fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Building a Force for the Future
By: Aaron Kirk Douglas
Tags: Police Brutality, Volunteering, Police, Nonprofit, Citizenship

It’s no secret to anyone who pays attention to local and national news that there has been an erosion of trust in our police over the past few years. Ironically, so many of those who might verbally abuse our cops are the same people who day in and day out depend on them to keep our cities safe.

With hundreds of officers retiring in the next few years and a national shortage of replacements, we must take responsibility for building trust in our police. After all, these are the people we ask to routinely face the aftermath of murders, suicides, shootings, robberies, drunk drivers and the rampant homelessness in our communities — all while potentially putting their own lives at risk.

Imagine two years from now, if we as a society have made it so undesirable to be an officer, there’s no one available to respond in an emergency. As reported extensively in December on NPR, this crisis is already unfolding at a national level — police departments across the country are not attracting applicants. In Portland, Oregon, where I live, most recruits are arriving from out of state. Now is the time for cities like Portland and Austin to show that we’re not just weird, but welcoming.

In Portland, we’ve started a new nonprofit organization to rebuild trust where it’s been broken. We want to unify people, redefine our approach, and transform relationships. One way our nonprofit is doing this is by inviting officers into our homes, businesses, neighborhoods, and families.

Our family the night we met Officer Tom (3rd from Left) in March 2018

Working in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, our Liaison Family program provides a local family connection for each officer as soon as they arrive from out of state. Our volunteer families introduce officers around town and help with many questions that come up when relocating to a new area. Most of all, we try to be supportive friends and show our appreciation for the work they do.

Here in Portland, several hundred new officers are expected in just the next few years. NOW is the time to seize the future and rebuild the trust that’s been lost — some deserved, and some not. We feel strongly that efforts to rebuild that trust must come from the outside in.

In addition, we’ve launched a 16-week series of focus groups between high school students and police officers from five local police agencies. We plan to use those focus groups to develop a youth/police program that serves both groups in the ways they tell us will work best.

We’re a unique organization and hope that cities across the country will follow suit in developing similar partnerships with their local police.

If you’re in Portland — help us make a difference. All you need to do is be yourself — and be a friend.
How Akshaya Patra Foundation Feeds Over 1.8 Million Children Every Day?
By: Akshaya Patra
Tags: Charity, Ngo, Children, Volunteering, Children Education

1.8 million+ children!

Is it really possible to feed so many children in 1 single day?

Indeed, it is a humongous task but if the entire community works in unison with a children charity or an NGO, it is achievable.

One such NGO is The Akshaya Patra Foundation which is registered as a not-for-profit organisation under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. It implements the Mid-Day Meal Scheme across 12 States and 2 Union Territories of India.

Akshaya Patra was started in the year 2000 by feeding 1,500 children in Bengaluru, Karnataka. As of today, it feeds 18,02,517 children studying in 16,856 Government and Government-aided schools located in 51 locations across India. It works with a vision that ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’ The Foundation aims to feed 5 million children by 2025.

But how does Akshaya Patra aim to accomplish those numbers?

Akshaya Patra provides freshly cooked, nutritious mid-day meals to children in order to help them in their overall development. The Foundation operates from 52 kitchens out of which, 50 kitchens are Centralized kitchens and 2 are Decentralized kitchens.

Centralized kitchen

Centralized kitchens are present in 50 locations of India and have a capacity to feed 25,000 to 1,00,000 meals a day. These kitchens are located in urban and semi-urban areas.

Decentralized Kitchen

A decentralized kitchen is set up in locations that are remote and not easily accessible. Such kitchens do not have a great connectivity which makes it difficult to set up a large infrastructure. It is operated by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and monitored by Akshaya Patra supervisors.

Mid-day meals have several benefits

It might sound like a small school lunch for many of us, but it makes a huge difference in the lives of children who come from challenging backgrounds where having a square meal once a day is an achievement. This is why parents of such children rely on school mid-day meals. Mid-day meals benefit children in different ways:

Put the below points in smart art form.

· It improves nutritional levels in children who consume mid-day meals. Mid-day meals are packed with nutritional content.

· It increases the rate of school enrolment since a school lunch can act as a catalyst in bringing back children to school every day

· It increases their attention span and helps them focus better in their classrooms

· It ensures proper cognitive and physical development of children studying in schools

· It helps in reducing the school drop-out rates

You can help children by sponsoring their school lunches at ₹1100 and help them enjoy locally palatable meals for an entire academic year. You can contribute directly to help school children or by taking part in various volunteering opportunities available with Akshaya Patra.

