Author Archives: J. Ashley Laux

Apply for the Spring Middlebury Alternative Break Trip!

Interested in cross-cultural experiences, education, human rights, or community service? Student service initiative Friends for Burma will be leading a Middlebury Alternative Break (MAlt) trip to do in-depth work with the Burmese refugee community in Burlington. Students will stay with Burmese families and do educational projects including teaching English, cooking, citizenship lessons, and activities with the kids.

Application: Spring 2013 Mini-MAlt Participant Application
Application Due Monday, March 4th via email to Forest Jarvis, fjarvis@middlebury.edu. Selected participants will be notified by Friday, March 8th
Trip dates: March 23 – 26.
Participant Fee: $25
*MAlt is supported by funds through the MAlt student organization budget
Questions? Contact Forest Jarvis MAlt participants and Burmese community 2

2/25 EIA Civic Engagement Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

EIA Civic Engagement
Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Nutrition Outreach and Mentoring (NOM) Info Session
Tonight Monday, February 25th 7:30 p.m. LaForce 121
NOM is aimed at creating community and connecting people through food and food education. Come have some homemade cookies and hear about what NOM is going to be up to this semester. We’ll have a brainstorm session about possible new directions for our Bridport elementary after school program as well as other opportunities for NOM to branch out! Bring any ideas for ways you might want to engage the community surrounding food education and/or mentoring and your enthusiasm for healthy food! If you can’t make it but still want to be involved, send an email to Carly Westling, nom.midd@gmail.com.

 Summer Internship Highlight: Addison County Poverty Internships
10 week paid  internships with the Open Door Clinic, John Graham Homeless Shelter, Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Info Session: Wed. 2/27 4:30p.m. Center for Education in Action (Adirondack House)
Application Deadline: March 11
Apply on MOJO: Go/mojo, more information listed here

Open Door Clinic Seeking Volunteer Medical Interpreters
As a free medical clinic serving uninsured and underinsured low income individuals in Addison County, we provide essential medical care to individuals of many backgrounds. Approximately 30% of our patients are Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients requiring assistance of medical interpreters to facilitate communication and thus insure high quality medical care. Although we have access to telephonic interpretation, we rely most heavily on volunteer medical interpreters available for in-person interpretation at clinics and referral appointments. The Open Door Clinic is located close to campus at Porter Hospital! Learn more about applying to be a Volunteer Medical Interpreter here.

Volunteer to be a 2013 Salamander Escort
Otter Creek Audubon Society will provide salamander escort coverage once again this spring at the Morgan Road site in Salisbury. On an ideal evening, wet and warm, this site can experience a thousand or more amphibians of seven species crossing from their wooded wintering sites to vernal pools where they breed. We will alert our 2013 email list between Monday, March 25th and Sunday, April 14th on nights when volunteer support is needed between 8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Volunteers arrive or leave when they wish, gathering data for an hour, possibly two. Please contact Warren King, orkinglet@together.net to sign on to the 2013 salamander volunteer email list.

Conference Opportunity: INSPIRE2013, presented by the Bonner Foundation and Siena College Academic Community Engagement
April 5-7, 2013 Siena College near Albany, NY
Inspire is a student-led conference that brings together over 300 people from the Northeast and across the country to engage in training and dialogue around Community Engagement and pedagogy through workshops, networking and national partner presentations. This conference will feature 4 elective workshops blocks and 5 tracks that will explore best practices and strategies in community engagement. More information here. EIA Civic Engagement has funding to support conference attendance (transportation, meals, lodging, registration fee) for four students. To learn more contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Page One
Page One is still looking for volunteers to lead reading programs with fun activities for local elementary school students! Email pageone@middlebury.edu to learn more and sign-up to volunteer from 2:30 – 3:30 on Tuesdays (adventure stories!) or Thursdays (classic fables!) at Salisbury Elementary School.

Monkton World Language Program: Volunteers needed
The Monkton Central School World Language Program has been in existence for about 10 years with great success. It introduces children from kindergarten through sixth grade to a different language and culture, an experience which, hopefully, will be continued during middle and high school. Middlebury College students teach various languages six times during the semester in an elementary classroom. If you are interested in teaching a language at Monkton, email coordinator Jennifer Stanley,  jstanley@wildblue.net.

Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

“Like” EIA Civic Engagement’s Facebook page here to receive opportunities and updates!

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

Apply: Paid Addison County Poverty Internships

Addison County Poverty Internships offer meaningful opportunities to spend summer fighting poverty in Vermont. This year the paid internships will take place at the John Graham Homeless Shelter, the Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the Open Door Clinic.

