good News Tucson™