Show your support to feed 1.8 million children!

Sponsor their meals & save tax too!
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton Internist, Discusses the Culture of Malawi
By: Barbara R. Edwards
Tags: Travel, Volunteering, Africa, Malawi, Doctors

During my trip in Malawi, I learned a lot about the culture of the people who live there. The people of Malawi are warm and loving and I felt like I had been given a gift when they welcomed us with such open arms. They have a very communal culture spending most of their waking hours with others in the community.

We stayed in a Presbyterian conference center that was a working farm. The conference center employees came every day at dawn to prepare our food which was mostly traditional Malawian food prepared over an open fire. We learned to appreciate nsima, a cooked corn meal porridge, with various toppings made of greens, chicken or goat. We also had an opportunity to visit Malawians in their homes during home visits to several needy families who could not get to our clinics.

To honor the traditional Malawi culture, we brought gifts to the families, which included clothes and shoes as well as soap and other toiletries. Getting the opportunity to ask questions about the villagers’ lives and to see inside their homes was something I’ll never forget. Most villagers raise their own food via subsistence farming raising corn or rice during the rainy season and hoping it lasts through the dry season. They also raise goats and chickens who often sleep inside the huts with the families. During the day the animals wander outside, but they always find their way home at night.

I am so lucky to have been able to experience this culture from inside this amazing community. Volunteering is something I’m very passionate about. If you ever get the opportunity to volunteer abroad, I highly suggest you take that opportunity. You will learn about new cultures, gain new skills, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

To learn more about the medical mission trip that Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist took to Malawi, visit her website.
#CEO — outreach program. Foster Learning Pakistan gave me every…
By: Mahnoor Amjad
Tags: CEO, Digital, Volunteering, Foster Learning Pakistan, Philanthropy

Loving life for yourself is not great, loving life for others is actual life. Same is the way that many people do, they live for others and try hard to make others life good. Under, foster fellowship program we were asked to outreach any Founder or CEO of any organization or company and interview them, ask him about his doings and how much of an effort it takes to make a mark in society through his doings.

Foster Learning Pakistan gave me every possible help in this regard, and so as my team — i thank them.

I approached Mr. Jawed Shahid Founder of Acts of Kindness and hold a Zoom meeting with him and my teammates were also a part and asked him few questions about his journey and efforts he made for others life. He told us many details about his organization, he told us how much of a courage it takes to make volunteers work on specific domains. He said, as a profession he is Charted Accountant and when doing audit of different NGOs back in 2003. He found that much of the amount was not given to lower level because of its intake in other things, so he thought why not do something to uplift people. He with few of his friends started a small organization — non-profit and now it has taken huge heights.

By listening to him, I and my teammates learnt many things from him. How to manage things at grass — root level and how motivation should be only the prime source when one wants to do input for others, without expecting anything in return.

His efforts are a inspiration for anyone who wants to ensure doing for others.
Salford community unites to renovate Buile Hill Park sensory garden
By: George Buksmann
Tags: Gardening, Community, Renovations, Volunteering, Salford

A sensory garden that was locked up and closed to the public has been given a new lease of life at Buile Hill Park.

Volunteers weeded flower beds, swept up leaves, planted bulbs, and plan to refurbish the benches and fence work.

Wendy Francis, treasurer for the Buile Hill Mansion Association, said: “Next to the mansion is the sensory garden, and one of our members just thought it would be a nice idea to try and renovate it to some extent.

“It was just to get people involved really with something that we all care about, making it look a bit more loved and cared for.”

The neglected garden, overgrown with weeds. ©Petra Vanila Vartovnikova

The volunteers raised £300 to start the restoration and received £1,000 from the New World Trading Company, who run The Botanist and The Oast House in Salford and Manchester.

The garden opened in the 1960s for the visually impaired, but a lack of love and investment has seen it fall into disrepair.

Sensory gardens include features and objects that stimulate the senses through scent, touch, and hearing.

Mark Frith, a horticultural therapist for the Buile Hill Sensory Garden, said: “I’m so overwhelmed by the passion of people in Salford and their willingness to give up their free time to do something to look after their environment.

“I think there is a lot of passion about people having somewhere quiet to go and reflect, and in a city that’s really good for people’s mental health.”

Earlier this year developers proposed building houses on the park as part of a regeneration scheme for the mansion, but this was ruled out by Salford Mayor Paul Dennett due to a backlash from residents.

The Mansion Association was opposed to the housing development and want to work with Salford City Council to restore the Grade II listed building and its gardens.