John Graham Homeless Shelter: The John W. Graham Emergency Shelter has provided food, shelter and hope to homeless individuals and families for thirty-one years. The Shelter offers its services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to individuals and families with children. Many are the hardest to house including survivors of abuse, violence and rape; people with disabilities; people in recovery; and people suffering with mental illness. The John Graham Shelter summer intern will be a key team player in providing food, shelter and hope to Addison County’s homeless population, with a special emphasis on helping the Shelter to manage its community mentor program.

Addison County Council Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: ACCADSV is a collaborative group of Addison County agencies that work together to prevent domestic and sexual violence through education and closing gaps amongst providers. Our mission is to promote and enhance the safety and well-being of all members of the Addison County Community. The intern will work with community agencies by serving on the Education Committee that plans programs and events to educate community members about issues of domestic and sexual violence. The intern will also have the opportunity to take WomenSafe training and participate in DV Solutions community programs.

Open Door Clinic: Open Door Clinic (ODC) is a free medical clinic based in Middlebury, VT, providing healthcare to low income, uninsured and underinsured Addison County adults. This full-time, 10 week internship experience will provide the intern with a unique perspective on healthcare, public health, and provision of services to marginalized and low-income communities. A particular focus of the internship will be on supporting the healthcare needs of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, especially Addison County’s Latino Farmworker population, through medical interpretation, document translation, and building culturally and linguistically appropriate local healthcare infrastructure.

How do I apply?
Find our more information and apply through MOJO! Log in here, search for “Addison County Poverty Internships,” and follow the instructions to submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript (can be unofficial). Applications are due on March 11, 2013. Interviews will be held in mid-March and successful applicants will be notified before spring break.

What if I have questions?
Attend the information session:
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.
Center for Education in Action (EIA) Library in Adirondack House
OR Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Benefits
Interns will earn $9.20 per hour, 35 hours per week. Students can choose to reside on campus for $100 per week, meal plan included.

Additional Poverty Internship Opportunity on MOJO (with funding opportunities available!)
Middlebury Community Care Coalition, Inc. (MCCC) – Farm-to-Plate Intern: MCCC is a volunteer, non-profit providing basic food and housing for local residents who need assistance. Community Lunch and Community Supper together provide over 18,000 meals each year, and with the participation of the Nash farm, as well as church, student and community organizations. The intern will gain firsthand experience in how food, housing and other poverty challenges of low-income families in Addison County are being supported, will learn operational and management aspects of a volunteer-based non-profit organization, and will gain experience in supporting the needs of members of our community who are housing or food insecure.

Open Door Clinic Spanish-English Medical Interpreters

The Open Door Clinic is seeking Volunteer Medical Interpreters. Read below for more information and a volunteer application. 

Dear Potential Volunteer:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Open Door Clinic.

As a free medical clinic serving uninsured and underinsured low income individuals in Addison County, we provide essential medical care to individuals of many backgrounds. Approximately 30% of our patients are Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients requiring assistance of medical interpreters to facilitate communication and thus insure high quality medical care. Although we have access to telephonic interpretation, we rely most heavily on volunteer medical interpreters available for in-person interpretation at clinics and referral appointments.

Please review the attachments below
 information before submitting a medical interpreter volunteer application.

VOLUNTEER MEDICAL INTERPRETER APPLICATION
Volunteer Medical Interpreter Position Description
Interpreter External Language Evaluation Form
Interpreter Application cover letter and instructions
Interpreter Language Skills Self Assessment Form

Because of the responsibility that interpreters have for insuring accurate understanding of medical conditions, procedures, and treatments, we require a relatively stringent screening process for potential volunteer interpreters. We are glad to train new interpreters in interpretation techniques and practices, but we require fluency in English and the target language before we can accept these new interpreter volunteers for training.

Please return the following application materials to Open Door Clinic by March 15, 2013:
• Medical Interpreter Volunteer Application
• Language Skills Self Assessment Form
• Names and contact information for two personal/professional references, ideally individuals who can comment on your experience in cross-cultural and/or other settings applicable to volunteer work as a medical interpreter
• Please have two individuals familiar with your non-native language skills submit language evaluation forms directly to Open Door Clinic using the enclosed postage prepaid envelopes. If you have formally studied this language within the past five years, at least one of these language evaluations should be from a language instructor.

After receipt of your application materials, an Open Door Clinic staff member will contact interpreter candidates to schedule a 20-30 minute phone interview conducted in English and/or your target language. There will be an April 6th training at UVM for interested applicants. Please do not hesitate to contact Kay with questions about Open Door Clinic, medical interpretation and/or medical interpreter application, screening, and training.

