Youth Serve Montana Scholarship

Congratulations to the 84 recipients of a 2013 scholarship!

The Governor’s Office of Community Service, Montana Campus Compact, and Student Assistance Foundation are proud to award 84 Montana high school seniors from 59 schools a $1,000 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship. These scholarships recognize each student’s commitment to volunteering over 100 hours in the last year.

Download the list of 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship recipients.

“These young volunteers are an asset to Montana,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “I am proud to recognize their efforts and I look forward to seeing how they continue to serve the state as they further their education at Montana’s colleges and universities.”

These $1,000 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships are for continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s two-year, four-year, public, tribal, private, or community colleges and universities.

“MSU and all of the Campus Compact institutions place a high value on service to community, and we are excited to grant these awards to our future leaders of Montana,” said Dr. Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University and Board Member, Montana Campus Compact.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants needed to volunteer at least 100 hours in the last year. Many students volunteered more than this and in total, the 84 scholarship recipients contributed 14,396 volunteer hours to Montana. Students helped their communities by mentoring their younger peers, coaching sports teams, serving as classroom assistants, supporting Special Olympics, serving as summer camp counselors, helping with community emergency responses after disasters, organizing park clean-ups, participating in 4-H service events, and so much more.

The 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships have been made possible through support from the Governor’s Office of Community Service, Montana Campus Compact, and Student Assistance Foundation.

Learn more about the 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and YSA are proud to support 17 Global Youth Service Projects across Montana. Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the world’s largest service event and the only one dedicated to celebrating the contributions of young people. Learn more about GYSD and register your project at www.gysd.org.

Montana GYSD Events:

Anaconda: The Anaconda Little League team is having their 3rd Annual Marty May baseball field cleanup day on Saturday, 4/27. Players and parents will work on repairing and replacing sections of the surrounding fence. Contact Stephanie Galle at 406-691-0861 to learn more.

Bozeman: Participants of the HRDC Youth Development’s mentoring program, Segue, will be restoring the greenhouse at the Bridger Alternative School on Friday, 2/26 and Sunday, 4/28. Youth will clean and organize the greenhouse and start native plants and vegetables to be planted around the school. Contact Keely Holmes at 406-585-4874 to get involved.

Billings: Montana Conservation Corps AmeriCorps members are supporting the annual “Youth in Action” GYSD event with two projects at Lake Elmo State Park and Two Moon Park on Saturday, 4/27. Both sites will include trail maintenance work. Contact Molly Harrison at 406-651-1311 or register at yia.eventbrite.com.

Browning: Alternative education students will work with the Families in Transition program to assemble backpacks for homeless students on Friday, 4/26. Contact Nikki Hannon at 406-338-4380 to learn more.

Butte: TRIO/Upward Bound students of Butte High School will join East Middle School students in planting flowers and shrubs in “reclaimed” park areas around Butte on Saturday, 4/27. This is in partnership with Montana Tech and the Reclamation Department of Butte Silver Bow. Contact Theresa Rader at 406-491-1907 to learn more.

Fort Peck: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H members will be re-plumbing the restrooms at the Allies of Scouting Camp on Sunday, 4/28. Hardware store owner, Drew Markle, will be teaching the youth plumbing skills on Saturday, 4/27. Contact Roubie Younkin at 406-228-6241 to get involved.

Glasgow: The Tampicio Boys 4-H Club members are redecorating a room at the Valley View Nursing home on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 26-28, to show their appreciation for their elders. Contact Roubie Younkin at 406-228-6241 to learn more.

Havre: Youth of the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line are cleaning up around the club and planting flowerbeds on Friday, 4/26. Contact Mary Owens at 406-265-6206 to learn more.

Havre: Key Clubs students of Havre High School along with Opportunity Link and North Central Montana Transit, will be creating a community garden at the Transit Bus Barn on Saturday, 4/27. Part of the produce from this garden will be donated to the Community Food Bank. Contact Samantha Rybicki at 406-265-3699 to get involved.