Ms Francis said: “We don’t really know the long-term future for that area so we can only do so much, but we can certainly make it look a lot better than it does at the moment.”
Masks Now Coalition partners with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Serving at Home [Press Release]
By: Grant Stern
Tags: Masks, Volunteering, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Peace Corps

Masks Now Coalition will help the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers meet their goal of 10,000 public service hours by September 1st.

Mia Richardson is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Serving at Home as well as a Masks Now volunteer.

For immediate release:

Washington D.C. — 6 May 2020: The Masks Now Coalition is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Serving at Home to make and distribute nonmedical masks to America’s healthcare facilities.

The Masks Now Coalition was formed to give each citizen the ability to take control of their own community’s public health by making homemade three-layer masks according to CDC guidelines to be used by patients, healthcare workers, and others working in essential businesses.

The Masks Now Coalition is a grassroots movement of over 11,000 nationwide volunteers in every state, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. who are working to help protect frontline workers and healthcare professionals through sewing and donating masks to organizations in need. The Masks Now Coalition has requests from over 1,500 institutions that need more than 400,000 masks.

The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Serving at Home was formed to organize and support over 7,000 Peace Corps participants who were abruptly recalled due to the COVID–19 pandemic. While back in the US, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers receive post-service training and support and pursue other avenues to serve others during this trying time.

Jodi Murray is on the Masks Now Coalition steering committee and Executive Director of Created for Crisis, the Coalition’s 501c3 nonprofit charity sponsor. Julie Wang is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who joined the Masks Now Coalition as a graphic designer.

Text ‘masks’ to 50409 to download a free personal mask pattern, volunteer and donate, or visit MasksNow.org where donated masks can be requested.

“We are delighted to be able to partner with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Serving at Home to give its selfless members an outlet to fight the coronavirus which cut their original mission short,” says Murray. “But we need more donations to make sure our volunteers can produce as many masks as possible.”

“I’m a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who was serving in North Macedonia,” says Wang. “I got involved with the Masks Now Coalition because I heard about the work they’re doing to combat the national mask shortage and wanted to continue my public service mission at home.”
Tulsi needs you!
By: Stand With Tulsi
Tags: Elections, 2020 Presidential Race, Volunteering, Salt Lake City, Utah

Aloha! We are reaching out to all of our supporters and friends because Tulsi needs your help. Tulsi is coming to Utah for a series of events and we need all hands on deck. Please come and help out, meet some great people, and have a great experience. Tempted? Of course you are!

There are are a number of events in Salt Lake City, Provo and Snowbird this weekend (see link.) We would love to see you on one or all of those days — whatever you are available for, please do come along. We encourage all our lovely volunteers to spread news of the events both before and on the day far and wide on social media, so do light up your Insta, Facebook, Twitter, Snaps and WhatsApp with Tulsi news. If you can’t make any of these events in person, you can still get involved by spreading these events on your social media. Because sharing is caring!

So share the events on social media, come and help out flyering and sign-waving. All of our volunteers have an awesome and unforgettable time when they join Team Tulsi. We can’t wait to meet you, so do come out and join us and be part of political history!

Our volunteer coordinator in Utah is Zach Josephs an you can reach him at 720–276–2812 or zach.josephs@tulsivolunteers.com and drop him your details and we’ll get straight back to you.

Thank you so much for your help and continued support!

Have a great day!
Unique Volunteer Opportunities
By: Tom Bulloch
Tags: Community Engagement, Volunteering, Canada, Tom Bulloch

Volunteering is a notable way to help people or organizations in need, gain a sense of accomplishment and build a growing network of friends, associates and prospective contacts. That said, many people seek to explore different, unique and more rewarding volunteer opportunities. Specific ideas might include:

Providing Comfort

Providing comfort for vulnerable persons is rewarding to many. Some might find joy as a baby cuddler. Such individuals volunteer at hospitals hugging premature babies. Studies have shown that young people who receive significant physical contact during their early days tend to thrive later in life. Moreover, others may opt to devote spare time to comforting the aged or ailing persons in hospice and make their waning days as pleasant as possible.

Reading To Children

Certain individuals might enjoy reading to young children. Such action can stimulate the imagination of young people and teach them the importance of literacy.

Run Marathon’s With Persons With Disabilities

Athletic-minded volunteers might consider running marathons with runners who possess physical disabilities. There are several organizations that match experienced or professional marathoners with either people with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Hold Tag Sales

Individuals fortunate enough to own numerous old items or possess more “stuff” than they need might be interested in holding tag sales. Typically, these events are easy to organize. Proceeds from the sale can be donated to any benevolent cause close to the fundraiser’s heart.