Thank you again for your support of our community and assistance in ensuring quality healthcare for all.

Sincerely,

Kay A. Freedy
Outreach Coordinator
outreach.opendoor@gmail.com

2/18 EIA Civic Engagement Weekly Volunteer Service Opportunities

Monkton World Language Program Info Session
Tonight Monday, February 18th 6:30 p.m. Twilight 201
The Monkton Central School World Language Program has been in existence for about 10 years with great success. It introduces children from kindergarten through sixth grade to a different language and culture, an experience which, hopefully, will be continued during middle and high school. Middlebury College students teach various languages six times during the semester in an elementary classroom. To learn more attend the information session or contact Jennifer Stanley,  jstanley@wildblue.net.

Student position open on the HOPE Board of Trustees, Application due today (2/18)
HOPE seeks to reduce the effects of poverty in Addison County. While the delivery of essential services (food, fuel, housing) is their main focus, HOPE also strives to provide residents with the tools and resources necessary to meet their own needs. HOPE is currently seeking one Middlebury College student to serve on their Board of Trustees, ideally for a two year term. Board members meet once a month (generally the last Wednesday each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.) and serve on one Board committee. Through serving as a HOPE board member the student will gain insight into non-profit administration and practical experience around issues facing Vermont non-profits. To apply for this position please email Chair of the Board Becky Dayton, bhdayton@gmail.com. Applicants should send paragraph statement of why they are interested in the position along with a resume. First-year students encouraged to apply.

Volunteer at the Vergennes Opera House Saturday 2/23
Having hosted political rallies, town meetings, and theatrical performances, the Opera House is dedicated to preserve the historic Vergennes Opera House as a center for the presentation of arts and activities that celebrate a sense of community. Help continue this mission by cleaning up, repairing chairs and repainting walls at the Vergennes Opera House with the Volunteer Services Organization on Saturday, February 23rd at 10:15 am at Adirondack Circle. Please RSVP to vso@middlebury.edu with your name and cell phone number.

Friends for Burma: Interested in joining Friends for Burma, a student group working with Burmese refugees in Burlington? Activities include (but not limited to) adult citizenship and ESL workshops and children’s fun activities (ice skating, bowling, and more). To get involved find us at the Midd Activities Fair on Friday 2/22 or email burmington@gmail.com.

MiddBuddies: For the Spring Semester we are looking for a few dedicated volunteers who have free time either 2-3pm on Tuesdays, 2-3pm on Fridays, or 12-2pm on Fridays. We will be working with, tutoring, playing sports with and helping the Middlebury Union High School special education students with their homework and other activities. WE need volunteers who could commit to one to two hours every week during the spring. Volunteers with access to cars are especially needed! Interested? Contact Faith Whang, fwhang@middlebury.edu.

Charter House Homeless Shelter: The Charter House winter housing facility serves as a shelter staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers who provide a warm, welcoming environment for families in stress. This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity for students interested in social work, medical professionals, and human services. Contact James McMillan ’14, jmcmillan@middlebury.edu, to learn about upcoming trainings and more information.

Habitat for Humanity Build 2/23: Join Habitat for their Saturday Build. There will be a shift from 8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and a shift from 12:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (departing from Adirondack Circle). Volunteers should wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty or painty. Sign up to participate here! Questions? Contact humanity@middlebury.edu.

Page One: Do you love reading, children, and volunteering? Page One seeks volunteers to co-lead programs in local schools! Contact pageone@middlebury.edu for more information.

Help a Middlebury College Community member: Finite Math Tutor needed
Volunteer to tutor a Middlebury College staff member who is taking a community college course in Finite Math. The staff member would like to meet with a student weekly on campus for assistance with math concepts. Interested? Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Become a Reading Buddy!
Bridport Central School seeks Reading Buddy volunteers who can commit to one hour each week reading one-on-one with a preschool student and completing a literacy related activity sometime Mondays-Thursdays between 9:00-2:30. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Beth Bearor, Preschool Teacher, bbearor@addisoncentralsu.org.

