By: JoAnn Schinderle, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
CONGRATULATIONS TWIN CITIES- YOU DID IT!!You’ve been nationally recognized for your kindhearted acts of volunteering! According to www.VolunteeringInAmerica.gov, Minneapolis/St.Paul has been ranked #1 once again for highest percentage rate of volunteers per metro area! On average 37.1% of Twin Cities community members volunteer. In a close second is Portland, OR with 36.2%, behind that number is Salt Lake City, UT at 34.1%. Minnesota as a state ranks #3 in overall volunteering.
HandsOn Twin Cities would like to extend much gratitude for all the raking, weeding, painting, cleaning, building, organizing, collecting, donating, mentoring, leading, sharing of knowledge and goodwill to build an all encompassing sense of community. You truly carry out the ‘Minnesota Nice’ stereotype, which proves to be a good thing.
So what is it about the Twin Cities that we’ve kept this title 5 years running? “It’s in our Midwestern values, it’s the way we raise our kids” says HOTC Executive Director Kristin Schurrer. Those values shine true not only in families, but in schools and work environments. Metro area schools focus on service-learning for students as graduation requirements. Local corporations highly encourage their employees to volunteer, even allowing them to do so during office hours. It just seems natural for Twin Cities residents to lend a hand, most of the time people are volunteering without even knowing it!
As a Nation, volunteers served 8.1 billion hours in 2010, valued at an estimated $173 billion (www.nationalservice.gov). That’s a whole ‘lotta people power! Living in a society where money is being nickel ‘n dimed and daily schedules are packed to the brim; it’s refreshing to know that helping out your neighbor is still a priority on America’s ‘Things To Do’ list.
This extensive research done by the Corporation for National & Community Service calculates all citywide organized volunteers, yet it does not reflect the numbers of un-sung heroes in our area (those who deliver food to shut-in’s, or who watch their neighbor’s kids) we’d like to recognize those day to day acts of kindness as well. Thank you Twin Cities for individually and collectively volunteering in your communities, your work truly does make a difference.
To see pictures of all volunteer work being done with HOTC around the community, check out flickr page!
By JoAnn Schinderle, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is generated by Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service. This annual event highlights the importance of service and pays tribute to countless hours of volunteering and the impact those hours have on individual communities and the nation at large. This year, the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors met in New Orleans to attend panel sessions, workshops, exhibits, and partake in meaningful service projects. Attendees were joined by an inspiring lineup of speakers, award winners and other special invited guests including civil rights activist Ruby bridges, media personalities Deborah Roberts and Soledad O’Brien, comedian John Oliver, political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin, and many others.
HOTC’s Associate Director, Zeeda Magnuson as well as two HOTC AmeriCorps members, Andrea Donahue & Erika Dani, attended the conference this year and were asked to share a bit about their time spent in New Orleans.
Have you attended the conference before? If so, how do you feel this year differed from previous?
My first national conference was the one held in Minneapolis in 2001 (The International Year of the Volunteer), then again two years ago in San Francisco and now, New Orleans. The most beneficial aspect of the conferences (for me) is the networking that takes place. Bringing people together with similar missions and visions for their communities is very inspiring.
Where there any re-occurring topics/ themes from the workshops that you can take away and implement?
Every session I attended, I was able to take away at least one nugget of info that HandsOn could share within one of our workshops, or an idea that we can implement. I really enjoyed the general sessions, hearing from people like Ruby Bridges, James Carville and Mary Maitlin. It was a treat to hear their stories, and how volunteers have made such an impact on what they have seen accomplished in their lives.
How do you believe this conference is beneficial for volunteer and volunteer leaders from across the country?
I keep going back to the importance of the networking opportunities. And, just feeling and seeing the energy around this conference and the people that bring it to life. It is a remarkable opportunity to learn from each other.
Anything else to add?
I was very proud to be in attendance as a representative for HandsOn Twin Cities’ being named an Innovation Hub. Only 10 action centers from across the Network were chosen this first year. I am looking forward to what we will learn from this process and then in turn, what we may offer the entire Network through our discoveries, new programmatic offerings and impact within the Twin Cities community.
Andrea Donahue, Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
You won this trip by completing a GetHandsOn Challenge, what project playbook did you complete? Please describe.
Erika Dani and I actually combined two playbooks in one. We developed a Mock Interview & Resume Day at CAPI, one of our new basic affiliates. CAPI is a social justice and anti-poverty organization that was originally founded to support Asian refugees. It offers a range of programs including job assistance, which made it the perfect locale for our project. Due to the project’s success (and Erika’s diligence), it has become a regular Impact Now project at HOTC. I think the Mock Interview & Resume Days are extremely important, not only for the job readiness help but also for the emotional morale of job seekers. The job hunt can be a very discouraging process.
What was your favorite workshop you attended?
The opening session was wonderful. It was inspiring to feel such a great amount of energy and enthusiasm around service and instigating change in communities. From speakers like Mayor Landrieu and James Carville, I learned a lot about the innovative environmental and educational initiatives being carried out in New Orleans. As a recent college graduate, I was heartened to hear that my generation has played a major role in these efforts. As Mayor Landrieu described, New Orleans is no longer a ‘brain drain’ and no longer attracts only young people interested in visiting Bourbon Street.