Clean Fouled Waterways

Environmentally-conscious volunteers might opt to remediate polluted waterways. Unfortunately, numerous streams, lakes, rivers, beaches and even oceans have been soiled by various levels of contamination. Organizing a group effort to remedy such locations can make a significant aesthetic difference and improve the health of the wildlife and people that reside in and around the waterway in question.

Partake In The Creative Arts

Organizations like local theatre groups might hold plays or other types of shows to raise funds for various charitable causes. Ergo, volunteers with creative impulses might yearn to show off their acting or singing skills to help those in need.

Birthday Planning

Certain organizations work to plan special birthdays for children coping with homelessness or who come from families struggling with serious financial hardships. Volunteers who wish to bring a smile to a child in need might offer their services as a birthday party planner.
Pledge 1% Success Stories
By: Chris Stegall
Tags: Los Angeles, Volunteering, Pledge 1, Give Back, Salesforce

Another Amazing Day at SOVA!

Valentine’s Day is all about sharing love, spreading joy, and showing how much you care about those closest to you. And there’s hardly a better way to flex your affection than to spend the day helping your local community! That’s why we spent cupid’s favorite holiday with one of our favorite local resources: SOVA!

SOVA, which is so much more than a food pantry, provides free groceries and a slew of supportive services to the LA community each month! Our relationship with SOVA goes way back and they’re one of our favorite nonprofits to support with our Pledge 1% commitment.

This time around we were again, bagging, boxing, packing, and pallet-ing a week’s worth of groceries for our local friends in need. All told, we spent 3 hours at SOVA and prepped 7 pallets worth of goods! At 64 boxes per pallet, that’s a week of groceries for over 425 families!

At this point (and with SOVA’s help) we’ve almost gotten our assembly line down to a science and, despite the hard work involved, there’s always a smile on everyone’s face.

And this time some of us had the pleasure of partaking in some behind-the-scenes fun, helping the regular volunteer staff measure, portion, and pack servings of rice, oats, and grains for next week’s pallet-packing-fest!

All in all, it was another tremendous success and we consider ourselves so lucky to have an accessible, welcoming resource like SOVA in our community.

If you’re in the area and interested in helping out yourself, you can find all of SOVA’s locations and volunteer opportunities right here!

And if you have a recommendation for the next place we should volunteer (or have any Salesforce questions or hangups of your own) — let us know!

As always, subscribe here to stay up to date on the latest and greatest in Salesforce news, tips, and tricks — and keep working hard, smart, and happy.

We’ll see you in the cloud!
Meet Dr. Kwane
Tags: Animal Welfare, Volunteering, Gofundme Heroes, Animals, Homeless

Between his street work and partnerships with other organizations, Dr. Kwane has helped roughly 400 animals since 2011, including a fair share of cats — and once, even a Burmese python.

While some of the individuals he approaches can be a little hesitant to accept help at first, Dr. Kwane says they are usually relieved and thankful by the end of their pet’s examination. Many even shed tears of joy. With each new animal he helps, Dr. Kwane says he gains a deeper understanding of the unique bond that exists between those experiencing homelessness and their pets.

“Their relationship is on a totally different level,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many times people told me their animals are their reason for getting up in the morning.”

Spending time with people who call the street their home has also taught Dr. Kwane a lot about homelessness and has challenged some of his fundamental beliefs about the issue.

“I was guilty of some of the judgments about homeless people before doing this work,” he says. “But I realized that something as simple as losing your job can lead to bad credit — and then it can be difficult to get an apartment,” he says. “You would be amazed at how these negative moments can snowball. I’ve looked at these people and thought, ‘I could be you. I could end up where you are.’”
Why is Philanthropy Important for Business
By: Norman Shelley Hernick
Tags: Charity, Norman Shelley Hernick, Business, Volunteering, Philanthropy

Providing resources to those in need is the hallmark of any great business. Helping others in need isn’t always done on a personal or individual basis. While many people contribute to charity with donations or volunteer time, there’s a philanthropic side to the business world, as well. Today, especially with the power of the internet, businesses large and small take part in various philanthropic initiatives to positively impact the lives of others in need, as well as their own employees. Although it may not be the main focus for a business, there are a few different reasons why businesses should consider involvement with charity and give back to others.

Encourages Employee Engagement

Nothing promotes employee engagement more than having positive interactions with the community. Charitable activities allow employees to interact with one another in ways that are disconnected from the typical work environment. This leads to employees having a higher amount of strength and tenacity to get goals accomplished.

