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A guide
for off-campus living
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Community Connections
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Volunteer and Service Learning Opportunities
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How do I get
experience without a job? How do I find more meaning and value in what I
do? These are questions posed by job seekers, those interested in a
career change and long-time employees who want something new without
leaving their current positions.
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One answer is volunteering. The new school year is a particularly good
time to think about volunteering for both personal and professional
reasons. One-time or ongoing volunteer opportunities exist on and off
campus -- maybe in your own community. Many community partners are
within walking distance -- in Dinkytown, Stadium Village, the West Bank
area and more.
You can even share this experience with friends and family members
so you don't need to spend time away from them. What's more, there is an
office on campus, the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC), that
can help. Read on for more information about volunteering and what CCLC
can do for you.
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Benefits of Volunteering:
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Try something new, with little risk and limited commitment.
It's a chance to try new skills without risking your job and income.
It also is a great way to gain experience in a field before
making a
career change.
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Receive formal and on-the-job training.
Many volunteer organizations provide initial and ongoing training.
Identify organizations that provide training in areas you want
to
develop.
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Boost confidence and self-esteem.
Volunteering helps you develop the confidence to try skills in other
arenas. Knowing your skills and contributions are valued can
boost your
confidence tremendously.
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Build contacts.
Volunteering can be an excellent way to demonstrate what you can offer
an organization. People you meet through volunteering may be
able to connect you with resources and job leads, and to vouch
for your
quality of work and character.
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Pursue activities of your choice.
Ask yourself what causes or issues matter to you. When you volunteer,
you choose what to pursue and how much time to devote.
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Be appreciated and recognized for your work.
Many organizations plan events to celebrate work done by their
volunteers. Volunteer coordinators or supervisors can provide
you with recommendation
letters documenting your involvement
and work. If a performance review is not a regular part of your
volunteer program, ask for one!
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Earn academic credit.
You can arrange to have a volunteer experience be a directed study and
receive additional academic credit for your work. You can also take
a service learning course, which combines academic theory with work
in the community. A list of those courses is available each semester
by calling CCLC or checking the Web site at
www.cclc.umn.edu.
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Finding a Volunteer Opportunity
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Tips for Success
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Think creatively.
Although most
of us picture volunteering as direct service,
agencies also need help in areas such as administration, grant
writing, computer programming, word processing and mentoring.
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Focus your efforts.
Identify
skills to develop and set specific goals. If your goal is
to develop networking contacts, find an agency where you can
work closely with other volunteers. Try to select volunteer
opportunities that stimulate you and give you energy.
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Choose a site carefully.
Agencies differ in the training they offer, the skills they
expect and the opportunities they provide. Be clear with the
volunteer coordinator about your goals and expectations, and
identify options together.
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Set up a realistic volunteer schedule.
With careful planning, volunteering can be part of even the
busiest schedule. Choose experiences that fit your lifestyle and be
candid about your time commitment. Then, stick to your limit.
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Expect the following:
Most agencies
will want to know more about your background,
qualifications and experiences. Expect to complete a volunteer
application form and to be interviewed. You may be asked to sign a
confidentiality statement, agree to a criminal
background check and/or receive training.
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Resources
The
CCLC can help you identify volunteer opportunities. For
more information call 612-626-2044, stop by the office at
345 Fraser Hall or check out the Web site at http://www.cclc.umn.edu.
For
other information about volunteering, try the United Way Volunteer Center
(612-340-7621) or check out the Employee Career Enrichment Program's home
page at http://www.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/ecep.html.
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Join Your Neighborhood Association
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South East Como Improvement Association (SECIA)
Mission: To maintain and enhance the physical, social and economic
environment of our neighborhood through:
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Programs that serve our community's present and future needs.
* Communication, stewardship and citizen involvement.
The
South East Como neighborhood is north of Dinkytown and the Marcy-Holmes
neighborhood. You live in the South East Como neighborhood if you live north
of the railroad tracks and south of East Hennepin Avenue; and between 11th
Avenue S.E. and the St. Paul border.
The
SECIA is located at:2010 E. Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN
55413
612-676-1731
secomo@secomo.org
, www.secomo.org
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How
to get involved:
Getting involved in the SECIA begins by working with neighbors who share
your interests. Anyone is welcome -- including students, homeowners and
business owners. Working with SECIA staff, there are several active
committees and neighborhood events where you can apply your skills and
engage your interests. Contact the resource center at 612-676-1731, or via
e-mail: secomo@secomo.org.
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SECIA committees:
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Gardening & Greening - Works on the public gardens and tree planting
projects in the Como area with the community garden organizer, Stephanie
Hankerson (gardens@secomo.org). Meets the third Tuesday of each month.
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Safety & Livability - Works to reduce the number of chronic noisy parties
and improve communications with the University and students. Meets the first
Monday of each month.
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Housing - Works to enforce inspections and run the home loan program with
resource center coordinator, Jennifer Lee (resource@secomo.org).
Meets the third Monday of each month.
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Resource Center - Plans community events and the highly successful
annual garage sale with resource center coordinator, Jennifer Lee
(resource@secomo.org). Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.
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Air Quality - Works with the environmental coordinator to mobilize
neighbors to act on a host of air quality issues. Meetings vary.
Contact Justin Eibenholzl at ec@secomo.org or 612-676-1731.
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Zoning - Reviews improvement plans to business and residential property.
Makes recommendations to the SECIA board on whether to support the
project as it moves through the city planning approval process. Meets the
second Tuesday of each month as needed.
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Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA): A residents group that
engages in projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of
Marcy-Holmes. The association welcomes students.
The neighborhood, which includes Dinkytown, has boundaries of the
Mississippi River, Central Avenue, Fifteenth Avenue S.E., East Hennepin
Avenue and the railroad tracks.
The
MHNA office is located at
1313 S.E. 5th St., #138,
Minneapolis, MN
55414.
612-379-3814
www.marcy-holmes.org
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You
should join the MHNA if you:
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Care about improving the neighborhood you live in.
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Want to meet a mix of interesting people who live nearby.
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Want to learn about city government and grassroots participation.
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Have an issue or concern you wish to convey to residents.
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Want to play a role in shaping your neighborhood's future.
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Have an interest in historic preservation, urban planning, community
arts or environmental issues.
It's also a great way to network and build your resume!
NOTE: Membership in the MHNA is free.
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MHNA meetings are held
the third Tuesday of every month (except December and July) at 7:30 p.m. at
University Lutheran Church of Hope. For more information on MHNA, upcoming
activities or to join, go to:
www.marcy-holmes.org.
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