Helena: Students for the Project for Alternative Learning and Helena Middle School’s Student Leadership Group will be beautifying the outdoor common area at the God’s Love Shelter on Friday, 4/26. They will be painting the gazebo, tables, and benches. Contact Gladys Walter at 954-305-4942 to learn more.

Helena: Students of the YMCA’s “You Got Served” afterschool program will cleaning kennels and making dog toys at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society on Friday, 4/26. Contact Ariana McElarth to learn more.

Helena: The All Nations Youth Council of the Helena Indian Alliance will be developing the community garden at the Helena Indian Alliance on Friday and Saturday, 4/26 and 4/27. Contact Jeremy Red Eagle at 406-422-9244 to get involved.

Helena: Fifth grade SACC students will be creating placemats focused on healthy eating with their younger peers enrolled in the after-school program at Four Georgians Elementary School on Friday, 4/26. Contact Stephanie Bleyendall at 406-324-2133 to learn more.

Kalispell: Youth of the Center for Restorative Youth Justice program will be assisting with the community garden expansion at Flathead Valley Community College on Saturday, 4/27. The day’s activities will include educational workshops, leadership games, and the creation of a youth mural. Contact Keara O’Neill at 406-257-7400 to get involved.

Kalispell: Montana Academy Students, Montana Conservation Corps members, and FoodCorps members will be helping with the community garden day at Flathead Valley Community College on Saturday, 4/27. Contact Katie Wheeler at 412-952-6719 to learn more.

Lewistown: Students of Lewistown schools are participating in an Earth Day poster contest sponsored by ROWL (Recycle Our Waste Lewistown) on Friday, 4/26. Winners from each grade level will receive a ROWL t-shirt. Contact Anne Knerr at 406-538-8435 to get involved.

Missoula: Youth residents of Mountain Home Montana will be doing a grounds cleanup and building a bike shelter at the home on Saturday, 4/27. Contact Kira Huck at 406-541-4663 to learn more.

Celebrating GYSD, Earth Day, and Arbor Day!

April brings a variety of special days focused on the environment and service, and Montana AmeriCorps programs are celebrating across the state. Events related to Earth Day (April 22), National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), Global Youth Service Day-GYSD (April 26-28) and Arbor Day (April 26) have been planned by Montana Conservation Corps, Big Sky Watershed Corps, Montana State Parks AmeriCorps, Energy Corps, and Food Corps AmeriCorps members. Find a project in your community and get involved!

Billings

Big Sky Watershed Corps member Becca Mathias and the Audubon Conservation and Education Center are hosting an Earth Day Yellowstone River Volunteer Cleanup on April 20 at the Audubon Center in Billings. Contact Becca at 406-294-5099 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crew Leaders are partnering with Riverstone Health and the United Way of Yellowstone County for two GYSD projects at Lake Elmo Park and Two Moon Park in Billings on April 27. Contact Tauzha Grantham at 406-651-1311 to learn more.

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps member Sarah Pepasky is working with the United Way to bring youth to the Pictograph Cave State Park outside of Billings for a GYSD project of invasive species removal and trail restoration on April 27. Advance registration is required through Youth in Service. Contact Sarah at 406-254-7342 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps members will be planting trees at Rose Park in Billings on May 17 with fourth grade students and the City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate Arbor Day. Contact Tauzha Grantham at 406-651-1311 to learn more.

Bozeman

Montana Conservation Corps members will be helping with the Middle Creek Montessori Playground expansion on April 15 & 16 by constructing a new garden and a living willow house with fourth through six grade students in Bozeman. Contact Chris Nesset at 406-586-0151 to learn more.