Improves Company Reputation

People are more likely to seek out the products and services of companies that participate in philanthropic activities. Customers want to be assured that businesses are dedicated to social, environmental, and other causes that align with their own values. A company’s reputation for charitable giving can propel it towards greater success and profitability.

Builds Relationships

Volunteering time and resources to worthy causes contributes to the building of meaningful relationships. Civic leaders, other businesses, and potential customers often come together to carry out charitable acts. This type of engagement builds long-lasting relationships that may be beneficial to the company in the long-run.

Empowers the Community

Communities need to know that local companies are working on their behalf to make the community better. The knowledge of this information empowers the people of the community to help others and to help themselves. People in communities benefit when companies give their time and resources to a great cause.

Leads to Positive Health Benefits

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), participation in charitable activities improves mental and physical health. People who volunteer are less likely to experience depression because philanthropic activities create networks and relieve stress.

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This article was originally published on normanshelleyhernick.org
Walmart Labs Volunteers at The Social Engineering Project’s Overnight STEM Camping Conference
By: Brittani Conley
Tags: Education, Volunteering, Leadership, Engineering

Catalog Engineers pause for a photo.

At Walmart Labs, we love to help inspire the next generation of software engineers. That’s why the Catalog team recently volunteered with The Social Engineering Project’s (TSEPs) Overnight STEM Camping Conference. Every year, TSEP takes about 150 high school students to Camp Cazadero to learn about math, science, and engineering. TSEP’s overall goal is to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry by providing programs for underrepresented groups.

Our team was tasked with organizing and teaching an engineering-based workshop with one caveat — they couldn’t use any technology. Ramya, Anthony, Lan, Dip, and Nadar spent hours coming up with an awesome workshop.

They used “Error Codes” on card stock, and randomly generated errors by shuffling the card deck and drawing a card. Students were broken into smaller teams and had to find the corresponding code from a list, and then solve either a math or engineering problem connected to the code within the given SLA.

“They were very motivated, excited, and proactive in all the activities we did,” Dip Shah said of the workshop. “Many of them even said they were inspired to join Walmart Labs.”

The camp takes advantage of the fact that there’s no wi-fi or signal available, which encourages kids to get close to nature, form friendships, and learn without the usual distractions like texting and Instagram.

The program is great for the students, but it’s also significant for the volunteers. Recalling his time there, Dip says, “We went to help students plan their career, but in return we also learned how this generation thinks and acts. It was a very fun and interactive way for ingenious minds to meet experienced minds and exchange numerous great ideas and tactics.”
5 Reasons to Volunteer While in College
By: Sarah Laud
Tags: Volunteering, Philanthropy, Charity

College students should consider volunteering based on the following information.

Helps People in Need

College students can use their skills to help the community. For example, they can help immigrants with their English skills. They can also help high schoolers study for college entrance exams. Additionally, students can accompany senior citizens on their daily walks to the park. By donating their time and doing good deeds, students can positively impact society.

Creates Connections

Volunteer participants come from all walks of life. Some attendees may be working professionals, while others may be retirees. College students can ask about their experiences and see if a career track is right for them. They can keep in touch with new acquaintances after the volunteer event and establish a networking relationship.

Strengthens Resume

College students can use community service to stand out from other job applicants. Companies want to hire interesting people because they help strengthen corporate culture. Some people see their co-workers more than their own family. Therefore, they want to work with individuals who are easy to talk to. Community service can be used as a conversation starter. Job applicants can talk about their volunteer experience along with their hobbies and interests.

Volunteering can also be used to fill a resume gap. Companies want to know what candidates do when they are not busy. Students can provide a clear explanation by writing down community service.

Boosts Mental Health

College students can use community service to improve their mental health. Cleaning up the local park or serving meals at a senior center can serve as exercise. The body releases endorphins during physical activity. These natural chemicals can help relieve stress and pain. Also, being outside on a sunny day increases the body’s vitamin D levels. This nutrient can help fight disease and reduce depression. Finally, talking to other volunteers can make students laugh and smile.

Fulfills Academic Requirements

Some colleges may require community service to graduate with a certain degree. For example, honors students may need to complete a specified number of service honors to receive their diplomas. Students should take care of these requirements as soon as possible. Procrastination may lead to forgetfulness and stress.

Overall, volunteering can help students make the most of their college years.