My other favorite session was an immersion experience that involved a trip to a community garden. It was great to step out of the conference center and see a different neighborhood!
Did you meet any interesting or influential people at the conference?
Congressman Richmond made a surprise appearance at one of my sessions. He spoke about being approached by young individuals who ask him the wrong question. They ask, “How do I run for office?” when they should ask him, “How can I most fully serve my community?” He spoke about the impact his own volunteering experiences—years spent as an athletic coach and mentor—had on his decision to campaign.
Anything else to add?
Thank you, HandsOn Network for the amazing experience!
“ The 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service honored the individuals, organizations and programs that are proving that service solves problems. Now more than ever, people are at the heart of community change and must champion efforts in their communities to solve problems. Our conference theme “Champions of Service” recognizes that everyone can be a champion in their community by mobilizing the energy, ingenuity and compassion of citizens to lead the way for a better future.”- NCVS 2011 Recap
If you’d like to be a part of next year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service, which will be hosted in Chicago, IL; you can find more information here here.
By: JoAnn Schinderle, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
Last Friday, HOTC along with American Express & Delta organized a school beautification project for Capitol Hill Magnet School in St. Paul, MN. With the theme “Global Feast”; major projects included building a sustainable salsa garden, mosaic stepping stones, and interactive presentations from local Chef, Stewart Woodman (Heidi’s) on how to make fresh spring rolls, which students got to roll themselves and feast for lunch.
Volunteer’s literally got their hands dirty super dirty actually. Unpredictable rain didn’t stop our crew from creating a mud bucket brigade in order to finish the salsa garden on time. Smiles & determination were kept, along with the notion of how the students will benefit & learn from the finished product.
“It’s gratifying to work on projects that have a visible beginning & end. This project is especially cool because of the sustainability aspect; I definitely want to come back in the summer to check on the garden’s growth.” – Corporate Volunteer
Among the group of volunteers were parents of Capitol Hill students. They were extremely pleased with the small and large projects of the day. One parent commented, “These [projects] were all things that we needed and/or wanted to be done but we needed the people power to accomplish. It’s amazing how so much work can get done in such little time.”
Also digging in the dirt side by side with volunteers were our very own HandsOn Twin Cities AmeriCorps members. Last Friday’s project was a great way to close AmeriCorps Week. Large scale projects like Capitol Hill create a sense of community by bringing together students, parents, teachers, and community volunteers in an interactive way while engaging them on a personal level.
HOTC AmeriCorps members shared their insight in regards to how they believe their work is benefitting not only the community, but allowing them to gain professional tools necessary to grow in the workplace and beyond.
“As a young person growing up in the throes of corporate America, I have been exposed to a great deal of conversation regarding the drudgery of the common workplace. Living in a fast-paced society overcommitted to ideals of productivity and efficiency lends itself all too readily to burn-out, dissatisfaction, and an overwhelming sense of monotony. This morning as I considered my work, I wondered how I had managed to escape this grinding sense of obligation and lack of purpose. I am grateful that even in a struggling economy, AmeriCorps has offered me the opportunity to discover and exercise my interest in creating avenues for young people to become engaged in service and be successful in their communities. Through my AmeriCorps position I have been able to develop connections with the community and youth I serve, my fellow AmeriCorps members, and the greater nonprofit sector in the Twin Cities and these relationships have cultivated in me a greater sense of purpose, motivation, and personal responsibility. I am both challenged and energized by my work in a manner that has allowed me to develop personally and create meaningful programs for HandsOn Twin Cities. My two AmeriCorps terms have facilitated a smooth transition from academia into the working world and have fostered within me the desire to pursue my passions and travel along the path of lifelong service to my community.” - Abby Gaul, 2nd Term AmeriCorps National Direct member, Student Engagement Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“One of the biggest benefits of serving at a volunteer resource center is that we are encouraged to seek out creative and meaningful ways to contribute to the community—and step out of our cubicles. At HandsOn Twin Cities, we are granted 16 hours per month for volunteering. Because of this benefit, I have had numerous fun and valuable experiences: helping adult ELL students put their stories on paper, assisting job-seekers with their résumés, carrying heavy boxes of milk and soup for a food shelf, guiding clients at Project Homeless Connect, and selling raffle tickets at a community duck race. These volunteer experiences, however small they may seem, have been very significant to my work at HOTC. As Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator, it is important for me to learn all I can about the thriving nonprofit community in the Twin Cities. Even more, I have personally grown by gaining a more comprehensive view of the spirit, diversity, and resilience of Twin Cities inhabitants.” - Andrea Donahue, AmeriCorps National Direct member, Non-Profit Outreach Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“AmeriCorps has been a great place to stretch my professional wings. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to build my resume with the grace of a supportive and encouraging team of professionals behind me. HandsOn Twin Cities has been a positive place to be as a young professional and I’ve enjoyed the autonomy and support they’ve extended as I’ve taken my skills and experiences and put them to work on something new. I will move on from this experience having gained practical and professional skills in program management, project development, volunteer management and supervision, grant writing, and nonprofit outreach. Furthermore, I’ve been able to put my values to work all the while strengthening the community I am proud to be a part of.”