On Being a Homework Helper

Throughout the month on the Flex Calendar at various libraries around San Diego, the homework helpers come out. I joined the homework helpers at the College/Rolando branch library this week and assisted a couple of students with their studies. It felt good to cheer on a second grader as she rocked through her addition assignment and then prodded a bit to get her through the reading comprehension material. When I learned from the second grader's mom that the two of them had been working for an hour on a book report prior to the work I was supervising, it occurred to me that the mom certainly deserved the break I was providing.

When I was approached by two high schoolers looking for help with their algebra, I am sorry to admit that I was not quite up to the challenge. I did find them some other help and left the project resigned to recruit a certain math whiz in my life for an upcoming Homework Helper project.

Math whizzes are great, but most everyone will be a great addition to a Homework Helpers project. No tutoring experience is necessary and lots of great kids are waiting for some encouragement and assistance.

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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The Conversation: Step up

On Sunday, November 30, the Sacramento Bee dedicated much of the Forum section to service and volunteering. The centerpiece of the feature was an article authored by Sue Carter, the Executive Director of Volunteer San Diego.

The Conversation: Step up
Hosted by Daniel Weintraub
Published Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008

Communities across California and the United States face an uncertain future. The economic downturn is leaving many people suffering and looking to government and community organizations for support. Funding for these services cannot keep up with increased demand. In fact, many people and organizations expect to give less next year.

At the same time, we are experiencing a renewal of civic spirit and an increase in interest and participation in volunteering.

Many wonder what would be possible if we transformed public good will into solutions for our neighbors and the organizations that serve them. Increased donations of volunteer time and talent are critical additions to our current philanthropic gifts of money and goods, but it will require a major shift in the way many people think about service. Fortunately, that's starting to occur. The entire notion of volunteering is undergoing a radical transformation; what has long been seen as nice has increasingly become necessary.

To read the entire article, click here.

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Weed Whackin' Saturdays

Volunteer San Diego’s Fire Recovery Team had a successful Weed Whacking Saturday on November 22nd. Covering 2 locations, Rancho Bernardo and Dulzura, over 60 volunteers participated in brush clearance for individuals affected by the 2007 Wildfires. Putting their stamina to the test, volunteers were able to clear five lots and provide substantial support for under-insured and elderly individuals who needed assistance in getting their property ready to rebuild!

Weed Whackin’ Saturdays take place in the fire-affected areas of Fallbrook, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona and Dulzura on a rotating basis. Group projects can be arranged. Equipment and safety training will be provided. All that is required is your presence and a willingness to help. Click here to participate in a Weed Whackin' Saturday project.

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Sharing the Holiday Spirit

During the holidays the public truly embraces service and generosity. This is perhaps one of the best parts of the holiday season for me. The spirit of giving reaches beyond family and friends and the impact of this season benefits many well into the new year. Volunteer San Diego is once again your headquarters for tapping into truly meaningful volunteer projects and opportunities to give. Check out Volunteer San Diego's Holiday Volunteer Guide for 54 projects with a Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's or general winter holiday focus.

Extend the holiday spirit even further with a bit of creativity. Perhaps you can forgo fancy holiday parties and spend time with friends at a volunteer project instead. Make donations or purchase gifts for someone in need in honor of your loved ones. You can very easily share the VSD Holiday Volunteer Guide with your colleagues, friends and family, and give them the chance to fill their hearts with the holiday spirit, too.

Follow the Holiday Volunteer Guide links above to browse our online list of holiday volunteer projects and wish lists, or download the PDF version.

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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The Election Is Over, But The Work Isn't

Whether your candidates and causes won or lost on election night, take a deep breath. It's a lot of work participating in democracy and if you are like me, you are a little exhausted. It is now pretty tempting to go into civic hibernation. Instead of waiting to see what happens in our government and community, remain active. Consider the records that have been set in campaign related volunteerism and contributions. There is the real possibility that the organizations that support the most vulnerable in our community were put on the back burner in order for this election to be as rich as it was. Let's keep working and giving and ensure that San Diego county is in even better standing after the election than it was before. I know I'm not alone in this thinking...you should have seen the crowd of volunteers at the Feeding America food bank project on November 4th!

