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Volunteer Scheduling Software | Colorado State University

Volunteer Spotlight: Mari Strombom

In 2001, the very first Colorado State University Diversity Summit was held, and lasted for only one day. In 2002 the Summit opened its doors to the CSU and Fort Collins Communities but still only took place for a day.

The 2004 Diversity Summit marked the first all-inclusive diversity conference with faculty, students, Front Range Community College, Aimes Community College, University of Northern Colorado, Athletics, Colorado State University Police Department, Poudre Valley Health Systems, Fort Collins Area Chamber, Northern Colorado Mortgage Company, and a State Representative presenting workshops or participating in events. As the evident need for discussion about Diversity at Colorado State University grew, the one day summit evolved into the three day conference that it is today.

 Over the years, conference themes have changed with the times to spark discussion about Diversity. Specially selected presenters lead workshops or host panels to create a safe place for conference attendees to explore issues surrounding race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, economical standing, and sexual orientation. Each Conference hosts inspirational and provocative guest speakers that address each theme. 

Today, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Mari Strombom, who uses VolunteerSpot's online signup sheets to organize volunteers for the annual Diversity Summit.

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Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs. 

Colorado State University hosts a 3 day long Diversity Symposium each year that includes multiple presentations each day as well as a keynote speaker one evening.  In order to make the Diversity Symposium run smoothly, we need a number of volunteers to staff the Symposium Information Booth (to check in presenters and volunteers), to host each sessions presented (introduce speaker, distribute and collect evaluations), and assist with seating logistics for the keynote speaker.

Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.
VolunteerSpot has made it incredibly easy to coordinate our volunteers. All I have to do is fill out our needs and then send an e-mail with a link to the sign-up page to volunteers from previous years as well as other areas of our University. Then I just monitor to see if the spots are filling up to know if I need to e-mail out further volunteer solicitations.

What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?

Your fields are limited, so be thoughtful about providing adequate information to your potential volunteers.  And don’t forget to thank them!

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

It was recommended to me by a colleague as a really good, free tool.  Our budget is very limited for the symposium – most of it goes to pay for the keynote speaker, so it was important to find a tool that didn’t add to our budget.  Once I looked at VolunteerSpot, I was sold as it was so easy to figure out and use.  This is the 3^rd year I’ve used it to coordinate our volunteers and I’ve enthusiastically recommended it to others.

To learn more, visit http://diversity.colostate.edu/symposium/

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We salute Mari and all the other volunteer leaders out there making a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].

Volunteer Recruitment

Show Volunteers How Easy It Is to Sign Up Online with VolunteerSpot

While free online sign up sheets make coordinating volunteers faster and easier, it is hard to save time if your volunteers are not totally on board with a new system.  Your inbox and voicemail may still fill up with volunteers who are just not comfortable with signing up online, or simply are too timid to jump in.  Ease everyone into efficiency with VolunteerSpot with these six tips:

1.  Sign up on the Spot!  Download VolunteerSpot's free iPad app, Clipboard, and sign volunteers up on the spot at your next meeting, community night, or practice.  Signing up with the app will still issue volunteers a confirmation message and introduce them to the system in a one-on-one way.  

2.  Introduce Them!  If paper sign ups and spreadsheets have been the norm for your organization, make a point to introduce VolunteerSpot to your group prior to inviting volunteers to sign up.  Whether it's in an introductory email or at the committee meeting, it won't take more than a handful of minutes to explain how the online sign up system works and to ask volunteers to keep their eyes peeled for email invitations.

3.  Show the video tour!  Embed the video tour with your activity links on your site, or simply email to volunteers with the sign up link - watching how the sign up works in a couple minutes will ease their fears and encourage more people to participate! Bonus: Address privacy concern by sharing VolunteerSpot's privacy policy and ensuring volunteers their information is completely secure.

4.  Get help!  Find a tech-timid volunteer who has signed up before with VolunteerSpot and ask them to spread the word and offer to help others who are afraid to jump in.  Their experience and perspective will help other volunteers realize how fast and simple it is!

5.  Detail the Steps!  List the sign up steps quickly with your invitation or introductory email - even something as simply as, "Click the gold Sign Up button to fill a spot," will help volunteers move quicker through the intuitive flow of the sign up.  Don't miss: Example Text When Inviting By Shareable Link

6.  Thank Your Volunteers!  When you let your volunteers know how much easier the coordination will be for you, the organizer, and them, they will certainly be more willing to give it a try and see how great signing up online is! 