Mandarin and Spanish Speakers: Volunteer Interpreter position open
Fluent volunteer interpreters (Chinese/ Mandarin/Spanish) needed to support the Addison Central Supervisory Union’s (ACSU) Family Wellness Program (FWP). While the FWP is interested in all aspects of family health and wellness, emotional-behavioral health is a strong area of focus; work is confidential in nature and may involve working collaboratively with such partnering agencies as the Addison County Parent/Child Center, connecting families to useful supports. Time commitment will vary based on family needs, but should not entail more than one-two hours/week over the course of several weeks. Interested? Contact ACSU Family Wellness Coordinator, Ulti Danforth, udanforth@addisoncentralsu.org, (802) 382-1767. If you would like to pursue this volunteer opportunity and need access to college vehicles for transportation, contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

2013 Vermont Chili Festival Volunteers Needed
March 9, 2013 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Downtown Middlebury
Sign up for volunteer shifts here

Volunteer for a shift at the 2013 Vermont Chili Festival doing tasks such as token collection, hot chocolate sales, and event set up. This event includes activities for all ages and award-winning chili, located all on the streets of historic downtown Middlebury. As a thank you for offering your time you will receive a volunteer hat and one button for admission.

Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

“Like” EIA Civic Engagement’s Facebook page here to receive opportunities and updates!

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

2/11 EIA Civic Engagement Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

Student position open on the HOPE Board of Trustees, Apply by 2/18
HOPE seeks to reduce the effects of poverty in Addison County. While the delivery of essential services (food, fuel, housing) is their main focus, HOPE also strives to provide residents with the tools and resources necessary to meet their own needs. HOPE is currently seeking one Middlebury College student to serve on their Board of Trustees, ideally for a two year term. Board members meet once a month (generally the last Wednesday each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.) and serve on one Board committee. Through serving as a HOPE board member the student will gain insight into non-profit administration and practical experience around issues facing Vermont non-profits. To apply for this position please email Chair of the Board Becky Dayton, bhdayton@gmail.com. Applicants should send paragraph statement of why they are interested in the position along with a resume. First-year students encouraged to apply.

2/15 Chaperones needed for Addison Central Teen’s “House Bounce” dance
Looking for volunteers to chaperone our House Bounce dance on Friday, February 15 from 8 pm to 11 pm., with two volunteers shifts from 7:45 to 9:45 pm or 9:30 to 11:15 pm. House Bounce is a mixture of normal dance music for the first half of the dance, ending with dub-step and techno music. Three local teens will dj with the help of ACT’s board member Chuck Root (DJ Dizzle). Sign up for a shift by contacting Teen Center Co-Director Jutta Miska, jutta@addisonteens.com

Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Trip: February 15th application deadline
Middlebury College’s Habitat for Humanity will be headed to York, Pennsylvania in March to build, construct, and have a meaningful break experience! More detailed information regarding the trip and the application are located here.

2/12 College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering spring semester get prepared by taking this class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs.  REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience.  To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: Tuesday, February 12th noon – 2pm           


Interested in art, photography, or computer sciences? Like to help others?
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes is looking for a few college volunteers to help with an upcoming Clay-Mation project. Students in grades 5-8 will be working to make a Clay-Mation short film, and will need help with photography, editing, designing—you name it! No formal experience necessary, only a willingness to help out and have fun. Transportation available, and added support as needed! For more information, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Help a Middlebury College Community member: Finite Math Tutor needed
Volunteer to tutor an international Middlebury College staff member who is taking a community college course in Finite Math. The staff member would like to meet with a student weekly on campus for assistance with math concepts. Interested? Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Bridport Central Elementary School: host an after-school club
Bridport Central School (only 10 miles away from Middlebury!) is seeking volunteers to lead an after school club for elementary school students one afternoon a week from 2:25-3:40 p.m. for 6 weeks this spring. You pick the topic – creative ideas welcome! Previous clubs have included card games, running, chess, jump rope, yoga, crafts, etc. Deadline is February 15. Consider involving your athletic team or student organization in planning a club together! Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, for a short application and more information. Funds can be provided for transportation and club supplies.

Monkton World Language Program Info Session
Monday, February 18th 6:30 p.m. Twilight 201
The Monkton Central School World Language Program has been in existence for about 10 years with great success. It introduces children from kindergarten through sixth grade to a different language and culture, an experience which, hopefully, will be continued during middle and high school. Middlebury College students teach various languages six times during the semester in an elementary classroom. Read an information sheet about the program here. To learn more attend the information session or contact Jennifer Stanley,  jstanley@wildblue.net.

Page One Information Session
Wednesday, February 13 7:00 pm, Ross B11
Do you love reading, children, and volunteering?  Come check out student organization Page One for a great volunteer opportunity in local schools! Questions? Contact pageone@middlebury.edu.

MiddView Trip Leader application still open Apply now at go/lead
Move in early to campus. Participate in leader training at the beautiful Common Ground Center. Lead a group of incoming first-year students on an outdoor trip, Vermont Explorations, or Community Engagement trip (Social Justice! Food Security! Youth Programs!). Return to campus before classes start. What a great opportunity – apply today.