Big Sky Watershed Corps member Emma Horton is teaching students about the environment in honor of Earth Day at Hawthorne Elementary School in Bozeman on April 19. Contact Emma at 406-522-7291 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps members will be celebrating Earth Day with the students at Monforton School in Bozeman with a school clean-up on , April 22. Contact Chris Nesset at 406-586-0151 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps members and Big Sky Watershed Corps members will be doing water quality testing in Bozeman during Global Youth Service Day on April 26. Contact Chris Nesset at 406-586-0151 to learn more.

Butte

Energy Corps staff and AmeriCorps VISTA member Zoe will be celebrating Earth Day with the student participants of the Little Diggers Days at Montana Tech in Butte on April 23 from 8:30am-3pm. Students will learn how to “Reuse, Recycle, and Grow.” Learn more at http://institute.mtech.edu/little-digger-day/.

Ennis

Food Corps member Natasha Hegmann is helping organize a school wide recycling drive for Earth Day on April 22 in Ennis. Email Natasha at Natasha.hegmann@foodcorps.org to learn more.

Hamilton

Big Sky Watershed Corps member Kalena Gravina and the Bitter Root Water Forum are holding an Earth Day stream restoration event on April 20 from 10am-2:30pm off French Basin Road outside of Hamilton. Call 406-375-2272 for directions.

Helena

Montana Conservation Corps members are celebrating GYSD on April 19 in Helena. From noon to 3:30pm they will be with PAL students doing trail work on Mount Helena. Then from 4pm to 7pm they will be partnering with Prickly Pear Land Trust for trail work at Davis Gulch with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA, and foreign exchange students. Contact Tim Dwyer at 406-495-9214 to learn more.

Kalispell

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps member Erin Koehler is hosting an Earth Day Celebration with games and a service project from 1-3pm on April 20 at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell. Call Erin at 406-755-2706 ext 3 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crew Leaders are supporting the annual Global Youth Service Day garden workday at the Flathead Valley Community College Community Garden in Kalispell on April 27. This garden day is supported by FoodCorps members, FVCC, Nourish the Flathead, and the Center for Restorative Youth Justice. Contact Cliff Kipp at 406-755-3619 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Field Crew Leaders are also celebrating GYSD by helping create a youth activity center in the old Kalispell mall with the United Way and high school students on April 27. Contact Cliff Kipp at 406-755-3619 to learn more.

Manhattan

Big Sky Watershed Corps member Erin Wall and the Gallatin Conservation District are hosting an Earth Day event on April 27 at the Gallatin Conservation District Center in Manhattan planting pollinator gardens. Contact Erin at 406-282-4350 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps members and Big Sky Watershed Corps members will be helping volunteers and students with their community garden in Manhattan for GYSD on  April 27. Contact Chris Nesset at 406-586-0151 to learn more.

Missoula

Big Sky Watershed Corps member Clara Moulton and the Clark Fork Coalition are organizing an Earth Day Clark Fork River Volunteer Cleanup on April 20 in Missoula at Caras Park. Call Clara at 406-542-0539 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Field Crew Leaders and Youth Crew Leaders in Missoula are partnering with the University of Montana to build a retaining wall beneath the “M” on April 22 for Earth Day. Contact Bobby Grillo at 406-728-2720 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crew Leaders are working with teens to build a fence around the farm at the Tom Roy Youth Home in Missoula for Global Youth Service Day on April 26. Contact Bobby Grillo at 406-728-2720 to learn more.

Roundup

Big Sky Watershed Corps member David Scott and the Lower Musselshell Conservation District are organizing an Earth Day tree planting in Roundup on April 17 with the Boys and Girls Club. Contact David at 406-323-2103 to learn more.

Montana Conservation Corps Field Crew Leaders are helping youth and adult volunteers do fuel reduction work in Roundup for GYSD on April 27. Contact Tauzha Grantham at 406-651-1311 to learn more.

Big Sky Watershed Corps member David Stout and the Lower Musselshell Conservation District are hosting a GYSD project restoring the stream bank with local volunteers on April 27 in Roundup. Contact David at 406-323-2103 to learn more.

