Job Post

This in from Shannon Skye...

The Washington Service Corps (WSC) is offering a leadership opportunity for AmeriCorps members interested in developing their service leadership skills. During the 2006-2007 service year, the WSC AmeriCorps Leader will focus on member development assistance, planning, training and systemic improvements for the civic engagement initiative and the Washington Reading Corps (WRC). The WSC operates a statewide, multi-site AmeriCorps program with over 700 members. As the AmeriCorps Leader, you will have an opportunity to:

• Facilitate networking and collaborative opportunities with WSC members, community service providers, and the Washington Leader Corps.
• Support WSC’s goal to train and coach members in the concepts of civic engagement, facilitation of civic activities and implementation of curriculum to youth.
• Promote WSC civic engagement efforts by assisting sites and partners in the development of projects that target youth citizenship.
• Support WRC members, school supervisors, and project coordinators in understanding and improving program objectives and evaluation processes.
• Provide resources and recognition to members and WRC programs through marketing, including the WRC newsletter.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a term of service as an AmeriCorps or VISTA member
• Commitment to serve the full term of service, September 2006-July 2007

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong public speaking, facilitation and public relations abilities
• Familiarity with facilitating civic engagement concepts to youth
• Completion of the WSC “Roadmap to Civic Engagement” or similar civic engagement curriculum
• Experience with reading tutor programs for young children in public schools
• Computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, publishing programs and database management

Benefits

• A monthly living allowance of $1,600
• Health care benefits
• A $4,725 post-service education award
• Attendance at one out-of-state National Service training event
• WSC will develop goals and activities that will allow the Leader to build from his/her formal and informal training through attendance at AmeriCorps Leader service-leadership training.

To Apply
Complete a letter of interest describing your qualifications as they relate to the Leader position and an AmeriCorps application. To request an AmeriCorps application, or for further information contact Sandie Peterson at 1-888-713-6080, or download the AmeriCorps application at http://www.wa.gov/esd/wsc.. Completed applications and letters of interest may be sent to Washington Service Corps, PO Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046 on or before August 18, 2006.

Employment Opportunities (Job Posts)

Hi again,

I get a lot of job announcements - sometimes for VISTA Leader positions, sometimes for state office employment opportunities and sometimes for regular VISTA or Americorps openings.

Although I won't post all of them (you can go to the CNS Website to look for positions), I will from time to time post a few.

If you've got a position open (only positions for VISTA Volunteers, Americorps, Learn and Serve or USA Freedom Corps please), feel free to post it as well.

I'm working on getting the Website up and running, and may (if there's enough interest) put up a forum that will have a specific post for Websites. Also, check out the VISTAOLinc that I mentioned in a previous post - I don't remember if they have job announcements there or not, but if you're looking for a position or have a position, that could be a great place to post it too!

Recruitment Video - More Ideas

This in from Drew Carberry:

The National Crime Prevention Council’s Faith and Communities Engaged in Service T&TA project has a webinar available for free download on the topic of recruiting VISTAS for Ex-offender Reentry projects. Donna Palandro of AmeriCorps*VISTA and Martha Fleming of the Texas CNCS State Office are featured. The information is relevant to any AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps*VISTA recruiting effort. Thanks to Donna and Martha for their expertise and to NCPC’s Jeanne Cure for her facilitation

The recorded version of the Recruiting VISTA Members for Reentry Projects webinar can now be accessed on demand by clicking on the following hyperlink.

http://meetings.picturetalk.com/picturetalk/meetingattend.jsp?ptkkey=bkhs20705&a=229

Instructions for viewing:

• Step 1: On the left side of your screen, click on the “play recording” button
• Step 2: Enter Name and Email if prompted
• Step 3: Enter Password: vista2
• Step 4: Click the “play” button/arrow on the top left-hand side of the new window that opens up.
  

Note: The recording will have all audio and visual content, please do not use the 800 number referenced on the recording.

Thank you.

(I'm trying to watch it now, so if I've got any comments, I'll post them later!)

Got Volunteers? Here are a few ideas!