- Angela Carlson, AmeriCorps VISTA member, Project Development Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“The best part about my job is visiting our non-profit partners and learning about the work that they do in the community. I think it is important for all community members to have a few non-profits which we have researched, been involved with and support wholeheartedly. I also very much enjoy working with community members who are committed to improving the Twin Cities and making it a great place to live for everyone.” - Erika Dani, AmeriCorps National Direct member, Non-Profit Outreach Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“As I reflect upon my AmeriCorps term, I recognize that I am very grateful for all of the experiences that I’ve had and for the individuals that I’ve met along the way, and I cannot believe how fast time has flown by! I feel very fortunate; not only to have been able to utilize my college degree to assist in carrying out the programming and mission of HandsOn Twin Cities, but for everything that I’ve learned from my position as well. During the American Express/Delta service project at Capitol Hill Elementary, I was chatting with one of the parent volunteers who was very interested in learning about my AmeriCorps experience and proceeded to ask me a slew of thought-provoking questions; the final one being, “Knowing what you know now, would you do anything differently?” To that, I simply answered, “Not at all, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” -Liz Jones, AmeriCorps National Direct Member, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“Through my term as an AmeriCorps member I have become more in tune with the needs of my community and the various works being done in efforts to address, remedy, and at very least create awareness throughout the metro area. Even though this is my 5th year living in Minneapolis, I have felt more connected and empowered to live here than ever before based on the exposure I’ve gained both personally and professionally. I am thankful to have tapped into this culture of people with “do-good” mindsets & action orientated hearts. Its one thing to talk about issues affecting our fellow neighbors and it’s another to jump in feet first and get things done. I am extremely thankful my job allows me to do both, even in the same day.” – JoAnn Schinderle, AmeriCorps National Direct member, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
The best part of my AmeriCorps assignment is reaching out to nonprofits in the St. Paul community. I thoroughly enjoy researching nonprofits, conducting site visits with volunteer coordinators and assessing volunteer programs. It is a very rewarding experience when I am able to collaborate with an organization to build their volunteer capacity by utilizing the HandsOn Twin Cities Impact Now program.” - Matt Bielefeldt, AmeriCorps VISTA member, Project Development Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“Through my position at HandsOn Twin Cities, I am provided with many wonderful opportunities. There are two particular parts that I truly enjoy. The first part is working with many different volunteers. I have the opportunity to network and connect with people from all walks of life and from all over the Twin Cities. Learning about the work that they do and what motivates them in their careers, free-time and everyday life is incredibly fascinating. This position has provided me with the opportunity to learn about the wonderful organizations and corporations there are right here in the Twin Cities. The second part of my position that I love is supervising and working with our Youth Advisory Board. At HOTC, our Youth Advisory Board tackles some of the most important issues in our community through the power of youth voice! Plus, I get updated on all of the latest trends! Who doesn’t want to hear about the latest trend and issues that mean the most to the voice of the future?” – Sarah Bain, AmeriCorps VISTA member, Youth & Student Engagement Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
Thank you to all of the staff at HandsOn Twin Cities, HandsOn Network, and HandsOn Corps for making our experiences throughout the year ones we will certainly take with us in all of our future endeavors.
by: JoAnn Schinderle, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities
“We all want to be free. That is human nature. We want to be free from pain & suffering & limitations. If we look deeply into our hearts, we know what we want; we are in love with the condition of liberation. Our pain is the feeling of alienation or separation from our beloved, which is this freedom… but finding true nature is not for the timid. It requires courage & a sense of adventure, a fearless heart & optimistic strength.” – Ahmed Ali
Upon returning from 5 days in the woodlands of Georgia after being surrounded by 100+ of my co-workers from across the nation, I did a lot of reflecting. As I was flipping through my journal filled with jotted down quotes, pages of travel experiences, and expression of thoughts, I came across this Ahmed Ali quote and it struck me as a perfect explanation of my time spent at the 2010 HandsOn AmeriCorps Conference.
The overlying message of our small & large group discussions could always be related back to ‘freedom’. The incessant want of freedom; whether we strive to break away from social stereotypes, economic hardships, or personal limitations; we all seek understanding, understanding of ourselves and understanding of others. Once that harmony is achieved, only then can we move forward. Move forward towards bridging gaps between those in need and those who can help. As AmeriCorps Members that is our commitment. We made a commitment to help liberate the misunderstood; the separated; the suffering, with efforts to better someone else’s day to day. Ahmed Ali couldn’t be more correct when saying that ‘finding true nature is not for the timid’. We have to obtain confidence, commitment, and continue to keep that optimistic strength.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet other HandsOn AmeriCorps Members, to share ideas, goals, stories, and to have solidified the reasons why we are making this commitment. Together we can make a difference and I for one am excited to be a part of a nation-wide movement to ‘be the change’.