To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, mayors across the country will participate in the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on April 9, 2013. In Montana, 18 Mayors will join more than 660 of their peers across the county in highlight the value and impact of national service in our cities and towns. This effort is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National League of Cities, Cities of Service, and Michael A. Nutter, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Montana Participants and Activities:

1. Mayor John Engen – Missoula–  Point of contact:  Brian Christianson, MTTC VISTA Project Director (406-243-5427) working with Colleen Baldwin, Missoula Aging Services (406-728-7682).  Proclamation and other events
2. Mayor James Smith – Helena – Point of contact:  Jackie Girard, CNCS (406-449-5404).  Proclamation.
3. Mayor Sean Becker – Bozeman– Point of contact:  Margaret Mason, Bozeman RSVP Project Director (406-587-5444).  Proclamation and other events.
4. Mayor Michael Winters - Great Falls – Point of contact:  Tina Lopez, Great Falls FGP/RSVP Project Supervisor (406-454-6992).  Proclamation.
5. Mayor Thomas Hanel - Billings – Point of contact:  Aundi Hunter, Billings-Metro VISTA Project VISTA Leader.  Proclamation and photo with the Mayor Hanel
6. Mayor Chris Grenz - Miles City – Point of contact:  Betty Vail, Miles City RSVP Director (406-234-0505).  Proclamation
7. Mayor Tim Solomon – Havre – Point of contact:  Mayor Tim Solomon (406-265-6719).  Event TBA
8. Mayor Jerry Jimison – Glendive – Point of contact:  Patty Atwell, Glendive RSVP Director (406-377-4716).  Proclamation
9. Mayor Michael Wood- Superior – Point of contact:  Mary Jo Berry, Superior RSVP Project Coordinator (406-822-4800).  Proclamation and small reception
10. Mayor Gene Mim Mack – Stevensville – Point of contact: Sharon Bladen, Hamilton RSVP Project Director (406-363-1102).  Proclamation and small reception
11. Mayor Jerry Steele – Hamilton - Point of contact:  Sharon Bladen, Hamilton RSVP Project Director (406-363-1102).  Proclamation and small reception
12. Mayor Ethel White – Eureka – Point of contact: Mary Duram, Eureka Town Clerk (406-297-2123).  Proclamation
13. City Manager Ed Meece – Livingston - Point of contact:  Margaret Mason, Bozeman RSVP Project Director (406-587-5444).  Proclamation and other events.
14. Mayor Kim Aipperspach – Ronan – Point of contact:  Maxine Garcia, Lake County RSVP Coordinator (406- 883-7284).  Proclamation and small reception
15. Chief Executive Matt Vincent – Butte – Point of contact:  Kaleena Miller (406-533-6651).  Service Project
16. Mayor John D. Evans – Wibaux – Point of contact: TBA Event:  TBA
17. Mayor William Peterson- Cascade- Point of contact: TBA Event: TBA
18. Mayor William Edwards - Roundup- Point of contact: TBA Event: TBA

Learn more about the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service here.

Post updated 4/4/13

Global Youth Service Day mini-grants are now available!

Global Youth Service Day, April 26-28, is the world’s largest service event, and the only one dedicated to recognizing the contributions that young people make to their communities every day of the year. In Montana, young people and adult champions are coming together to serve and celebrate on Global Youth Service Day (GYSD). Schools, community and faith-based organizations, student groups, and individuals are planning and participating in events across the state.

Plan an event in your area! GYSD mini-grants are available from the Governor’s Office of Community Service to help support youth-led service projects held April 26-28. At least 20 grants of $150 will be available to groups across the state. Applications are due April 8, so get your planning group together and submit an application today!

Find the GYSD mini-grant materials here.

Learn more about GYSD at www.gysd.org.

AmeriCorps Week
March 9-17, 2013

AmeriCorps week is annual event to celebrate and recognize the impact AmeriCorps has on our communities. In Big Sky Country, AmeriCorps members build trails, mentor at-risk youth, weatherize homes, help students learn to read, assist with tax preparations, build homes for low-income families, recruit volunteers, help nonprofits achieve their mission, and so much more. Since 1994, more than 7,800 Montana residents have served more than 7.4 million hours with AmeriCorps.