Become a Reading Buddy!
Bridport Central School seeks Reading Buddy volunteers who can commit to one hour each week reading one-on-one with a preschool student and completing a literacy related activity sometime Mondays-Thursdays between 9:00-2:30. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Beth Bearor, Preschool Teacher, bbearor@addisoncentralsu.org.

Mandarin and Spanish Speakers: Volunteer Interpreter position open
Fluent volunteer interpreters (Chinese/ Mandarin/Spanish) needed to support the Addison Central Supervisory Union’s (ACSU) Family Wellness Program (FWP). While the FWP is interested in all aspects of family health and wellness, emotional-behavioral health is a strong area of focus; work is confidential in nature and may involve working collaboratively with such partnering agencies as the Addison County Parent/Child Center, connecting families to useful supports. Time commitment will vary based on family needs, but should not entail more than one-two hours/week over the course of several weeks. Interested? Contact ACSU Family Wellness Coordinator, Ulti Danforth, udanforth@addisoncentralsu.org, (802) 382-1767. If you would like to pursue this volunteer opportunity and need access to college vehicles for transportation, contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

2013 Vermont Chili Festival Volunteers Needed
March 9, 2013 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Downtown Middlebury
Sign up for volunteer shifts here

Volunteer for a shift at the 2013 Vermont Chili Festival doing tasks such as token collection, hot chocolate sales, and event set up. This event includes activities for all ages and award-winning chili, located all on the streets of historic downtown Middlebury. As a thank you for offering your time you will receive a volunteer hat and one button for admission.

Middlebury Studio School: Children’s Pottery Class Helpers needed
Volunteers with some art experience are needed to help with children’s pottery classes at the not-for-profit Middlebury Studio School either from 3:30-4:30 or 3:30- 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Interested? Contact Barb, ewaldewald@aol.com.

Mentors needed! Make a difference!
Middlebury Union High School is launching its mentoring program. Pairing high school freshmen with college students, the program will be the first of its kind in Vermont! Pairs will meet weekly to do a variety of activities based on shared interests—go to a hockey game, explore town! Endless possibilities await. No formal experience necessary, transportation available if needed. Training and strong support will be provided for all mentors. To find out more, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Have a passion for food? Join NOM
NOM (Nutrition, Outreach, and Mentoring) is seeking more willing volunteers to plan and participate in group activities. In the past, NOM has led cooking nights at the local teen center, and nutrition workshops at local schools. Have an interest in local food and or whole, healthy eating? Come share your passions with others, and with the community at large. Plenty of opportunities available, funding provided for programming! For more information, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

 

“Like” EIA Civic Engagement’s Facebook page here to receive opportunities and updates!

Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

Apply for the Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Trip!

Asheville Habitat trip March 2012 4The application for the Middlebury College chapter of Habitat for Humanity’s Spring Break trip is now available! Here is a message from Habitat:

“We will be traveling to York, Pennsylvania at the end of March. Get ready to build, make new friends, and have a marvelous time. The leaders for the trip will be Adam Schiff and Katharine Reineman (both ’15).  More detailed information regarding the trip is available in the Habitat Spring Break 2013 Trip Application. The application will be due by 5:00 on Friday, February 15 by e-mail to Katharine (kreineman@middlebury.edu). Any questions–just ask Adam (aschiff@middlebury.edu) or Katharine (kreineman@middlebury.edu).”

EIA Civic Engagement 1/28 Volunteer Service Opportunities

MiddView Trip Leader Application Due Wednesday (1/30): Apply now at go/lead
Move in early to campus. Participate in leader training at the beautiful Common Ground Center. Lead a group of incoming first-year students on an outdoor trip, Vermont Explorations, or Community Engagement trip (Social Justice! Food Security! Youth Programs!). Return to campus before classes start. What a great opportunity – apply today.

Want to learn how to design your own service project? Come to our Service Cluster Board Workshop
Today
(1/28) 5:15 p.m. Ross B11
SCB is pleased to present a workshop for students interested in organizing their own service project or initiative in the Middlebury community and beyond! Come with your ideas and with your questions about navigating the process of creating a service project, applying for funding, and building a strong, sustainable volunteer base. Questions? Contact scboard@middlebury.edu.