Gifts for Teacher

Forget the Apples and Other Teacher Gift Ideas

By: Pernille Ripp of PernilleRipp.com (This post originally appeared on PoorOgRich)

Every holiday season without fail I pick up a well renowned women's magazine and find gift suggestion for teachers.  And every year I am surprised that magazines continue to perpetuate the myth that teachers like apples.  I am not sure what the history behind this supposed infatuation is, but I am here to say it is not true.  I like apples, don’t get me wrong, but I do not like apple-shaped things, no matter how expensive they are.  So upon some pushing from my husband and friends, I present to you some gift ideas for the teacher in your life.

First a note; this does not mean you need to buy teachers gift, I am not advocating that, this is merely a guide for those who do choose to give teachers presents.

First the don’ts:

• Stay away from the apples.  Some teachers do find apple shaped things cute, most don’t.  I am amazed at the sheer market of apple shaped things that are out there, who would have known that you could get a crystal encrusted hard perfume shaped like an apple for a mere $80.  No thank you.

• Be aware of scented things.  Some people are allergic to certain scents while others just have incredibly delicate noses, I fall in the latter category.  One year I witnessed a colleague receive an incredible gift set of lotions, candles, and home fragrance stuff, and while she was indeed incredibly grateful, the scent made her sneeze violently so much so that she ended up giving it away.  

• Say no to the lotion - unless you know the brand that they use.  I have been  to a fellow teacher’s house who had an entire cabinet of various lotions, so much lotion that she would never be able to use it all in her lifetime.  I like lotion but I am very picky with the one I use, back to the whole scent point, so these crazy gift-sets with all the body goodness?  Maybe not the best idea.

• Be wary of jewelry.  I know a lot of teacher with nickel allergy, myself included, which means that pretty much any jewelry that is not sterling silver or 14k yellow gold will give us a nasty allergic reaction (because of the nickel mixed in the metal to make it look like silver).  Therefore, jewelry is often not a great idea because we want to wear it to show our appreciation.  I have had friends that have gotten such bad rashes from their gratitude that they had to go to the doctor.

A note on handmade.  I like handmade things, if they are useful.  I once received a pair of hand-knitted socks and I use them every night for sleeping.  These socks remind me of the student and the care that they took to have their grandmother knit them for me.  I love those socks.  Handmade, however, should be something that can be used and not as a decoration.  I have a very sparse home and I feel incredibly guilty when I do not display things that have been made for me, however, I would never be able to relax in my own house if I did.  

So then the do’s:

• Do write a note.  Often this is the best present we can get.  If a teacher has shaped your life somehow or if you like what they are doing - tell them. This present beats all of the other presents hands downs every year.  I have half of a drawer filled with the notes I have received and I pull them out on days when I need a pick me up. .  They are treasured and so is the child or parent who wrote them.

• Giftcards.  I know this seems greedy and cold, but the gift-cards I get I most often use for things for the classroom.  Barnes & Noble means more books for the kids, Target means bins, pillows, and other things to make our room more useful.  Starbucks - yeah that’s to keep me awake and energetic.  And it doesn’t have to be anything big - again, teachers do not expect presents.  

• A Charitable Donation - Times are tough and budgets are slashed everywhere, so how about making a charitable donation in the teacher’s name?  You can pick the charity and just let them know.

• An Event.  I was once given a free babysitting of my daughter pass so that my husband and I could go on a date - that was incredibly thoughtful.  I have also seen teacher’s receive restaurant gift-cards or massage passes, trust me, those are appreciated so much.

• Something personal.  I know a teacher that loves Shakespeare so whenever her students’ are able to surprise her with something new for her collection she just beams.  Not all teachers have collections; I love scarves and have received beautiful scarves in the past, as well as other swoon-worthy things where I couldn’t believe that the parents and child knew so much about me.    

Finally, to repeat; teachers do not expect gifts.  Ever.  Some people choose to give gifts and it is for those people this post is written.  I know that my friends often call me to ask what they should get a special teacher in their lives and for them I wrote this post.  Keep it simple, keep it small, and keep it meaningful.  