Participate in AmeriCorps Week Events

Montana AmeriCorps members are celebrating AmeriCorps week with service projects, potlucks, outreach events in schools, radio shows, and guest newspaper columns across the state.

Download the list of AmeriCorps week events.

Share your AmeriCorps Story

Share your AmeriCorps story with ServeMontana on Facebook.

Are you an AmeriCorps Alumnus? Connect with other Montana AmeriCorps Alumni on Facebook.

Proud of your AmeriCorps week event? Tell us about it by emailing serve@mt.gov.

Join AmeriCorps!

Learn more about AmeriCorps programs in Montana.

Learn more about AmeriCorps programs across the nation at www.americorps.gov.

Facts about AmeriCorps in Montana

• While serving our Montana community communities, AmeriCorps members gain job skill, earn money for college, and learn the importance of giving back.
• There are more than 1,200 AmeriCorps members serving in Montana this year!
• AmeriCorps members serve in Montana through 5 AmeriCorps State Programs, 5 AmeriCorps National Programs, 5 AmeriCorps VISTA projects, and 1 AmeriCorps NCCC team. That’s 16 different programs connecting AmeriCorps members to local community needs.
• Since 1994, more than 7,800 Montana residents have served more than 7.4 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $16,980,000.
• AmeriCorps members serve Montana by weatherizing homes, helping low-income Montanans access legal assistance, improving trails and public lands, educating citizens about energy conservation, recruiting and training volunteers, mentoring students, developing nonprofits capacity, increasing access to healthy food, and so much more!

Learn more about the impact of AmeriCorps and other National Service programs in Montana at nationalservice.gov.

Montanans Honored for Outstanding Volunteer Service!

The 2013 ServeMontana Awards and ReadyMontana Awards will be presented at the ServeMontana Symposium awards luncheon on Thursday, February 28 starting at 11:30am at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena.

“I look forward to recognizing these dedicated Montanans,” said Lt. Governor John Walsh. “It’s the passion and commitment of volunteers that make our state great.”

Lt. Governor John Walsh will first present three ReadyMontana Awards to outstanding community volunteers and organizations in the areas of disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response. Following will be the presentation of eight ServeMontana Awards to outstanding community volunteers and organizations in the social impact areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and veterans & military families. Continue Reading

2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship
Available to High School Seniors

Students earn $1,000 for college by giving 100 volunteer hours

HELENA, MT- The Governor’s Office of Community Service, Montana Campus Compact, and Student Assistance Foundation announced today that the 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship is now available for up to 100 Montana high school seniors. It is the eighth year for this exciting scholarship opportunity aimed at students dedicated to volunteering.

The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship rewards students who have volunteered over 100 hours in the last year and who want to further their education in state. This year, 100 high school seniors will receive $1,000 toward continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s public, tribal, private, or community colleges and universities.

“This is a great opportunity to recognize students who are committed to service and to giving back to their communities,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “The Youth Serve Montana Scholarships honor these students’ investment in our state and help them continue their education here in Montana.”

The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship application form, guidelines, and FAQs can be found online at serve.mt.gov. Completed applications, proof of volunteer hours, confirmation of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and enrollment in a Montana post-secondary institution must be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Community Service by April 15, 2013.

The 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships have been made possible through support from the Governor’s Office of Community Service, Montana Campus Compact, and Student Assistance Foundation.

“It is Student Assistance Foundation’s honor to support the Youth Serve Montana Scholarship program,” said Kelly Cresswell, vice president of Foundation Activities. “Commitment on the part of Montana students to giving back to their communities, combined with a desire to attain higher education, provides a strong foundation going forward for our state, and generations to come.”