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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The Knitting Volunteers

On a recent Sunday afternoon I joined the volunteers of the monthly "Got Yarn" project to break out my old knitting needles. The volunteers of this project graciously give countless hours crafting scarves for foster children, hats for premature babies, socks for seniors, and even teddy bears for kids in Africa. I'm afraid that I am not a skilled enough knitter to put together one of those projects, so I decided to make a 12"x12" blanket for a cat shelter. One of the leaders of this project, Amanda Stiffler, gave me some yarn and helped me get started (I only had to knit--no purling, yay!). According to Amanda, the shelter sometimes runs out of old towels and my little blanket will be placed in a cat cage.

I'll be honest here and admit that as I was knitting away on this cat blanket I thought to myself that I have plenty of old towels that I could donate to the shelter. I was spending quite a bit of time creating a blanket by hand for a cat and I was trying to decide if this was an efficient way to contribute to the community. Ultimately, I realized that it is not only a cat who will receive this blanket, but also the workers at the shelter. I believe that my little cat blanket will show the people at the shelter that I appreciate their efforts to keeping homeless animals safe. As I came to this conclusion, I was able to relax and enjoy the simple act of knitting.

The "Got Yarn" project takes place on the third Sunday of each month at a very comfortable coffee shop. There is a group of regulars who provide not only basic instruction for beginners, but also great conversation once the needles start moving. Here's a photo of some of the Got Yarn group's wares:

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Hands On San Diego: Signature Project

Volunteer San Diego's signature project in the roster of Hands On San Diego activities is the renovation of local recreation centers. All members of our community are encouraged to get active in making our neighborhoods a little bit better by cleaning, weeding, painting, and other general improvements at 15 recreation centers around the county. A bit of TLC for our neighborhood recreation centers is such an ideal way for volunteers to contribute to the very centers that make our communities stronger, safer, and healthier.
To get involved, sign up on Volunteer San Diego's website at http://www.volunteersandiego.org/, or by phone at 858-636-4131.



Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Hands On San Diego: Horton Elementary Math Games

There is no denying the "Back to School" phenomenon. Can't you just feel all of those possibilities and opportunities that present themselves along with a new school year? Perhaps you aren't even a student anymore, but that fresh new start likely calls out to you just the same.

Thank goodness for Volunteer San Diego's Hands On San Diego service event. Your potential as an active and positive member of our community is made so much easier with the slew of excellent volunteer projects at your fingertips. Check out the project list and find gems like the Horton Elementary School Math Games project, where volunteers will assist students and parents engage in fun educational activities.

To get involved, sign up on Volunteer San Diego's website at http://www.volunteersandiego.org/, or by phone at 858-636-4131.



Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Hands On San Diego: Camp HOPE Project

Volunteer San Diego's annual service event, Hands On San Diego, is going on all week. Hundreds of volunteers have already demonstrated their commitment to our community by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.


There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities still available, including the Camp HOPE playground building project taking place later this week. This new playground at Camp HOPE is the culmination of planning from California's First Lady, Maria Shriver, and the state agency that she represents, CaliforniaVolunteers, the playground wizards of KaBOOM!, and Volunteer San Diego, and a corporate sponsorship from Vons. All of these partners are working together to build a much needed playground for the young participants of Camp HOPE. Camp HOPE provides therapeutic and recreation services to young people who've survived family violence.

To get involved, sign up on Volunteer San Diego's website at http://www.volunteersandiego.org/, or by phone at 858-636-4131.

Anna Schulz is a member of the Flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Wherever I'm Needed Most

This weekend was the kick off to Hands On San Diego and a great reminder of why I love working at Volunteer San Diego. At one of our first Hands On projects, a renovation of Adams Avenue Recreation Center, I was greeted by an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers. Some showed up because it was in their neighborhood and they wanted to help it look great; others participated because their law firm, McKenna, Long and Aldridge, had adopted the project as part of their commitment to community; still others enjoyed spending quality time together as family, joking and laughing as they gave benches a face lift with new paint. I was impressed by how many people said “just assign me to wherever I’m needed most.”

The weekend also showed me how diverse the experience of service can be. One of our volunteers, Sharky, shared an amusing story of volunteering with her daughter at Crafts for a Cause two years ago. While decorating cards for veterans, she jokingly donned a star sticker on her nose. Her daughter, unable to have piercings at work, suggested that mom get her nose pierced. Sporting a nose ring and energy drink on Saturday morning, Sharky, a very young 62 years old, relayed this experience and other examples of how she gives back to community through Volunteer San Diego and other organizations that need her.