 Attend an Addison County Farm-To-School Salon over February Break
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 5-8 p.m. Alternative Education Building, MUHS
RSVP: Lea at lea@acornvt.org or 382-0401
Farm-to-School organizations are popping up around the state—how can we in Addison County work together so we’re not reinventing the wheel? How can we encourage more people to get involved in Farm-to-School here and reap the benefits for themselves and their communities? This salon will serve as an initial conversation between all interested parties on the status of regional farm-to-school programs and useful collaborations going forward. Come with questions, ideas and resources, and meet new people passionate about this topic. Salons are free, but please bring a potluck dish to share. Space is limited—RSVP early!

 Become a Reading Buddy!
Bridport Central School seeks Reading Buddy volunteers who can commit to one hour each week reading one-on-one with a preschool student and completing a literacy related activity. Seven volunteers are needed on Tuesdays from 9:45-10:45 and five volunteers are needed on Thursdays from 12:15-1:15. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Beth Bearor, Preschool Teacher, by e-mail at bbearor@addisoncentralsu.org or by phone Monday-Thursday at 758-2331.

Want to make MONEY driving home to Boston and/or back for Feb Break? Help out a MAlt trip and get paid doing it!
Needed:
A student to drive MAlt participants to Boston on the January 2nd and back to Middlebury on the January 9th. Even if you can only drive one direction we are interested! You will be paid $10/hr, $0.40/mile (for gas), and the love of all MAlt participants. Email czelle@middlebury.edu if you are interested. THANK YOU!

2013 Vermont Chili Festival Volunteers Needed
March 9, 2013 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Downtown Middlebury
Sign up for volunteer shifts here

Volunteer for a shift at the 2013 Vermont Chili Festival doing tasks such as token collection, hot chocolate sales, and event set up. This event includes activities for all ages and award-winning chili, located all on the streets of historic downtown Middlebury. As a thank you for offering your time you will receive a volunteer hat and one button for admission.

Middlebury Studio School: Children’s Pottery Class Helpers needed
Volunteers with some art experience are needed to help with children’s pottery classes at the not-for-profit Middlebury Studio School either from 3:30-4:30 or 3:30- 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Interested? Contact Barb, ewaldewald@aol.com.

Student Presentation Opportunity: Champlain Valley Agency on Aging
Champlain Valley Agency on Aging is seeking passionate students to share a 60-minute presentation with 30-40 elderly community members on the 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 11a.m. – noon in the Middlebury Municipal Building (a short walk from campus!). In the past presentations have ranged from slideshows of international trips, a brass quartet, discussions with Senator Sanders. Specifically they are interested in having students come share knowledge of their home country, its traditions, cultures, etc. Students can participate in the meal and dialogue after their presentation! Interested? Contact Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

 Native Spanish speaker? Interested in education?
Consider being a mentor for a local Spanish-speaking boy or girl! Community Friends, a campus-based mentoring program that matches Middlebury College students with children of Addison County ages six to twelve, is seeking willing volunteers of Latino ethnicity to be a mentor for either a local Spanish-speaking girl or boy. Take him or her to a hockey game, talk about the world while taking a walk! The possibilities are endless! You could be an important part of these children’s lives by simply meeting up and being yourself on a regular basis! Flexible meeting times, no car required, and alternate ways of transportation are available at no cost. For more information about the program, or to apply to be either one of these or another child’s mentor, please visit our website (go/cf), get in contact with a student coordinator or contact Nestor Martinez ’10 (nmartinez@middlebury.edu).

Still looking for mentors!
Middlebury Union High School is launching its mentoring program. Pairing high school freshmen with college students, the program will be the first of its kind in Vermont! Pairs will meet weekly to do a variety of activities based on shared interests—go to a hockey game, explore town! Endless possibilities await. No formal experience necessary, transportation available if needed. Training and strong support will be provided for all mentors. To find out more, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Have a passion for food? Join NOM!
NOM (Nutrition, Outreach, and Mentoring) is seeking more willing volunteers to plan and participate in group activities. In the past, NOM has led cooking nights at the local teen center, and nutrition workshops at local schools. Have an interest in local food and or whole, healthy eating? Come share your passions with others, and with the community at large. Plenty of opportunities available, funding provided for programming! For more information, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

1/21 Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

“Like” EIA Civic Engagement’s new Facebook page here to receive opportunities and updates!

Share your love for Middlebury!
Looking for two current undergrads to attend an informal session for local high school students applying to college Tuesday January 22nd 2013 (tomorrow!) between 11:00 and 11:45 AM. Students will be visiting campus alongside fellow Middlebury alum and teacher Lindsay Rudaya  as part of their junior / senior high school class and are looking to get information on Middlebury, from everything to its food, classes, professors, etc. Come share your enthusiasm for Middlebury and your passion with these students. If you’re interested or to find out more, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

 Charter House Homeless Shelter Volunteer Info Session
Sunday, January 27 at 5:15 p.m. in Gifford Classroom
The Charter House winter housing facility that serves as an emergency home staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers who provide a warm, welcoming environment for families in stress. Attend this training to learn more about volunteering at the Charter House over J-Term and Spring Semester. Contact Charlotte Zelle, czelle@middlebury.edu if you have any questions.