 

 

Pernille Ripp is a passionate teacher that realizes she knows very little about teaching. A 5th grade teacher in Middleton, Wisconsin, USA, whose students are her greatest assets, and who continues to challenge herself and her students to be better and do more. The coming year promises to be one filled with even more technology, more honesty, and definitely even more learning. She muses on education on her blog “Blogging through the Fourth Dimension” and is the creator of the Global Read Aloud Project.

Fundraising Ideas

Bingo Basket Fundraiser! 

By: Carissa Rogers of GoodnCrazy.com

My elementary school hosts a FABULOUS FALL Carnival each year. (The magical part is that they hold it the week AFTER Halloween, which means kids can still dress up if they want but the stress of the holiday is passed). The teachers actually put the whole thing on and all funds raised go to classroom supplies and class trips. (The scarecrow at right is our School Principal- Ruth Krieger, dressed to IMPRESS!) One important part of the carnival—in addition to tickets, games, face-painting, cake walks and bounce housing—is the BINGO BASKET Fundraiser.

The Bingo Basket Fundraiser is held in the library a little bit apart from the rest of the chaos. And the regular tickets don’t work there. It’s a cash set up. You pay $5 per bingo card/game and 8-10 people play at once—with one or two winners per round.

What do you win? A Fabulous Basket filled with fun items donated by each classroom! You choose the basket you most want: Quiet Night at Home Kit? Pet Parade? Or will your kid force you to pick the Candy Colossus basket?

No matter the basket won, this fundraiser is a great way to raise money for your school and the kids LOVE to see the basket they helped create!

25 Bingo Basket Ideas | Divide up the baskets per class or one per several classes if needed!

1. 
   Camping Gear and Supplies
2. Pet Essentials and fun Treats for pooches and cats
3. Emergency Car Kit/ First Aid
4. Sundae Making Kit
5. Movie Night Madness
6. Pedicure/Manicure Supplies
7. Office Products
8. Coffee/Tea Collection
9. Puzzles/Games
10. Christmas Themed
11. Thanksgiving Baking Supplies
12. Friday Night at Home
13. Pancake/Breakfast
14. Birthday Party Kit
15. Scrapbook Surprises
16. Picnicking Stuff
17. Gardening Gear
18. Bath/Spa Items
19. College Colors—(If there are local college rivalries, ask kids to bring items for 2 different baskets one for each!)
20. Chocolate Explosion
21. Soup Making Set
22. Baking Basket
23. Reading/Books Quiet Moments
24. Candy Colossus!!
25. Travel Fun

Our fabulous Mrs. Strickland runs this portion of the school carnival fundraiser each year. And she just happens to be MY daughter’s teacher as well!  (My daughter is on the left in photo.)

Don’t Forget:

VolunteerSpot's free online sign up sheets help each class sign up for the gear in the basket donated for the Bingo game.  Parents can also contribute money with VolunteerSpot to the classroom fund!

 

 

 

 

About the author: 
Carissa Rogers is a VolunteerSpot team member and is a busy mom of 3. She blogs atGoodNCrazy.com and writes for other websites. When she’s not playing photographer, leading the PTO, or chasing kids to and fro she’s connecting, consulting, freelancing and lots of other -ings …a mom of all trades. Find her on Twitter asCarissaRogers.

VolunteerSpot Love

We are so THANKFUL for the amazing individuals and groups that are doing GOOD all over, and saving time with our free online sign up sheets.  We are thrilled to spotlight recent Thanksgiving feedback from a room mom who used VolunteerSpot in her classroom:

WOW!!!  ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!!!

If I wasn't a satisfied customer before (which I was), I definitely am now! I am the homeroom mom for my daughter's Kindergarten class, and am
organizing a Thanksgiving Day Feast.  The celebration consists of a craft and two games for 16 kiddos, and a "feast" for 32 kiddos.  In addition, they
are making cornbread and butter for the feast themselves during the day. Needless to say, I have many tasks that need to be done, and many items that need to be brought in for the special occasion.

I spent a little time organizing my thoughts, then went about creating my activity and its associated requests.  I did this very late one night when
the house was still and quiet.  IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS, I had almost all of the spots filled!  There were 16 parents that I invited to sign up, and 11
did so the very next day!  I was absolutely floored when I signed in to
check on the progress of the sign-ups!  I have no doubt that VolunteerSpot
is directly responsible for this!