On Sunday evening, a friend and colleague approached me to tell me how much volunteering impacted her roommate. Enduring a dark time in his life, he began to volunteer through Volunteer San Diego and has become active with a number of causes. As he brightened others’ lives in service, he found his own life brightened too.

I’m constantly humbled by the power of volunteering and what is possible – personally, professionally, and as community – when we join our talents with others. See you at Hands On San Diego!

Sue Carter, Executive Director
Volunteer San Diego

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Get to Know Our New Staff and AmeriCorps Members

Volunteer San Diego Welcomes Our New Staff and AmeriCorps Members

Seth Connolly, Fire Recovery Coordinator
I joined VSD because, as an urban planner, I am interested in helping people to build sustainable and resilient communities. Wildfires are certain to remain a way of life in the San Diego region, and volunteerism can be an important means with which to help residents deal with their impacts -- while also creating stronger community bonds.
My previous position was with the County of San Diego, reviewing plans for the Department of Planning and Land Use. In this position, I was able to see many of the challenges facing survivors of the 2007 wildfires firsthand, and hope that this will serve me well in helping them to understand the processes of recovery and prevention. Prior to coming to San Diego last year, I have also lived in Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, BC and Orange County.
I currently live in Ocean beach with my wife and young son, where I serve on the local planning board and occasionally get to play in the sand.

Adrianne Burleigh, Citizen Action AmeriCorps - Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
I joined VSD to meet people and learn about non-profits.
Before joining Volunteer San Diego, I was working at a bank.
Something about me is I like cats.

Brandi Love, Citizen Action AmeriCorps - Youth Leadership Coordinator
I joined Volunteer San Diego because when I came for my interview I had a good feeling about the people and the work they were doing for the community. I was thrilled when I got the position!
Before VSD, I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Child and Family Studies and a minor in psychology.
I am really enjoying the beaches here in San Diego!!

Leia Courchaine, AmeriCorps Vista - Project Coordinator
In March 2008, I moved back to San Diego after living out of the state for 5 ½ years. I was attending the University of Texas at San Antonio where I was studying Finance. At UTSA, I was an active brother of the Co-ed Professional Business Fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and was also taking Polynesian dancing and performing at many events in San Antonio. My return to home (San Diego) was caused by a family emergency that had me move back as soon as I could. Aside from that, I still continued to be active in the community. Since March and as of now I serve as an Officer as Membership Chair for the National Association of Asian American Professionals-San Diego (Formerly San Diego Asian Professionals) and still take Polynesian dancing here in San Diego. I have a 5 year old daughter who just started kindergarten at Olympic View Elementary in Chula Vista.

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Volunteering vs. Loneliness

Volunteers have more friends. The Corporation for National and Community Service's Volunteering in America survey can back me up on this bold hypothesis of mine. According to this research, "volunteers trade of more than an hour a day of TV watching in order to engage in service." In addition, people who volunteer are three times more likely to participate in community organizational activities (such as church, social groups, team sports) than non-volunteers. What's more, 78% of volunteers eat their meals with others (just 70% of non-volunteers can claim this to be true). Don't let yourself get to a lonely place with just a TV set for company. Sign up and become a volunteer now.

Anna Schulz is a member of the flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Volunteering Is Good For My Waistline and Budget

I have just returned from the lunch service at St. Vincent de Paul as a part of VSD's "Feed the Homeless" Flex project. My friend, Judy Larkins, has been the volunteer leader for this project for the last five years. I was excited to see Judy and get a little volunteer time in as well. Judy & I did have a quick minute to catch up, but then we got very, very busy serving lunch to hundreds of people. People interested in participating in fast-paced volunteering should definitely check out a future "Feed the Homeless" project, as part of Flex or the upcoming Hands On San Diego event. The kitchen staff and veteran volunteers do an excellent job organizing incredible amounts of food. Before I knew it, the last tray had gone through the line and two hours of volunteering had flown by me. Judy warned me that I'd be tired today and she was right.

I had initially planned to buy myself a little lunch after volunteering. I realized after serving several hundred homeless people that spending money on a lunch out was somewhat of a wasteful thing to do. Instead of spending money on fatty food in a restaurant, I made a simple meal for myself with the food I already had at home. I'll put a little extra money in the philanthropy budget this month and enjoy the pride in knowing that my volunteer experience has left me in a better physical, emotional, and financial state.