Originally published: https://sarahlaud.org/5-reasons-to-volunteer-while-in-college/
La cucina piccola fa la casa grande*
By: Vivita Estonia, Vivistop Telliskivi
Tags: Creative Learning, Volunteering, Vivita, Future Founders

This time we had a unique chance to include Carlo Vanzan, an inspiring member from Fotografiska Tallinn restaurant’s hospitality team. Carlo is also one of VIVITAs dedicated volunteers. When we talked to Carlo about the idea for him to come and share his skills with VIVITA kids, he did not doubt a second! Carlo said that in Italy cooking to somebody is one of the most important ways to show hospitality and how much you care and respect your guests.

The dish Carlo decided to introduce to children this time, was “gnocchi di patate” or potato gnocchi from North-Italy. According to Carlo, gnocchi is the food in Italy that quite often parents let children make and so did he. He shared that when he was a small boy, his Granny always put him to the job of making gnocchi, when she wanted this always active boy to calm down a little and sit still for a while.

What is gnocchi and how is it made?

Italy is often described as a land of pizza and pasta, but actually the differences between districts are quite big. Pasta is popular all over the Italy, but in the Northen Italy cuisine, there is also more potato and rice, also gnocchi and risotto. Potatoes became popular in the North in a time when whole-grain became too expensive to buy. In the early 19th century in Northen Italy, the ordinary food for a working class family was potatoes and polenta. Also whole-grain is not growing after certain altitude. In the Alps you find more potatoes and butter in the kitchens, than olive-oil and whole-grain.

The word gnocchi [‘njokki’] is in Italian already on plural (singular gnocco) so that in English it would be correct to order “gnocchi for me please” and not speak about gnocchis as it would be in English plural.

Gnocchi di patate is a traditional Italian dish that takes some time to prepare yet it is doable to everybody. What is great about gnocchi, is that to prepare it, you only need a few ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen kabinet. Gnocchi is usually made of potatoes, semolina, flour and egg.
3 Volunteer Opportunities for College Students
By: Sarah Laud
Tags: Charity, Volunteering, College, Philanthropy, Volunteer

For many people, college is a time of self-discovery. It is a period filled with learning, but not all of their newfound knowledge comes from the classroom. To grow and learn about the world for themselves, many students take the opportunity to volunteer in their communities. Whether it is for college credit or in their free time, volunteering is a great source for students to enrich their lives. This can look different for students across the board, but there are opportunities everywhere for students to get involved. Here are a few ways in which students can volunteer and make a difference in their communities.

Campus Life

Almost every college has student organizations dedicated to improving the experiences of students on campus. Getting involved in organizations like this allows students to get to know their classmates and feel more like home. This also comes with the opportunity to volunteer with events on campus. Whether that is student life events, donor events, or community outreach events, there are many ways to impact fellow students’ lives.

National Organizations

Several organizations operate on a national level that students can find in their college towns. Some of these include American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, and many more. These organizations have local offices that college students can contact and get involved with to dive into their specific communities and make a difference.

Youth Programs

As young people, college students still have the opportunity to invest in the next generations. Organizations such as Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy and Girl Scouts, and other community-led youth programs are great avenues for students to impart wisdom to younger minds. Another great way to help young students is to volunteer for tutoring programs. This allows college students to practice communication skills and learn how to engage with younger students.

No matter what a student is studying, volunteering within their community can be an excellent way to enrich their college experience. While a student’s time within their college town can often be short, through volunteering, they have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community.

Originally published: https://sarahlaud.org/3-volunteer-opportunities-for-college-students/
The responders on the frontline of the pandemic
Tags: Volunteering, Red Cross, Coronavirus, Covid 19

“The Red Cross exists to be at the service of all people, without discrimination. We have counted on specially trained personnel to provide care during this pandemic, they are the ones who have been able to respond quickly in the face of this humanitarian response, to help the world’s communities to stop the spread of COVID-19 and recover from its effects.

“I have seen how this virus has impacted all ages, from children to older people, as well as the most vulnerable and people with disabilities. Seeing how they and their families have been affected, not only in health but also financially and psychologically, has caused various emotions in me. I have also seen the reactions of others; I have observed feelings of gratitude as well as disappointment. All of these feelings I have been exposed to have helped me to grow as a professional.

“The pandemic affects everyone equally, although not in the same way. It is a great challenge at both the health and community level, so we should all contribute to prevent COVID-19 and take care of ourselves both socially and psychologically. This applies to those of us on the front line and also to those affected. We are stronger than we think, help us to continue to help you.”