Hi all,

I just found this article, and it made me remember some of the ways that I used to use to recruit new volunteers...If you need some ideas for recruiting volunteers, read the article, and then my comments below!

This in from "The Daily Item"

SELINSGROVE — Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Central Susquehanna Valley is looking for a few good non-profit agencies. BBBS is organizing the first Central Susquehanna Valley Recruitment Fair for Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will host a wide range of non-profit organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity. Each group would display materials about their agency to raise awareness and interest in the work that they do.

"As a non-profit agency, we are always looking for ways to recruit new volunteers, board members, and other helpers for various projects," BBBS Executive Director Peggy Reichenbach noted. "Our livelihood depends on the kindness of others, and the generosity of their time. We thought that other non-profits might be feeling the same way. So why not get all of them together in one place to network with each other and the community?" Deadline to register your agency is Aug. 4. For more information, or to register for the Volunteer Recruitment Fair, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 286-3127.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Susquehanna Valley is a United Way agency that provides mentors to children who need an adult presence in their lives. (end of article)

Me:

If your organization is too small to run a volunteer fair, check with your local United Way or Volunteer Center, to see if they have one. When I worked in a rural area, our local Volunteer Center worked in conjunction with the local college - and they sponsored an annual Volunteer Fair each year, which we participated in.

Other Ideas:

• Run Public Service Announcements or (free) announcements in the community page of your local paper, advertising your need for volunteers
• Put PSAs out to your local radio, television and even local cable television stations
• Think about your project - what target market would be a good fit for your volunteer projects? Where do these people hang out? What do they do? How are some unique or unusual ways you could reach out to them that would be fast and effective?
• Partner with other organizations - such as the United Way, Volunteer Center, Information and Referral Center or partner with organizations that are working on similar issues
  
• Get flyers, brochures and posters out in the places where volunteers are (local colleges, Community Action Program, high schools, etc.)
• Start a corporate volunteer program, and recruit businesses in your community to set up volunteer groups of employees. (Many corporations already have such programs in place, it's just a matter of letting them know about your project)

What ideas, resources and hints do you have to share? (By the way, when you post, please feel free to leave your name, your project's name and Website address if you'd like!) I'd love to learn more about where you're at and what you're doing!)

Still "Got Questions?" Post them too, and let's see if we can give you some answers!

technorati tags:volunteer, recruitment, ideas, VISTA, Volunteers, Volunteer, Fair, United, Way, Volunteer, Center, Activist's, Guide

Life After VISTA

Speaking of Career Ideas and Life After VISTA, this just in from Lynette Murphy: If you're not able to attend the workshop, get in touch with your own state office, and see if they've got similar workshops or ideas. And again, talk to your Project Supervisor or VISTA Leader.

The Central Campus of AmeriCorps*NCCC is preparing to host a Life After AmeriCorps Networking on August 30 in Denver Colorado. The Life After AmeriCorps Networking Fair encourages our Corps Members to explore career and volunteer opportunities following graduation this fall, such as serving in other AmeriCorps programs or locating placements in nonprofit organizations across the country. We encourage you to send information on your program or organization that we will display during the fair. Any brochures, posters, pamphlets or applications that you have are welcome and can be mailed to me at the address below.

If you have questions about the Fair, please contact me at 303-844-7442 or email lmurphy@cns.gov.

Thanks!

Lynette Murphy

AmeriCorps*NCCC Denver Campus

3001 S. Federal Blvd., Walsh Hall, Rm. 136, Denver CO, 80236-2711

PH: 303-844-7442 FX: 303-844-7410

Ever Wonder What to do After Your Term of Service Ends?

This just in from Michelle Spevak:

AmeriCorps Program Director -- The Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy seeks a program director for AmeriCorps Project Conserve, a conservation service project which places twenty AmeriCorps members each year at local organizations and agencies in Western North Carolina for ten-month terms of service to meet the conservation needs of our region. Outstanding administrative skills and AmeriCorps or other volunteer management experience desired. Refer to complete job description at http://carolinamountain.org. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resume and cover letter to: P.O. Box 2822, Hendersonville, NC 28793 or info@carolinamountain.org. Resumes will be accepted until July 28.