Anna Schulz is a member of the flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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New National Volunteering Website

For those of you that are hip to the world of volunteering, you may have already heard about the latest report from The Corporation for National and Community Service. But for the rest of us, and especially those of us who haven't heard of The Corporation, here is a short plug.

The Corporation plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. Through their programs and the thousands of dollars in grants they give out every year they encourage service at the National and local level (for more on what they do click here).

Every year The Corporation releases a report chronicling volunteering trends throughout the Nation. This report is incredibly thorough, with info about every state and hundreds of medium to large Cities across the country. A few choice stats:

• This year there were 60.8 million volunteers nationwide, which is down from last year (61.2 mil 2006) This is still a high number, but it is down from the peak in 2005 (65.4 mil).
• San Diego Ranks 25th in the Nation for volunteerism rates, based on how many people volunteer per capita.

For more cool stats and figures on Volunteering in San Diego, click here.

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VSD on the Turko Files

KUSI's Turko Files investigate local problems. This week's episode is about a drainage ditch in Spring Valley that had turned into a massive fire hazard. With help from Volunteer San Diego, the community came together to clear the ditch of the dead grass and weeds that could have easily sparked into a wildfire.

Watch the investigative report here.

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Where the Girls Are

The "Giving Gardeners at Ronald McDonald House" project takes place each month offering light gardening as well as a chance to chitchat with other volunteers. When I participated on July 26th, our group consisted of seven fabulous females who spruced up the entry and courtyard garden areas. While we pruned, weeded, planted, mulched, and watered, some of families of the Ronald McDonald House complimented us on our efforts and thanked us for volunteering. Just an hour and a half of volunteering, first thing on Saturday...what a great way to kick-off my weekend!

Volunteers Lara Groutt, Diane Green, and Lauren Payne on the job at the Ronald McDonald House.

Anna Schulz is a member of the flex program and a volunteer blogger for Volunteer San Diego. She also writes for her family blog, The Full Catastrophe.

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Thank You VSD Board Members

Today is the last day of several of our Board Members' terms, and we would like to send out a hearty round of thank-yous for all of the hard work that they have contributed over the years. Beth Rolls Mathewson, Debra Patterson, Eric Welch and outgoing Board President Bob Alden are all leaving because they have maxed out their term limits. Several of them have been with us before VSD was VSD, and their participation has helped to make us the fabulous organization that we are today. We will truly miss their presence on the Board and we hope they will continue their involvement in other ways.

We leave you with an inspiring image of our outgoing president Bob Alden because his level of committment to Volunteer San Diego has been above and beyond the normal call of duty for a Board President. Between attending every event, djing and singing, and even throwing his own VSD benefit parties, Bob leaves enormous shoes to fill.

Thank you Beth, Debra, Eric and Bob!

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Service-Learning: One Solution to the Dropout Crisis

The National Dropout Prevention Center puts out a monthly webcast exploring ways to keep youth in school. This month's episode introduces Service-Learning as a strategy to keep students more engaged in the curriculum and therefore less likely to dropout. The NDPC "has long advocated service-learning as a teaching methodology with considerable potential to prevent dropouts." This webcast gives an overview of service-learning and how to "effectively incorporate specific strategies to promote youth engagement in the service-learning process in order to foster their resilience."

Listen to the webcast here, and for more of their resources relating to dropout prevention, click here.

Volunteer San Diego is proud to support Service-Learning in San Diego County. Check out the Educators section of our website or http://www.sdservicelearning.org/ for more information on incorporating Service-Learning into your classroom.

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Bob Alden in the Community Spotlight

Our Board President Bob Alden has the honor of being the 2nd VSD member to be interviewed for Sign on San Diego's Community Spotlight. Scroll down to the June 6th entry to hear Bob's take on "the state of volunteerism in our region and how volunteering has evolved in recent years."

Sue Carter, our Executive Director, was previously interviewed on May 9th. Look for more VSD related Hijinks on the Community Spotlight soon!

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New Flex Online Orientation

For those of you interested in becoming a Flex Member but haven't had a chance to make it out to one of our orientations, now you can attend online! Flex Members can participate in projects once a week, once a month, or once in a while. The one-time nature of the Flex program makes it the perfect way to test out many different opportunities and find the one that best matches your interests.

Important: make sure you are logged in to the VSD site before beginning the orientation. The system will not activate your Flex Member status if you are not logged in.

Click here to become a Flex Member today!

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