Andrea Phillips — Guyana Red Cross

Andrea Phillips, Project Manager for the Guyana Red Cross, works with her team to reach even the most remote parts of Guyana. Credit: Angela Hill / IFRC

“When you look at the size and context of Guyana, you see there are many locations far from the capital city, we have a lot of small communities that do not have internet and that are only reached by radio or by people travelling into the community to share information. The Red Cross has been able to reach these remote areas. We have found that communities are very receptive to people who take the time to come to them, provide hygiene and cleaning supplies, share information, and give time for them to ask questions to ensure they clearly understand how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19.”

“We have a dynamic team in Guyana. We’re a small, but hard-working group. Each person has a role and we have been able to complement each other to ensure we deliver what is needed. We have a passion for humanitarian work and there is a need for it, so that drives us too. It makes me extremely happy.

“We have volunteers that support a COVID-19, 24-hour hotline. They work the graveyard shift, the ones that go into the wee hours of the morning, and they have been consistent. Three of our volunteers contracted COVID-19, but this did not deter them. They contracted COVID-19, went home, isolated for 14 days, recovered, tested negative, and then went right back to volunteering. That shows commitment and that shows a passion for supporting the community.”

Luis Hernández — Mexican Red Cross
HELP WANTED! — Projects open for collaboration — June 2021
Tags: Help Wanted, Proof Of Humanity, Volunteering, Ubi, Ubi Rebel Alliance

Help wanted!

Hello dear Human!

If you are reading this Medium article, you might have been considering joining the army of volunteers that are helping the community daily with their knowledge to build products for humans. Can we agree to call them “Heroes”?

Well, if you wish to join the hero club, in this article you will find a selection of projects that might need your talent. So, let’s unlock your superpower!

👉 Humanitweet — A Twitter-like social network for Human Beings only

“This project aims at solving some of the problems that social networks have in relation to identity, and ownership of content.

It’s basically a Twitter for humans. It lets an address that’s registered under the Proof Of Humanity registry create a new Tweet, which mints an NFT (“HTWT”) that proves ownership and author.”

📣 Looking for volunteers with the following skills:

#React and #Web3 Front End Dev;

#React #Web Designer;

#Solidity dev with experience in building DAOs

ℹ️Find out more HERE

👉 Human.Bounties — A freelancer space for hiring and get hired paid in $UBI

Human.Bounties aims to leverage the help of the professionals inside and outside the community, to optimize the development of new products for Proof of Humanity and UBI. By solving a bounty, the bounty hunter will be given a badge showcasing the job done. Some bounties will also include a payment in $UBI.

📣 Looking for volunteers with the following skills:

#UI Designer;

#Javascript #Front End Dev;

#Web Dev

ℹ️Find out more HERE

💡 Are you building an open-source project that uses Proof of Humanity or UBI in them? Do you require people to join you in building, designing, or shilling it? Send us a message at ubihumanity@gmail.com

We will happily add your project to the HELP WANTED! section within the Proof of Humanity newsletter.

UBI Alliance

Would you like to translate this article in your language? Send the translation to ubihumanity@gmail.com, and your work will be recognized! 🎖️
Experience on Volunteering
By: Gurgen Petrosyan
Tags: Experience, Volunteering, Thoughts And Feelings, Student Life

I am sometimes asked why you are doin’ volunteering and why are you workin’ without pay?

I answer this question clearly.

#friends

Every volunteer brings new friends and it is not that those friends are just friends. Those friends are by your side at any moment and at any time. It is with those friends that I can not imagine my life

#throth

When you do any volunteering, you feel that your knowledge is advancing and you are changing your attitude towards human values for the better. and you realize that volunteering is a job on the path to knowledge.

#sincerity

And at the end of every volunteer, you are given a certificate of volunteer experience, which is a piece of paper and plays a big role in our lives. You used that piece of paper as a sermon when you hire and not only when you want to admit to university. For example, those admitted to the American University of Armenia should have not much but volunteer experience, which is advantageous for those admitted. And it is not only the Armenian University of Armenia but also the American University of Italy that gives such an advantage to the applicant to who I want to apply.

And plays a big role in getting hired. For example, when applying to an international organization, if you have a certificate of volunteer experience, you can take it and show it to the commission and the commission will hire you without any probationary period.

This is my motivation for applying for many, many volunteer programs. and the more health I forgive, the more I will do in the future
“It’s in my blood”: The volunteers that keep Finn Harps playing
By: Patrick Ryan
Tags: Community, Donegal, Volunteering, Football, Ireland

It is two and a half hours from kick off at Finn Park and the sun, usually hidden behind a dirge of grey clouds, is beaming down on Ballybofey.

The stadium, home of the Donegal club since their creation in 1954, is almost unchanged from when concrete stands were built for the first League of Ireland game in 1969.