Working for the service isn't your only choice, of course. But it's definitely something to think about. In fact, perhaps you should consider a government job...only want a piece of advice? Don't wait until your term ends. If you're going to start looking for a job when you're done with your project, start thinking about what you want now.

If you're going to use your non-competitive award status and look for goverment jobs, what type of job do you want? What are your interests? Talents? Abilities? Where do you want to live? Keep notes of what you accomplish during the next year. Think about how to translate what you've done into language that will be understood and admired on your resume.

Don't be afraid to talk to your project supervisor or VISTA Leader about your goals. They might even be able to give you some pointers, or introduce you to the right people.

I've devoted an entire chapter to continuing your careeer after you leave VISTA in the book, but over the next couple of days, I'm going to be adding some additional resources on the blog, so watch for it.

And if you're a former VISTA, VISTA leader or Project Supervisor with comments, ideas and resources, please post them here!

Thanks to all the contributing authors!

Here's the list of former VISTA Volunteers who were kind enough to share their advice, tips and hints for this book.

Each person was asked three questions:

1. What is the one thing you wish you'd known BEFORE you became a VISTA?

2. What is the one thing you learned from your experience as a VISTA that helped you later on in life?

3. What advice would you give to a new VISTA Volunteer.

Although the answers are as unique as the people who wrote them (funny, sad, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring), the one thing they each had in common was that the year they spent as a VISTA changed them forever. I'm deeply grateful for their input.

• Saul Baizman
• Rebecca Banning
• Geoffrey Becker
• Carolyn Cain
• Briana Frenzel
• Stacy Golden
• Leah Murray
• Dan MacNeil
• Ray and Monique Magliozzi
• State Representative Elliott Naishtat
• Krista Clements Orlan
• Danielle Ricard
• Ben Sheldon
• "Shilo27"
• Shaneeka Thomas

Percentage of Book Sales Going Towards the Creation of a Small Business Grant Fund!

A few weeks ago - at about 2 in the morning, I had one of those “ah ha!” moments - and then I got so excited that I just couldn’t go back to sleep!

Quick background first…My first year of service as a VISTA was in the early 90s, and I worked for a small women’s organization that no one had ever heard of. We worked on a lot of women’s and family issues and poverty issues. What I loved about this organization was that the real experts on the issues - the women who were experiencing them - were the ones who figured out that they had power - and could change the system! We rocked a lot of worlds back in those days…

Anyway, one of my assignments was to put together research about microenteprise programs in the U.S. and interview people who were running successful programs, and then create a program from the “best practices”. I quickly became passionately committed to the idea that the best way to defeat poverty was to teach women how to become economically self-sufficient. And the best way to do that was through entrepreneurship. I created one heck of a program (if I do say so myself!)

Unluckily, my project never did anything with it, because then the fight moved to Bill Clinton’s welfare reform. But the idea stuck in my head. And in 2005, I created MAPS (Microenterprise Answers to your Personal Success) - my first Website. It took 8 months of research to find the programs, information and free resources that are on that site. And it was the first step in my long-term plan - which is to (someday) create a program that provides small business grants and microenterprise loans to entrepreneurs.

And that’s when I had my “ah ha!” moment! Last night I realized that I don’t have to wait until “someday” - when I’m rich enough or successful enough, to start working on the rest of my dream! I just sat down with the publishing company of my book, to get down to brass tacks and see how much everything’s going to cost, for creating a paperback version of the book. (Based on the feedback and pre-orders, it’s also going to be available in an instantly available, pdf. downloadable version). Using that estimate, I decided that I’m going to make “someday” happen now!

I’m going to take a percentage from every book I sell, and put it into a special account - and set up the first annual “MAPS Small Business Grant!” (Woo hoo!) I want to start the program right now, and make some money available for an entrepreneur who needs a hand up.

What do you think?! (By the way, if you’ve got ideas, suggestions or feedback, I’d love to hear it!)