Native Spanish speaker? Interested in education?
Consider being a mentor for a local Spanish-speaking boy or girl! Community Friends, a campus-based mentoring program that matches Middlebury College students with children of Addison County ages six to twelve, is seeking willing volunteers of Latino ethnicity to be a mentor for either a local Spanish-speaking girl or boy. Take him or her to a hockey game, talk about the world while taking a walk! The possibilities are endless! You could be an important part of these children’s lives by simply meeting up and being yourself on a regular basis! Flexible meeting times, no car required, and alternate ways of transportation are available at no cost. For more information about the program, or to apply to be either one of these or another child’s mentor, please visit our website (go/cf), get in contact with a student coordinator or contact Nestor Martinez ’10 (nmartinez@middlebury.edu).

Relay for Life Kick-Off 1/23 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Relay for Life will be having their first KICK-OFF of the year this Wednesday January 23rd in Crossroads Cafe! Come by to register for the big event, which will be held April 26th. There will be a free ICE CREAM BAR and lots of fun Relay committee members to talk to. If you or anyone you love has ever been affected by cancer, you know the importance of keeping up the fight. Join us! Questions? Contact relayforlife@middlebury.edu or visit go/relay.

January 24: College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering in J-Term and spring semester get prepared by taking this class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs.  REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience.  To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: January 24 3:30p.m. (LaForce 121).

Still looking for mentors!
Middlebury Union High School is launching its mentoring program. Pairing high school freshmen with college students, the program will be the first of its kind in Vermont! Pairs will meet weekly to do a variety of activities based on shared interests—go to a hockey game, explore town! Endless possibilities await. No formal experience necessary, transportation available if needed. Training and strong support will be provided for all mentors. To find out more, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Spring-Semester + Summer Orientation Trips Internship: Apply today
Work with the College’s first-year orientation team to help plan and deliver MiddView (Middlebury Volunteer Initiatives, Explorations, and the Wilderness) trips. The trips are an integral part of our orientation efforts, and include three day, two night off-campus opportunities to engage in some aspect of Vermont’s cultural, community or outdoor landscapes. There are two positions available, one focusing primarily on the outdoor adventure-themed trips and one on community engagement and Vermont Explorations trips. Commitments commence in J-Term, with an average of 5-10 hours per week through the spring term. The position will then be extended through the summer, during which the typical workweek will be 37.5 hours. View the full position description and apply here.

Have a passion for food? Join NOM!
NOM (Nutrition, Outreach, and Mentoring) is seeking more willing volunteers to plan and participate in group activities. In the past, NOM has led cooking nights at the local teen center, and nutrition workshops at local schools. Have an interest in local food and or whole, healthy eating? Come share your passions with others, and with the community at large. Plenty of opportunities available, funding provided for programming! For more information, please contact Nestor Martinez at nmartinez@middlebury.edu or at 802.443.3010.

Sign up: Ski and Ride for HOPE
Sunday, February 24, 2013 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rikert Nordic Center &  Middlebury College Snow Bowl
A fundraiser bringing skiers, x-country skiers and boarders together to raise money for HOPE, Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects. For more information, registration & sponsor form go to www.hope-vt.org

Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

1/7 Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

“Like” EIA Civic Engagement’s new Facebook page here to receive opportunities and updates!

United Way Community Impact Volunteers Needed
United Way is seeking three Middlebury College students to serve as Community Impact Volunteers, participating in a community grant process as part of an impact team in the areas of Health, Education or Financial Stability. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience reviewing grants, learn about non-profit administration, and build relationships with local community members. Deadline to sign-up is Tuesday, January 8th. Click here to learn more.

Calculus I tutor needed
A volunteer is needed to tutor a high school student for in Calculus I at the Middlebury Union High School Learning Lab. The student is available between 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and could meet 1-2 times per week based on your schedule. Interested? Contact Tammi Beattie, tbeattie@addisoncentralsu.org.