Volunteers are already hard at work, buzzing around the silent stadium having arrived hours before any players or managers.

Just like the stadium, many of these volunteers have been here since the very start and are cemented in the foundation and history of this small Irish club.

“I was at the first ever league game,” one volunteer, Ann Kelly, says.

“It wasn’t too great!”

That would be an understatement, Finn Harps having lost 10-2 to Dublin giants Shamrock Rovers.

Programme from Harps v Derry City, 27/08/21 (Patrick Ryan)

Ann is busy opening The Finn Harps Supporters Club Shop as she does every match day and whilst technically a separate entity to the club itself, all the money raised is donated to the Harps.

Ann orders in and sells a wide variety of Finn Harps memorabilia to loyal supporters, ground hoppers and tourists, but she suspects the shops days are numbered.

“I imagine we’ll be gone soon,” she admits.

“The club has its own online shop now and that’s where most the orders go through.

“Technology has finally caught up with us.”

Unsurprisingly the current most popular item is Finn Harps face masks, which many throughout the evening were disappointed to find had long been sold out.

“I must have put in an order two or three times for them, and yet they still weren’t enough!” Ann laughs.

In the far corner, even a pink Finn Harps beret hangs temptingly.

Despite her years of service, Ann only has one regret.

“I actually never got to see the [FAI] cup,” she says, the club having won it in 1974.

“Someday I will; I live in hope!”
Celebrating Community Service Leadership in Vancouver
Tags: Leaderstoday, Community Service, Service Learning, Youth, Volunteering

Coalition partners, facilitators and ESDC Staff at the Vancouver Aquarium

TakingITGlobal’s #RisingYouth Community Service Grants have been awarded to more than 2,000 young leaders across Canada. Our grants are made possible by funding from Canada Service Corps, a government initiative working to grow and strengthen service opportunities for youth. We are one of 14 partners in a coalition of National Partners creating these opportunities.

On Monday, November 3rd, the Canada Service Corps national coalition partners gathered at the Vancouver Aquarium to celebrate Vancouver-based alumni of immersive youth service programming and micro-grants offered across the coalition.

More than 40 youth attendees joined 30 representatives from partner organizations to explore the Aquarium and connect with one another. Hereditary Chief Janice George from the Squamish Nation welcomed attendees and shared stories of her family members growing up on the land and the journey to return the remains of ancestors in collaboration with communities across the region.

Check out Will’s Album on Spotify by clicking the link on his name!

Performances were offered by four alumni, starting with a Jazz performance by Will Clements, a #RisingYouth grantee from New Westminster who used a grant to host a Neighbourhood Block Party to welcome new residents.

The event included jam sessions for musicians from the neighbourhood and activities to include children.

Will’s performance was followed by a song by Michelle (MzShellz), who performed two songs from her upcoming BossLady album.

Michelle passed the stage to Natasha, one of our grantees from Coquitlam. Natasha’s project was video production workshops with Tri-Cities Community Television to help young people develop their storytelling skills. Natasha shared a fun creative comedy presentation that included a Rubik’s Cube!

After her performance, Dakota Bear (Dakk’One) shared a performance of one of his songs. Dakota has been a strong role model for a number of Indigenous youth in both Saskatoon and Vancouver, supporting them in applying for #RisingYouth grants for their project ideas. Dakota released a music video last year sharing the story of a project that he was involved in:

Dakk’One Produced this Music Video to showcase a #RisingYouth project supporting young mothers

We look forward to creating more opportunities in the future to highlight the contributions of the grantees we’re supporting through this program!
Azteco Partners with Pine
Tags: Inclusion, Consumer, Bitcoin, Retail, Banking

“Second Generation” or “Consumer Bitcoin” wallets are here, and one of the first and best is Pine, a new wallet developed by Timothy Engqvist Johansson.

A Little History…

Encryption in chat was brought to over 300,000,000 daily users through WhatsApp. Before that, the billions of messages sent by the vast majority of chat apps were easy to read in transit and not private.

There were a few previous attempts to encrypt chat through apps that worked as privacy tools, but it took a “Consumer Grade” messaging app to bring this essential feature to hundreds of millions of users.

The same effects will happen in Bitcoin services with, and it’s all about usability; an app or a class of “Consumer First” app will emerge that is designed to fit the needs of consumers, and that wallet and service will sweep the entire world as WhatsApp did.

What is Pine?

Pine is a Bitcoin App. Using Pine is beautifully simple. Get the app, select a username and you’re ready to start using Bitcoin.

That’s it.

Now watch how simple getting Bitcoin can be…