Record Numbers of People Volunteering

According to Beth Walton, writer at USA Today, incredible numbers of college graduates are volunteering to help those less fortunate than themselves. Events such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the devastation, despair and destruction they have caused are playing a big part in the reason why.

Applications to Teach for America, which recruits graduates for underserved urban and rural areas, hit almost 19,000 this year, nearly triple the number in 2000.

• This year, the Peace Corps took 7,810 volunteers — the largest number in 30 years — from more than 11,500 applicants in 2005, up more than 20% over the year 2000.

• AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), which pairs recruits with non-profit organizations, has had a 50% jump in applicants since 2004.

Many of the people who are joining say they are doing it because they want to put their activism into practice - by getting directly involved, not just through politics.

But they’re also helping themselves while helping others, because employers view such time spent in service programs - whether overseas or at home - with increasing favorability, and see candidates as more motivated, mature and resourceful.

To read the entire article, click this link.

There are many ways that you can improve your chances of getting the perfect job after your term of service. What are your career goals? What do you see as the “perfect” job? Note to VISTA Alumni: If you were able to leverage the skills you learned as a VISTA into getting a great job, please post here about it, and share any tips with current VISTA members.

The Activist's Guide to Changing the World Going Interactive!

Hi all,

I’ve decided to make this blog more interactive! I’m going to start posting details about what’s going on with you - press releases, media write ups and your thoughts, comments and questions!

If you need a resource - post your question here. If you want to know “how to” do something - write a press release, organize a project, write your quarterly report - ask.

If I don’t know the answer, then chances are, one of the other readers of the blog will!

Something else that I’ll be implementing at the end of August will be a series of podcasts. I’m putting together a schedule of interviews, teleclasses and updates which I’ll be podcasting and posting here on a regular basis. Most of the podcasts will be free, and they’ll be chock full of interesting information, the latest news and helpful resources just for you!

Let me know what you think, what you want, what you need! I’m looking forward to hearing from you…

Great Idea for Recognizing Volunteers

I recently ran across a great article, published in the “Shreveporttimes” and written by Raechal Leone. It talks about a couple who run a nonprofit organization for kids and adults who suffer from ADHD. You can read the entire article here:

When you read the article, notice that they were nominated for the award by Neecee Blackwell, a faith-based and family strengthening specialist with the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Why am I telling you about this? For three reasons:

1. This is a great way to thank your volunteers, program site or partners for the work they are doing in the community. (And it’s usually free, which helps if your program is looking for creative, inexpensive ways to recognize volunteers.)
2. It’s a good way of getting the word out about your project, the VISTA program and the work that you’re doing.
3. It’s also a way to build credibility, community awareness and the name recognition.

When’s the last time you checked into the award or recognition programs in your community, your state or your region? Have you got someone who deserves to be recognized for their contribution? Look into what progams are available, and what the eligibility rules are. Come up with a short list of nominations, and take it to your project supervisor or VISTA Leader, and get their approval to do it!

Another good tip is to put the list of recognition programs on your calendar, including deadlines and create a file with eligibility rules. Plan on nominating at least one person a quarter, more if possible.

Don’t forget to share your tips, hints or ideas for recognizing your volunteers by posting here - and check out all the great resources I’ve made available for you in the chapter on Volunteer Management in the “Activist’s Guide to Changing the World - for VISTA Volunteers”

PSO Training - Rants and Raves

Some of you have just finished your PSO training. What did you think? What did you like the best about it? What did they do really well? What really needs to be changed?

This post is for your comments, rants and raves! (Keep it rated “G” though, okay? Please?)

VISTAOLINC is online! Join now and find new resources, make new connections!

Special thanks to Laura Cook and Bethany Mancuso for sending this along…

Need new ideas? More resources? Have help to offer? Click here and
join www.VISTAOLINC.net.

Use VISTA O-LINC (On-line Learning In Networked Communities) and its
Discussion Forum to exchange innovative strategies with peers and build
community networks. Refer to the visual Resource Directory to access
and post local resources.

Sign-up now at www.VISTAOLINC.net . Urge
your friends to use this highly interactive online tool designed to
bring together VISTA members, supervisors, sponsor organizations,
concerned citizens, community leaders, and others addressing poverty and
building stronger communities. Thank all of you for your continued
support of national service activities throughout the U.S.