As I sat and looked at the screen in amazement, I was struck by how much
time I was saved by this service.  If I had tried to take care of this the
"old fashioned way" (email), I would certainly have had to go back and forth
with multiple moms about who could do what, what tasks were already spoken
for, how many of what item was needed, if I needed any more/less of
something, when was everything needed by, and on and on and on.  Some people
don't use "reply all" even when it seems obvious that they should, but even
if they did, the back and forth would have been requisite.

I'm sure that each of my volunteers was saved time as well because all they
had to do was click a few times, rather than creating a whole new email
reply to me.  And let's not underestimate the power of convenience - how
many of these moms would have signed up (or at least signed up so quickly)
if they didn't have the access to everything right in front of them?  Seeing
everything laid out so easily makes them want to be a part of the
preparation in the ways that they can offer.

In short, LESS WORK FOR ME + LESS WORK FOR THEM = MORE VOLUNTEER SPOTS FILLED IN LESS TIME.  And what homeroom mom doesn't want that???

Thank you so much for such a great service!  I am a true believer!

~Julie Kerr, Pennsylvania

 

Kids & Gratitude

6 Big-Hearted Ways to Practice Gratitude

By: Sarah Aadland of Big Hearted Families

I feel like this time of year offers a very conflicted message about gratitude.

On the one hand, Thanksgiving is this bright, shiny, ready-made opportunity to celebrate the abundance in our lives. Next week (next week?!), at family gatherings all over the country loved ones will be counting their blessings as part of the pre-dinner roll call.

On the other hand, soon after that ritual stuffing of ourselves and its requisite post-dinner nap, we start another list: the holiday wish list. And now matter how kind-hearted we are, or how grown up we are, this activity gives us a huge case of the gimmes.

It’s an unfortunate juxtaposition, especially considering the latest research. Gratitude is a sure path to happiness, much more so than anything on that other list.  If you want to know more about the power of gratitude, check out Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude can Make You Happier by Robert A. Emmons.

 

Or if you are ready to get your family started on a year-round gratitude practice, here are 6 tips to get you started.

1.  Read: Our 5 Stories to Inspire Gratitude will help you start the conversation.

2.  Table Talk: Check out our printable Pithy Placemats for a simple way to inspire big-hearted dinner conversation with your littlest family members. Or get in the habit of asking Who have you helped today?

3.  Create: If your family is a fan of simple crafts, make a Gratitude Garland, Garden, or Tree to visually collect the many things, great and small, that make you thankful.

4.  Count: Try our simple Help the Hunger Month project. Make a daily habit of counting something you are thankful for (shoes, snacks, pillows, etc.) and putting that number of coins in a jar each day. Then donate the funds to a poverty relief organization.

5.  Write: A simple, sincere thank you brightens the day of someone who has done you a kindness. Plus, it gives you a small amount of time to really focus on your gratitude for that kindness. Pay particular attention to those easily over-looked people in your lives, like the particularly helpful cashier, your bus driver, or the waste disposal team in your neighborhood.

6.  Give: Temper the gimmes with generosity, not just during the holidays but all year round. Visit Big-Hearted Families to find our extensive list of project suggestions to find the perfect way to start your family’s tradition of service.

Whether you have five minutes or five hours to give, whether you have an infant or a teen, whether you are doing well or working hard to get by — your family has a contribution to make. And in the process, you’ll be teaching your children that giving back is a natural part of growing up.

Don't miss, on the Big-Hearted Families Blog: Top 5 picture book list on Thanksgiving.

What Teachers Want You to Know

Pre-School Confidential | Parenting Monday

By: Anonymous (This post originally appeared on Parenting.com)

My job is quite entertaining: I get to spend my days with your children, and they never fail to make me laugh. Sure, there are stumbling blocks, but the hurdles with the kids are usually surmountable. It's often you -- the parent -- who presents the biggest challenge. I know it's hard navigating the demands of school (I'm a mom, too), but here are a few things I'd love to tell you. You may find some hard to believe, but I guarantee you: I have made nothing up. Who could make up a frazzled working mom juggling so much that she put the entire jar of peanut butter in the lunch box?

