HANDS ON | Volunteering

HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley, a United Way Agency, is the local resource for volunteer recruitment, placement and management for people of all ages and abilities in the Mahoning Valley located at Youngstown State University, second floor of the Williamson School of Business in the Center for Non-profit Excellence, and the main office, 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman. HandsOn is a monthly column that serves to communicate the impact that volunteering can have on our community. To express interest in one of the opportunities below, contact HOVN at (330) 782-5877 or Trumbull County (330) 393-4254 or visit the Web site at www.HOVN.org

OPPORTUNITIES

Ambassadors of Change! HandsOn is looking for volunteers in Mahoning and Trumbull counties who are interested in working with the public relations committee of the HOVN Board of Directors to clarify messages HOVN will use to expand its reach into the communities we serve, determine target audiences and reach out through speaking engagements and public-awareness campaigns, be part of the development of a multimedia communication plan to build visibility for HOVN and projects, assist in the development and production of messaging tools, and assist with keeping the Web site current and relevant. Qualifications include experience in one or more of these areas: public relations, media, public speaking, Web site design and maintenance, photography, videography and editing, or writing press releases. Monthly time commitment is one to two hours.

20th Youngstown Area Community Cup: The Community Cup is designed to develop awareness of the benefits of physical fitness, to foster employee pride and dedication to the company with which they work, and to develop community spirit throughout the Youngstown area. The YMCA is looking for volunteers to assist with Community Cup events. This year, the cup kicks off at 6 p.m. Aug. 28. Events take place Saturday and Sunday, with the final events Sept. 12. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of events, from timing the swimming competition, to setting up the obstacle course, displaying signage on the golf course to refereeing volleyball and basketball events. The YMCA will teach volunteers Community Cup’s rules, and train you in what needs to be done. Volunteers should be 18 or older, and small groups are welcome. Contact Jennifer or Julie at (330) 744-8411, ext. 143. Business owners interested in participating in Community Cup events should also call Jennifer or Julie to learn about how you can get your team entered.

Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way Day of Caring: The Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way is celebrating its 12th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 11. Day of caring is a communitywide day of hands-on volunteering. Employees of area companies participate by completing tasks, odd jobs and organizing activities for local nonprofit organizations. Projects may consist of painting, construction, landscaping, cleaning, home repairs, serving meals or field trips. For more information or to get your business involved in participating, contact the United Way office at (330) 746-8494, or e-mail Tara Mady at tmady@ymvunitedway.org.

Trumbull County United Way Campaign Assistance: If you are a person who is looking for a way to help support dozens of local organizations, consider helping with the 2009 campaign. Volunteers are requested to assist with packing and mailing, delivering materials, fundraising, public speaking and Caring Club enrollment. To get involved, call Garland Bradshaw at (330) 369-1000.

We Are the Change Exhibition: HandsOn, in collaboration with the Warren Junior Women’s League and the Art Outreach Galley at the Eastwood Mall, is hosting the “We Are the Change” exhibit highlighting the service of local volunteers. The exhibition runs through Labor Day. You can help support the initiative by volunteering at the gallery during the show. Volunteers will open and/or close the gallery and greet visitors to the show. Volunteers must be 16 or older, and training will be provided. For additional information on this fun opportunity visit www.hovn.org or call HandsOn.

Rescue Mission help: Volunteers needed. Individuals and groups, as soon as possible over the next few weeks to pick fresh green beans at a location in Salem. Containers and instruction will be provided, and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley will arrange for transport of the picked produce back to the Rescue Mission site. For more information, contact Raelyn at (330) 744-5485.

Timebank Youth Court: Applications are being accepted for high school students who are interested in serving on a youth court at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center. Teens will serve in the role of prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff or juror and hear real cases of first-time juvenile offenders. Students must be in grades nine through 12 and live in Mahoning County. Applicants should exhibit dedication, maturity, responsibility and the ability to be nonbiased and nonprejudicial. For more information or to apply, contact Susan at (330) 740-2244, ext. 6477.

Buddy Walk: The Buddy Walk is a one-mile advocacy walk that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome in our community. This year’s walk is Aug. 15. There are multiple opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved. Visit us at www.hovn.org for more details.

HOVN meeting: Come see us at the new East branch of the Public Library at 430 Early Road, Youngstown, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. We’ll be available to answer questions and provide you with information on how you can get involved in the community.