Learn How to Fundraise!

I just got word about this fundraising conference - the price is not bad, and the workshops sound great! So if you're already in the Providence, Rhode Island area - or you can travel there - (check with your VISTA Leader or Project Supervisor to find out about available funds for training conferences) - then this might be just what you need!

Here's a little more information...

Do you need help with fundraising? If you can travel or if you're already in the

Resources Now! National Institute Fundraising Workshop:
The registration fee for the Resources Now! Institute is $190.00 and the date of the conference is from Monday, October 9, 2006 to Thursday, October 12, 2006.

Here are list of the available workshops:

Session 1 - (Monday) You will choose one of the following:

• eople First! Individual Giving - To Raise $$$...Raise People
  Finding Support through Volunteer Leaders
- or -

• Corporate Donor Giving/Partnership - Inside the Corner Office
  Experiencing Corporate Motivation & Response
- or -

• ncovering the Resources in Your Community - Resources for Special Programs
  Making Funding Challenges Work for You
- or -

• Asking Clinics - Small Group Coaching
  Customize Resources Now! Approach to Your Initiative
  

Session 2 - (Tuesday) You will choose one of the following:

• People First!? Individual Giving - Developing Major Donors
  Moving Modest Gifts to Major Support
- or -


• Corporate Donor Giving/Partnership - The Value of Your Program's Brand
  Gaining and Keeping a Competitive Edge
- or -


• Uncovering the Resources in Your Community - Small Group Coaching
  Customize Resources Now! Approach to Your Initiative
- or -


• Asking Clinics - Writing for $$$ - Individual Drafting Actual
  Appeal Letters

Session 3 - (Wednesday) You will choose one of the following:

• People First!? Individual Giving - Wealth Transfer and Impact on Community Service
  Investing in Emerging Seniors
- or -


• Corporate Donor Giving/Partnership - Small Group Coaching
  Customize Resources Now! Approach to Your Initiative
  
- or -


• Uncovering the Resources in Your Community - Finding $$$ in Your Community
  Using Hot Excavation Research Tools
  
- or -


• Asking Clinics - Writing for $$$ - Foundation/Corporate
  Drafting Actual Solicitation Proposals
  

Session 4 - (Thursday) You will choose one of the following:

• People First! Individual Giving - Small Group Coaching
  Customize Resources Now! Approach to Your Initiative
  
- or -


• Corporate Donor Giving/Partnership - Cause Related Marketing and Corporate Partnerships
  Learning How Business Makes You Better and Visa Versa!
  
- or -


• Uncovering the Resources in Your Community - Revenue Generation
  Looking at What Makes a Good Program Fit
  
- or -


• Asking Clinics - Articulating for $$$ Face-to-Face
  Practicing Actual Personal Solicitations
  

Closing Session
Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Eastern Time)

For more information, click this link!

Whew! It's getting closer to the launch day for the "Activist's Guide to Changing the World - For VISTA Volunteers" and I'm getting more and more excited!

I was overwhelmed by the responses to the survey I recently did, asking VISTA Volunteers, VISTA Leaders and Project Supervisors some questions about the book and what they wanted. (If you were one of the people who responded, let me say Thanks again!)

Two major decisions came out of the results of that survey. First of all, I've decided to make one of my own dreams come true. Out of the proceeds from the book sales, I'm going to create a special "small business grant fund", and give away a business grant to a lucky recipient. (I'll have more details about that later on).

The other thing I decided to do, was to approach friends, colleages and people whose work I admire, and ask them to donate special products or services for everyone who buys a copy of the book. The response again, has been wonderful!

I can't give you all the details right now, but stay tuned for further announcements! I think you're going to be thrilled by all the goodies I've got lined up for you!

By the way, the launch date is scheduled for the last week of July and I can't wait!

Exciting bonuses for you when you buy the book!

Whew! It's getting closer to the launch day for the "Activist's Guide to Changing the World - For VISTA Volunteers" and I'm getting more and more excited!