Empty your child's backpack. Yes, it contains a lot of glue and glitter and unidentifiable objects, but your child worked hard on those projects and is proud of them. Even if you're going to toss it all in the trash as soon as you tuck him into bed (yep, I do this, too), at least pretend to be interested enough to look at it with your child.

Now that your child is verbal, it might be a good time to get a lock for your bedroom door and use it. Your son told his friends quite a story about his nighttime wanderings -- illustrated with our career dolls -- and it's really very awkward to have those images of Ms. Banker and Mr. Plumber flashing before my eyes every time I talk to you.

Don't ask me about any other children. If I tell you that your child is doing well on something, don't ask me if Julian is doing that, too. And don't ask me if your child is the smartest in the class. I won't tell you. Teachers prefer to compare a child's progress to himself, not others: Could he draw a face this well last fall? Could he sit still this long for a story two months ago?

I'm sure your child is gifted. My three children are all gifted, too. Shall I tell you all about them? In mind-numbing detail? Wait, I think I may have a video here on my phone that you can watch -- it's only 12 minutes long.

School clothes can -- and should -- be playclothes. Our job is to keep your children happy and inspired, which often involves getting messy. No one here will judge you unkindly if your child doesn't look like she just stepped out of a Polo ad.

About goodbyes: A kiss, hug, and "Have a super day!" is all that's needed. With the exception of the beginning of the year, when your child is still getting adjusted, you shouldn't linger. If your child likes to know his schedule, one additional line about what you'll do after school ("We'll go to the park") can be helpful. And please don't sneak out. Your child will become more desperate to catch you, which ups the stress factor enormously. It's better to make a clear departure, even if he cries, because then he knows what's going on, which helps him feel more in control of the situation.

Lice can happen to anyone. You needn't be embarrassed. Just let me know so I can prevent an outbreak.

I'd appreciate it if you don't send in talking toys. Perhaps you're hoping they'll get lost, and I'm right there with you. By the way, I can't stand SpongeBob's laugh. There's nothing you can do about that -- I just needed to say it.

You do not need to give me a holiday gift. I will love your child no matter what. But if you do:

Skip the regifted Santa that swivels his hips and plays "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" every time someone walks by. If funds are a problem, a nice note is always lovely.

If you give me baked goods, please don't tell me that your child helped make them. I bake with your children, too, and I know the secret ingredients that go into their recipes.

Gift cards are not impersonal -- they're wonderful. Even in very small denominations.

I really, really don't need any more scented candles.

Read the rest of this article over on Parenting.com

 

Post Courtesy Of

Volunteer Signup Sheets | Middle School in Okemos, MI

Volunteer Spotlight |  Bridget, Chippewa Parent Group, Okemos, MI

The motto of Chippewa School is "Together...Learning with Excellence, Inpsiring Learners for Life".  So, it's not surprising that the parents at Chippewa School, who are already very involved, jumped on the opportunity to make their volunteer experience even easier by using VolunteerSpot to coordinate the parents for the various activities. 

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Today, we salute Bridget, who is using VolunteerSpot's online signup sheets to organize volunteer parents throughout the entire school. 

Tell us about your role as a parent volunteer leader.

This will be my first time using Volunteer Spot as volunteer coordinator for the entire school. Volunteer Spot will make this much less time consuming than the many times I have held this position in the past!!!!! 

How do you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate your parent volunteers?

Parents receive a link from the school in their weekly emails informing them of upcoming opportunities. Parents sign up for what they would like to help with and a reminder email is automatically sent to them.

What other activities are you involved in as a volunteer or volunteer leader?

In the past I have organized Spaghetti Dinners, Fish Frys, carwashes, walk/run fundraisers, teacher appreciation week, teacher luncheons.

What’s one piece of advice you have for parent volunteers out there?

The money to upgrade will be worth the time you will save!!!!!

 Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

My friend, Janet found Volunteer Spot 2.5 years ago when she was the volunteer coordinator for our district's music fundraiser!

We had a record year and made over $20,000. for our school district's music programs in one night. The Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about your school, event, or volunteering?

Much of our district is using Volunteer Spot- Athletic Boosters, Music Patrons, band, choir, Parent Groups at the high school, and both middle schools

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We salute Bridget and all the other parents out there making a difference in our children's schools. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].

Family Volunteer Day is the Saturday Before ThanksGiving!