"My colleagues and I are proud to recognize civically engaged students,” said Jane Karas, Ph.D., chair of Montana Campus Compact and president of Flathead Valley Community College. "These scholarships honor their commitment to their communities while helping them achieve their educational goals."

The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service and emergency preparedness. Visit serve.mt.gov.

Montana Campus Compact is Montana’s largest higher-education network and works to improve community life by educating students for civic and social responsibility. Visit www.mtcompact.org.

Student Assistance Foundation is a nonprofit Montana corporation that provides students with knowledge and tools to pursue and fund their postsecondary education. Funds generated by SAF are returned to Montanans in the form of education grants, scholarships and public benefit programs - to date totaling more than $25 million. Visit www.safmt.org or www.SmartAboutCollege.org.

###

ServeMontana Symposium

Volunteer Focused Conference February 28 and March 1, 2013

HELENA, MT- Registration is now open for the ServeMontana Symposium on February 28 and March 1 at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, MT. This affordable conference, offered by the Governor’s Office of Community Service, focuses on providing training and resources for national service programs, nonprofits, and organizations that use and support volunteers.

“The ServeMontana Symposium is an excellent training and networking opportunity for volunteers and the organizations that support them,” said Tony Dean, Interim Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “This year’s theme, Service through the Ages, will highlight both the history of service and how all generations are making a difference by volunteering their time and talents.”

What: ServeMontana Symposium: Service through the Ages
When: Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1, 2013
Where: Great Northern Hotel, Helena, MT
Who: Nonprofits, community organizations, national service members and volunteers
Cost: $100 before 2/13/13 or $125 after 2/13/13
Register: Registration available online at serve.mt.gov

Steve Culbertson, President and CEO of YSA (Youth Service America), will be the keynote speaker on Thursday, February 28, 2013. YSA is an international nonprofit organization that improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. For two years in a row, the Nonprofit Times named him to its list of "The 50 most powerful and influential leaders" in the sector, saying, "Culbertson has helped to position volunteering and young people as an issue and a national priority."

The conference will also highlight volunteers from across the state with the ServeMontana Awards and ReadyMontana Awards presented at the awards luncheon on Thursday, February 28 at 11:30am. Registration for the awards luncheon is available for $20.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service and emergency preparedness.

###

For the last two years, Governor Schweitzer’s Energy Intern Program has provided work opportunities for Montana college students through a unique collaboration of Montana schools, businesses, and government. Funded by a US Department of Education grant, the Energy Intern Program awarded scholarships to college students who completed an internship in Montana's growing energy sector. Relying on cutting-edge private businesses to provide hands-on projects, the program provided relevant experience for interns while empowering host site businesses by offering access to Montana's stellar college students. Since its start in May 2011, 139 interns contributed over 24,400 hours to Montana’s burgeoning energy sector.

Over its duration, the Energy Intern program received 280 applications from 14 of the 20 public and tribal post-secondary institutions in the state. Students eligible to receive financial aid were paired with projects relevant to their studies; these interns received a scholarship upon completion of their project. A total of $245,000 in scholarships was awarded to financially needy students from Montana’s public and tribal colleges.

The internships would not have been possible without host sites. 60 businesses, nonprofits and academic institutions across the state provided opportunities for interns to work and learn. Host sites covered a spectrum of energy-related fields: renewable energy system installation, energy awareness and education, recycling programs, electricity co-ops, innovative energy storage solutions, alternative fuels, sustainable agricultural practices and more.

Governor Schweitzer’s Energy Intern Program was funded by a Federal US Department of Education grant. The program was conducted by the Governor's Office of Community Service, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development as well as the Department of Commerce’s Energy Promotion and Development Division.

Citizenship and Service in Action

January 21, 2013

Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off”. Americans across the country will honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities with thousands of projects spread across all 50 states.