I was overwhelmed by the responses to the survey I recently did, asking VISTA Volunteers, VISTA Leaders and Project Supervisors some questions about the book and what they wanted. (If you were one of the people who responded, let me say Thanks again!)

Two major decisions came out of the results of that survey. First of all, I've decided to make one of my own dreams come true. Out of the proceeds from the book sales, I'm going to create a special "small business grant fund", and give away a business grant to a lucky recipient. (I'll have more details about that later on).

The other thing I decided to do, was to approach friends, colleages and people whose work I admire, and ask them to donate special products or services for everyone who buys a copy of the book. The response again, has been wonderful!

I can't give you all the details right now, but stay tuned for further announcements! I think you're going to be thrilled by all the goodies I've got lined up for you!

By the way, the launch date is scheduled for the last week of July and I can't wait!

Are we losing our "social networks?"

According to researchers at Duke University and the University of Arizona, Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin and Mathew E. Brashears, Americans are becoming more socially isolated than theywere two decades ago.

In their report “Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over Two Decades”, published in the June 2006 issue of the “American Sociological Review”, participants in the survey reported that their personal social networks are smaller - that they have fewer people they can discuss important issues with or turn to in times of stress or need. (You can read the complete report here: http://www.asanet.org/galleries/default-file/June06ASRFeature.pdf )

What about you? As a VISTA Volunteer, what do you do when you’re feeling isolated, disconnected or lonely? What about in terms of your project? Who are you connected to? Who do you turn to for help, advice or information?

What tools do you use to connect - either to other VISTA Volunteers, or, in terms of your project, to other nonprofit organizations, corporations, volunteers, supporters, etc.?

Why are social networks important, and what can they help you to accomplish?

• build a grassroots campaign
• discover a network of innovators in your own community or issue
• create your own support team
• create awareness of an issue or special event
• strengthen the support for your project
• create personal connections for after you leave VISTA

Want to know more? Here’s a great website that explains how social networking works and how you can make the most of yours… http://www.orgnet.com/sna.html

Here is a list of some great networking tools that can help keep you make new connections and keep connected. But please feel free to add others to this list!

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com

Plaxo: http://www.plaxo.com

Ryze: http://www.ryze.com

delicious: http://del.icio.us/

myspace: http://www.myspace.com

What social networks are you using? And by the way, if we’re not already connected through LinkedIn, you can find me here: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/7a3/b72 I’d love to join your network…

The Activist Guide to Changing the World - for VISTA Volunteers

Here's a list of the chapters in the book, just to give you a better idea of what it's all about.

1. Okay, I’m here. Now what do I do? (Covering the Basics)

• How to get cheap (or free) rent
• How to eat well on less than $50 a week
• Solving your transportation problems
• How to furnish your digs for less than $200
• How to improve your social life, enjoy cultural events and have fun — and still live within in your means
• A loophole for accessing the services you need and qualify for
• The one secret that can help you through any crisis

2. Getting from Where you Are Now to Where you Want to Go—(Goal Setting)

• Why goal setting doesn’t work (and 80% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions break them by February!)
• Who do you want to be when you grow up?
• What your mother never told you about setting — and achieving — your goals
• What it takes to get what you really want
• A goal by any other name…is not the same
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (or…you have more assets than you think you do!)
• Are you a “diamond in the rough”?
• Goal setting worksheets that will help you create the life you want
• Creating “do-able” goals for your project
• Filling in the gaps for what your project needs
• No VISTA is an Island (how to get the help, training or other resources you need)

3. Insider’s Secrets to Writing Your Quarterly Report (Quickly, Easily, & On Time, Every Time!)

• The real purpose of your quarterly report
• How to finish your report on time, every time and guarantee that it gets approved
• The secret tools you MUST use
• Ya gotta have friends…meet the W’s
• How your computer can save you hours of time
• Start with 5
• Close your eyes and think of a word
• The clock is ticking — you’ve only got five minutes
• What was the question?

4. Time Management Secrets

• What quadrant are you in?
• 12 Time Management Secrets of the “Super Successful”
• Time Management “Don’ts”
• The “MORE” System for Success
• You have the power — now use it for good!

