Monthly Archives: May 2009

05.29.09
by

The Benefits of Collaborating with National and Local Disability Organizations and Communities

As national service programs work to expand their networks and include individuals of all abilities, it is important to consider the benefits of partnering with disability organizations within your communities.

The benefits of collaboration can enhance both your service program and the disability organization you partner with as you work toward mutual goals.

By a national service program collaborating with a disability organization, benefits to national service programs include:

  • Speaking about national service at a disability-focused event, conference or job fair.
  • Having staff at a disability organization inform specific constituents about opportunities to serve Continue reading →
05.24.09
by

The British Council Creates Global Connections and Impact Through Dialogue and Service

Professor Mike Hardy

Professor Mike Hardy, Photo by Kate Anderson

Amy Potthast first wrote about the British Council’s event and because I live in the nation’s capital, where the event was held, I had the good fortune of attending.

Admittedly, I was still reeling from Michelle Obama’s visit to CNCS — so the British Council event was yet another highlight on my calendar which made that week unforgettable, to say the least.

An impressive crowd gathered—approximately 50 attendants—at the Rayburn House Office Building for what was absolutely a lovely affair.  Lovely is not a word I usually use to describe a professional engagement, but I think this word comes to mind because of my British, or as I say, Bree-teesh, bias. Yes, I’m a sap for their accents and covet their seemingly inborn urbane manner.

Prior to the event, I was only loosely familiar with the work of the British Council—the United Kingdom’s international Continue reading →

05.22.09
by

Survey Asks Former AmeriCorps Members Why They Joined, Stayed, or Left

Natalie Banks of National Service Consulting is conducting a 12-question, anonymous survey with former AmeriCorps members to gather input on why members join, stay, and leave programs.

She wants to hear from former members of all AmeriCorps programs, including NCCC, State and National, VISTA, Tribes, Education Award, and Leaders, regardless of how long you served, or if you completed your term. She especially wants participation from people who terminated their service early. Results will help in developing materials that provide specific Continue reading →

05.22.09
by

Maria Eitel Withdraws her Name from CNCS Chief Consideration

Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National Service will be acting as CEO a little bit longer. She issued this statement today:

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that we have been notified by the White House that due to a previously unknown health condition, Maria Eitel has withdrawn her name from consideration as the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Our thoughts are with Maria as she focuses on her personal health. On behalf of the Corporation Board and myself, I want to thank you for your continued hard work during these busy times. Finding leadership for the Corporation continues to be a high priority for the White House and I’m confident they will work hard to name someone else soon.

In service,

Nicola Goren
Acting CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service

Maria Eitel was nominated April 21, the same day the Serve America Act was signed in to law. Read more about the withdrawal in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Also check out this analysis in Youth Today.

05.22.09
by

Disability and Inclusion related sessions at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service

“The 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service, taking place June 22-24 at the Moscone Center – West in the heart of San Francisco, is the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors. This year’s theme —”Civic. Energy. Generation.”— reflects the tremendous excitement in our nation today as people of all ages and backgrounds unify in a powerful movement to bring about social change.”

Learn more about the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service and register.

The National Service Inclusion Project will be conducting a pre-conference training, an immersion learning session and two workshops focused on disability and inclusion in national and community service at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Information and descriptions of each session is listed below:

Pre-Conference: Getting Buy-in: Crafting Partnerships that Fully Embrace Inclusion
Monday, June 22: 8:00 am- 4:00 pm — Participants of all levels welcome

People with disabilities are now, more than ever, engaged in community service or volunteering. Whether responsible for Continue reading →