Thank you to Tymm Hoffman, Points of Light Senior Designer, for this inspiring and creative artwork - plan something extraordinary with your family for Family Volunteer Day - The Saturday before ThanksGiving!

Educating Through Entertainment: Sustainability & STEM

Don't Miss SocialGood.TV's First Interactive Panel for Parents & Teachers: 

Educating Through Entertainment: Sustainability & STEM!

Thursday November 15th at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Standard Time
(3-4 p.m. ET, 12-1 p.m. PT).
A livestream will be available to view and interact on http://www.socialgood.tv.

Follow SocialGood.tv on twitter and hashtag #SGTV

Join the panel of experts for an interactive Q & A, where they will pick people asking questions on Twitter (who also have Google+ accounts) and let them ask in the hangout.

On the panel:

Shira Lee Katz, Director of Digital Media, Common Sense Media

Pete Monfre, CEO of Exploration Nation 

Katelyn Wamsted, Director of Programs for Girl Start

Dr. James Elder, Exec. Director, Campaign for Environmental Literacy 

Stephen Vogelpohl of SocialGood.tv moderating

* * * * *

Panelists are providing study material, programming and outreach programs that are getting kids excited about learning again. Each of these panelists and their organizations are also helping parents do their part to ensure their children will play a role in leading tomorrow's economy and innovation while living a sustainable lifestyle.

The panel will run for approximately 45 minutes with another 15+ minutes of Q&A from the audience. You can follow the conversation by Tweeting using #SGTV and following @SocialGoodTV on Twitter. You are encouraged to ask our panelist questions on Twitter using #SGTV. If your though-provoking question is selected, we will send you an invitation to ask your question to our panelist during Q&A in our Google+ Hangout. You must follow @SocialGoodTV on Twitter and add our +Social Good TV (Google+ page) to participate in the Q&A. Instructions can be found on our website at http://www.SocialGood.TV/howtoengage at the bottom of the page.

DON'T MISS IT - THIS THURSDAY, NOV. 15TH!

 

Family Volunteer Ideas

Family Giving During the Holiday Season

Get out and give with your family this season!  There is no better way to wrap yourself in the true spirit of the season than by giving back and committing to service with the ones you love.  From the food bank to the piggy bank, there are plenty of places where GOOD can be done – check out 10 simple but motivating ideas to get your family serving others this season!

1. At the Food Bank: Find a local food bank and get hands on packing boxes and sorting food!  Don’t know where your local food bank is? Use FeedingAmerica’s Food Bank Finder!
 
2. With our Furry Friends: Kids love animals and what better way to teach compassion and responsibility than by volunteering at a local no-kill shelter or animal rescue?  Connect with your local ASPCA or use their online shelter finder to start getting involved.

3. From Home to School:  Haven’t had a chance to volunteer in your child’s class yet?  Make it a family affair to help out from home by making cut outs or prepping art projects for the holiday party.

4. Around the Neighborhood: Your entire family can lend a hand around the neighborhood – rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, organize a community clean up,

5. At Practice: Giving back can be as simple as showing a little appreciation – have your kids write a colorful thank you note or create a small token of appreciation for their Scout leader, coach or extra curricular leader and deliver at a practice/meeting.
 
6. In the Kitchen: Some of the best holiday memories are made cooking, creating and eating together with family.  Make your kitchen time even more special by baking special treats for a nearby children’s shelter or making an entire meal for

7. Around Town:   Attend local fundraisers as a family like holiday performances, charity gift sales, pumpkin patch fundraisers, you name it!  Supporting local causes helps kids develop a greater connection to their wider community and town.

8. Out of the Closet: The cold winter months remind us how lucky we are to have clothes and beds which keep us warm.  Help kids understand this is not the case for everyone and even gently used coats, jackets, scarves and blankets are much appreciated by those in need.  A winter sweep of your home could yield an inspiring trip to a local re-store or donation center.

9. In the Classroom: Encourage your child’s educational success by being a real presence in the classroom this season.  Volunteer to read a fun holiday book for story-time or help advise the much-anticipated holiday party!  Tip: Organize classroom volunteers with VolunteerSpot’s free online sign up sheets with automated reminders.

10. From the Piggy Bank: Encourage your kids to research and find a local charity to which they can donate their allowance, or where they can donate an item (toy or food) which they buy with their allowance.

Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

Disaster Relief Resources and Volunteer Scheduling

The devastating storm that affected so many people in the northeast continues to take its toll - but the empowering show of support by volunteers and those willing to help is inspiring.  If you are still looking for a way to make a difference, check out various organizations and online resources below - and coordinators, consider our free online sign up sheets for getting your volunteers organized to help!

Help with critical food purchases & distribution: Food Bank For New York City

Volunteer on the ground in NewYork:   NY Cares

Help from anywhere! Donate or give blood via the: Red Cross

Get news and updates from those on the ground via Sandy Sucks Tumblr.

Find Local Cleanup and Distribution Centers Here

Helping our furry friends in need! The Humane Society of the United States

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In disaster situations like Sandy, VolunteerSpot is typically used by churches and congregations, community groups and neighborhoods in organizing their secondary response and relief efforts.  Some examples: 

Faith groups sending clean up crews and collecting donations of food and supplies

Food pantries organizing meal brigades and donations

Neighborhoods organizing community watch volunteers and child care

Clinics coordinating health checks and tetanus shots

Shelters adding extra volunteers and calls for supplies

Students organizing fundraisers like bake sales, concerts and charity walks

Scout Troops collecting food, blankets, clothing and cash for victims

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If you know a group organizing relief efforts for those affected by Sandy, please share VolunteerSpot; we’re here to help you help more.  VolunteerSpot.com

Leave a comment on our facebook page if you are volunteering with the Sandy relief effort and let us know what you are doing! Please click here

 

photo courtesy of NY National Guard

Holiday Giving

Angel List & Giving Tree Sign Up Sheet

Holiday giving can easily get bogged down in the runaround - make your holiday giving project more about doing GOOD and less about endless phone calls and emails with free online sign up sheets and resources!

Online Sign Up Sheets let coordinators place all their needs in one place where volunteers can access, sign up, and receive confirmation and reminder emails regarding their commitments.

Interactive Comments let volunteers and organizers more readily communicate with one another in the online signup they have already created.  Leave notes, updates, and requests right on the calendar!

Collect Contributions makes it easy for volunteers to give money online - fast and secure - through your VolunteerSpot activity!

Clipboard by VolunteerSpot iPad app lets you sign up volunteers on the spot for all the items you need to fill your Angel List or Giving Tree.  Bring it up on your iPad at your next meeting, gathering, or practice!

VolunteerSpot Giving Tree Sign Up (Volunteer View with Contributions)

5 Tips for Organizing Your Angel List or Giving Tree Project:

1.  Connect with a local school, community children's organization or shelter and work with leaders to gather lists of deserving peoples, ages, needs and sizes.

2.  Inspire your community and get them excited about giving!  Promote your service project in the weeks leading up to it on your site, in your eNewsletter, worship bulletins, via social media - you name it.

3.  Give your givers at least two weeks after they have signed up for an item to give to turn in their merchandise and be clear whether you need it wrapped or not.

4.  Emphasize that givers need to tag their gifts with recipient name, age, and title of item so there are no discrpancies and confusion.

5.  THANK your givers and invite them to join in on delivery of the collected gifts to the receiving organization.

Bonus Tip: Host a wrapping party and invite volunteers to proudly wrap the donated gifts and sort them for giving!

 

New VolunteerSpot Feature | Interactive Comments

Leave an Interactive Comment or Note on Your Sign Up

Free online sign up sheets already streamline the coordination process for organizers scheduling volunteers - and now VolunteerSpot is stepping up overall communication with Interactive Comments!

Have you ever wished your volunteers could more easily let you know if they were gonna be late to a shift or were bringing pumpkin instead of apple pie to the potluck?  Forget filling up your inbox with outlying emails and rely on the free volunteer scheduling software you already use!

Small interactive comment bubbles by shift/task "Sign Up Here" buttons let volunteers AND organizer leave notes for the organizer and others!

Clicking the Interactive Comment bubble opens a pop up window where comments can easily be added, edited, or deleted.

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Once comments are left, the Interactive Comment bubble lists all comments along with which volunteer/organizer left them. Hover over the user icon on the left to see who left the comment.

*Note: Only the volunteer who left the comment and the organizer can delete a comment.  Comments are made readily available to organizers via the activity, reporting options and automated Comment updates sent via email.*