5. You want me to do what?! (Community Organizing 101)

• Your Role as a VISTA
• Who’s project is it, anyway?
• How do you spell success?
• Everyone has value and something to contribute
• Community Organizing - A Quick Reference Guide
• What you absolutely, positively HAVE to know about organizing
• A short history of modern American radicalism
• How to stay within the guidelines and still make a difference

6. Standards of Excellence for Volunteer Centers—(and What You Can Learn from Them)

• Best Practices
• Organizational Standards
• Program Standards
• What you can learn

7. I’ve got all these people, now what do I do with them? (Setting up Your Volunteer Management Program)

• Setting up a Volunteer Management Program — the Basics
• Going from “vision” to reality
• What you “must do” to run an effective volunteer management program
• How to find the right project
• How to set up on-going volunteer projects
• Work “SMART”
• The devil is in the details
• The one thing you must do to ensure the success of your volunteer program
• The 10 “Golden Rules” of Volunteer and Leadership Development
• Your Volunteer Handbook
• How to provide kick-butt training for your volunteers — for free
• How much are your volunteers worth?
• Creative ideas for recognizing your volunteers without breaking the bank
• Volunteer reflection and evaluation — of your project, of your program and of you — and why it’s vital

8. Template Sheets for Your Volunteer Management Program

• Initial Volunteer Interview Record
• Organization/Volunteer Agreement Form
• Volunteer Assignment Master Log
• Organizational Evaluation of Volunteer
• Volunteer Evaluation Form

9. How Much is it Going to Cost? (Fundraising Basics)

• Fundraising Vocabulary
• Don’t put all your (fundraising) eggs in one basket
• Who is a “Major Donor”?
• Earned Income - can you or can’t you?
• Grants
• Special Events
• Grants and In-Kind Support
• It’s fundraising, not an Amway meeting, right?

10. Start with a Good Foundation (How to Write a Grant)

• The good, the bad and the ugly of grant writing
• The steps of writing your first grant
• How to design a fundable project — and what to do if yours isn’t
• How to design a project budget even if you can’t balance your checkbook
• Elementary, my dear Watson!
• If you don’t remember anything else, PLEASE remember THIS
• Who do you know?
• Insider’s “secret” resources (from a professional grantwriter)
• What chemistry, baking a cake and grant writing all have in common

11. What Makes It so Special? (Special Event Planning)

• Strategies for Succes
• An Overview of project planning and management
• Step-by-step guide for creating your first project
• How to eat an elephant and other party tricks
• The deep, dark secret you MUST know to get in-kind donations
• The “never fail” method for teaching anyone how to ask for — and get — donations

12. Hello! Hello?! Is Anybody Out There? (Working with the Media)

• How to harness the power of the press
• The public has a right to know
• You never get a second chance to make a good first impression
• The secret meanings behind the language you use
• Does your mission statement measure up?
• The difference between having a mission and having a vision (statement)
• If you say it once, say it a thousand times - exactly the same way
• How to get publicity for your project — let me count the ways
• Location, location, location
• Practice makes perfect
• When bad things happen to good organizations (how to handle negative publicity)
• How to build a solid relationship with the media
• Be a partner, not a player
• Pay attention to what’s happening around you
• Hooks — not just for fishing anymore
• A picture’s worth a thousand words
• Loose lips sink ships — how to make sure it’s “smooth sailing” for your spokesperson
• Would you like fries with that?
• It’s not an “all you can eat” buffet — think sound-bite, not sound-banquet

13. “Just the Facts, Ma’am!” (How to Write an Effective Press Release)

• The 13 secrets that will GUARANTEE your press release gets read (and acted on)
• “If it cries it flies, if it bleeds, it leads” the truth about what makes news
• The single most CRITICAL element of your entire press release
• Hit a “bulls-eye” with your “primary” target every time
• Remember what your fourth grade English teacher said?
• How to use the “spin” cycle
• Actions speak louder than (passive) words
• Use the “KISS” principal (Keep It Short and Simple)
• Don’t EVER do this — (really, I mean it!!!)
• Formatting your Press Release like the pros do
• A sample press release (this one resulted in the donation of an entire building)