Shepherd Poverty Internship Info Session
Thursday, 1/10 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 1/11 2:30 p.m. EIA, Adirondack House Rm. 218
Shepherd Poverty Internship Program Info Session: Learn about the exciting (paid) Shepherd Internship Program, uniting students (including up to 5 from Middlebury) from nearly 20 member institutions with agencies that work to benefit disadvantaged communities and members of society. Learn first-hand about the multiple dimensions of poverty in the U.S., while working in an agency focusing on either education, healthcare, legal services, housing, hunger, social and economic needs, or community-building efforts. Nearly 20 Midd students have participated since 2005! Questions? Contact Tiffany Sargent, tiffanys@middlebury.edu.

January 9th: College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering in J-Term and spring semester get prepared by taking this class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs. REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience. To sign up email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: January 9th 9-11a.m. (Mitchell Green Lounge).

Interested in getting involved in the local community? Have a passion you’d like to share with another? Consider being a mentor!

Community Friends, a one-on-one based mentoring program that pairs college students with local children ages 6-12, is particularly looking for more male volunteers to be paired with a local boy! Play a sport together, go to a hockey game, eat in the dining hall! The possibilities are endless. No requirements aside from showing up and being yourself. Funding and help with transportation available. With questions or to find out more, email Nestor Martinez, Mentoring and Youth Programs Coordinator: nmartinez@middlebury.edu.

Elder Care Volunteer Opportunity
Living Well Community Care Home seeks a volunteer to help develop a simple Apple Mac Desktop user manual to help residents navigate different parts of the computer and explore programs like iPhoto as well as incorporating unique needs of residents (visuals, bold print, large type, etc.). The student will learn how to communicate technical knowledge to elderly people who face visual, cognitive, and physical challenges. This will be a great opportunity for students to learn more about the aging process and how to educate someone about concepts and ideas at a very basic level. Interested? Contact Sudeshna Trivedi, Volunteer Development Coordinator, sudeshna.trivedi@gmail.com.

Have an interest in education, and want to explore it further? Enjoy working with others?
Consider being a mentor for a local high school teenager! Middlebury Union High School is ready to kick off its mentoring program, which aims to pair Middlebury College students with local high school student. Be a resource for youth by providing support to graduate and helping them build their own post-graduation plans. No formal requirements! Be part of a program that will be the first of its kind in the state of Vermont! For questions or more information, please contact Nestor Martinez at 802.443.3010 or at nmartinez@middlebury.edu.

Local VITA volunteers needed
You can make a difference. Receive training and then provide important help assisting low income people prepare their tax returns and receive valuable benefits for which they may qualify!
Addison Community Action is a branch of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) providing a variety of free services to help meet the needs of low income people throughout Addison County. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, helps low income households prepare their tax forms from February 1st – April 15th. In order to be a volunteer, you must become IRS certified by passing a test which the IRS provides. The level of training determines the level of tax preparation that you will be able to do when preparing returns at the sites. There is a test for each level that will make you “IRS Certified” to prepare taxes. We also require you to take training in the state tax law and practice with the software. In addition, there is an online training tool for federal tax only. Students are required to complete 40 hours of tax preparation throughout the filing season. Ideally, all 40 of these hours will be spent working directly with clients to prepare their tax return. Students may also be asked to review each other’s work. We know of taxpayers using their refunds to pay for car repairs, security deposits, to stabilize their housing, pay off credit card debt, open savings accounts (we offer this on site), and to purchase savings bonds (we also offer this on site). Interested?! Contact Ashley Calkins, Civic Engagement, Center for Education in Action, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Henry Sheldon Museum Volunteers
The Henry Sheldon Museum is seeking volunteers to serve as Education Program Assistants. Volunteers would help prepare educational materials, help with special events, and present Museum programs to students in grades K-12. Volunteers should have some sewing, crafting and computer skills. For more information contact Associate Director Mary Manley, (802)388-2117, mmanley@HenrySheldonMuseum.org.

Support the Middlebury Alternative Break Trip Fundraisers!

MAlt Grille Delivery: Sunday-Thursday during J-Term 9:00 p.m. to Midnight, CALL (802)443-5014
MAlt Puerto Rico Battle of the Bands: Friday, January 11, 2013 9-11pm Crossroads Cafe
Apply to the Flex Fund to finance your initiatives!
Whether it is transportation expenses, pumpkins to carve with Porter hospital residents, or turkeys to cook at the local shelter, we want to help you serve others. Visit go/funding to find our application under Civic Engagement Funding. Email scboard@middlebury.edu for more information.
Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099

Ashley Calkins ‘06
Community Engagement Coordinator
Center for Education in Action: Careers, Fellowships, Civic Engagement
Middlebury College | Middlebury, VT 05753
802.443.3099 | go.middlebury.edu/eia