14. What a Great Idea…Somebody Needs to do That! (Project Development and Management)

• Vocabulary
• SMART thinking
• A little extra padding goes a long way (to creating a successful project)
• Planning your project from A to Z
• The ethics of project management
• A note about time management

15. Not Another Boring Meeting! (Plan for Action & Make it Fun!)

• Is it necessary?
• Who, what, when, where, why
• Plan for action
• location, location, location
• What’s stopping them?
• Tips for planning an effective meeting
• How long is the attention span of an average adult?
• The types of “challenging” behaviors and how to handle them
• Dealing with difficult people
• Make it fun

16. My Brain is Full. Can I Go Home Now? (Creative Ideas for When You’re Not…)

• When is swiping a good thing?
• Put your thinking cap on — brainstorming techniques that work
• Ask questions, look for the unusual, think “small”
• Never lose your childish enthusiasm — or how to borrow somebody else’s
• Springboards that will jumpstart your creativity
• Other Ideas
• The Universal Truths of Creativity

17. Let the Force Be With You (Harnessing the Power of the Internet to find what you need)

• Use the Web, Luke
• The best search engines
• The best sources of foundation, organization, and government information
• The best fundraising/research sites
• The best sites for finding statistical information
• Other great tools and resources

18. Desktop Publishing — Creating Your Own Ezine, Using Blogs and RSS feeds

• Creating a Web presence
• Nike, Coke and — you — branding like the big boys
• How to choose the best internet provider
• How to find (excellent) Web design on the cheap
• A word about blogging
• Using RSS feeds
• The CAN-SPAM act and how it affects your organization

19. It’s Time To Go, the Party’s Over (Life AFTER VISTA)

• The Ten most powerful secrets for getting the job you want
• Non-competitive Eligibility for Government Service — what it is, how you use it
• Networking with the resources you’ve already built
• Building an effective resume
• Finding a job with the federal government
• Notable VISTA Volunteers

20. Words of Wisdom from other VISTA Volunteers

Here’s the list of former VISTA Volunteers who were kind enough to share their advice, tips and hints for this book. Each person was asked three questions:

1. What is the one thing you wish you’d known BEFORE you became a VISTA?

2. What is the one thing you learned from your experience as a VISTA that helped you later on in life?

3. What advice would you give to a new VISTA Volunteer. Although the answers are as unique as the people who wrote them (funny, sad, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring), the one thing they each had in common was that the year they spent as a VISTA changed them forever. I’m deeply grateful for their input.

• Saul Baizman
• Rebecca Banning
• Geoffrey Becker
• Carolyn Cain
• Briana Frenzel
• Stacy Golden
• Leah Murray
• Dan MacNeil
• Ray and Monique Magliozzi
• State Representative Elliott Naishtat
• Krista Clements Orlan
• Danielle Ricard
• Ben Sheldon
• “Shilo27″
• Shaneeka Thomas

I’ll give you more details soon…

Hi! Welcome to the "Activist's Guide to Changing the World - for VISTA Volunteers". This is the first book in a planned series of books.

My name is Cheryl Antier and I'm a former VISTA Leader. The book was written to give new VISTA Volunteers a practical, hands-on "how-to" guide for making their project more successful. There are 20 chapters in all, and it starts from giving you some advice for how to live (and live well) on your VISTA stipend, to the basics of community organization, to setting up a volunteer management program, to fundraising, special event planning and organizing to creating a super-successful media campaign.

The book is in the final stages of editing and is almost ready to be published. In upcoming posts, I'm going to give you a list of the chapters and also other information - including resources, Websites, "must-have" software and tools that will help you to make your project sustainable.

I'll also be sharing with you information and news about upcoming conferences, training and teleconferences that you might find useful. (By the way, if you have such news to share, please feel free to post about it here too!)

I hope you will enjoy this blog, and that it will become a useful resource for you over the coming year.

Warmly,

Cheryl Antier