In Montana, National Service Programs, including AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Senior Corps programs, have been working hard to organize events that continue Dr. King’s legacy of peace and service. Highlights of this year’s activities are the “Read for Peace” projects in thirteen communities across the state. Volunteers will be reading books about Dr. King and his ideas of peace and understanding to elementary school students. Students will then make art pieces on their reflections from the books that will be displayed in the community.

Download the updated list of MLK Day projects organized by National Service Members.

The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides – today and throughout the year. Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the MLK Day of Service at mlkday.gov.

January 19 Day of Service

This year’s commemoration of the MLK Day of Service coincides with the 57th Presidential Inauguration, which includes a special National Day of Service on January 19. Similar to the inauguration four years ago, this year's activities will kick off on Saturday, January 19th with the National Day of Service—a tradition started by the Obamas in 2009. In Montana, projects are currently scheduled in Belgrade, Billings, Bozeman, Columbia Falls, Dillon, Kalispell, and Missoula. Visit www.2013pic.org/service/serve to learn more and get involved.

Montana AmeriCorps programs are now recruiting!

Gain job skills, earn money for college or student loans, and give back to your community by joining AmeriCorps in Montana. As an AmeriCorps State member you will do hands-on service in places like our schools, public lands and state parks. As an AmeriCorps VISTA you fight poverty and help build community capacity.

Search for all AmeriCorps opportunities in Montana at www.americorps.gov or check out the programs below that are currently recruiting for members to start in 2013.

AmeriCorps State Programs- hands-on service

Montana State Parks AmeriCorps

Help restore public lands, recruit volunteers, and educate youth about the wonders of our state parks. Montana State Parks is currently recruiting for full-time positions at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell and Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings. Applications for half-time positions will be accepted starting December 1. These positions are currently listed on the stateparks.mt.gov and are available at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo, Bannack State Park in Dillon, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park in Ulm, and Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls.

Montana Conservation Corps

Join the Montana Conservation Corps to build trails, restore watersheds, lead youth crews, and help preserve our great outdoors. Crew Leaders and Youth Crew Leaders start February 11, Corps Members start May 20, Vet Crews start May 30 and August 14, and Big Sky Watershed Corps members start January 7. Learn more and download an application at mtcorps.org.

FoodCorps Montana

FoodCorps is a nationwide team of leaders that connects kids to real food and helps them grow up healthy. Motivated leaders are placed in limited-resource communities for a year of public service. Working under the direction of local partner organizations, AmeriCorps members implement a three-ingredient recipe for healthy kids. They teach kids about what healthy food is and where it comes from; build and tend school gardens; and bring high-quality local food into public school cafeterias. New positions start August 2013. Learn more about FoodCorps at www.foodcorps.org, and FoodCorps Montana at www.montanafoodcorps.org.

AmeriCorps VISTA Programs- fight poverty

AmeriCorps VISTA programs start January 23 with a pre-service orientation

Prevention Resource Center

Serve as a Prevention Resource Center VISTA to help keep Montana children, communities and families strong and resilient against risks such as unintended and unhealthy pregnancies, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, crime and violence, and high school drop-outs. Learn more at prevention.mt.gov or call Nicole Gottshall at 406-444-9655.

Montana Legal Services Association

Help protect and enhance the civil legal rights of, and promote systemic change for, Montanans living in poverty as a VISTA with the Montana Legal Services Association. Serve in one of three areas: asset development, domestic violence or poverty law. Learn more and find open positions at www.mlsavista.org.

Billings Metro VISTA Project

Create or expand community-based programs, services, and systems that prevent and intervene in homelessness with the Billings METRO VISTA project. Help with community gardens, VITA programs, veteran services, and other programs related to homelessness. Learn more at ci.billings.mt.us or call Brenda Beckett at 406-657-8286.

Montana Campus Compact

The goal of Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) is to leverage the resources of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. AmeriCorps VISTA members serving with MTCC address local poverty problems related to education, including school performance, college access, and veteran engagement. Service placements include college and university campuses, community based organizations, nonprofits, K-12 schools, and faith-based organizations. Learn more at www.mtcompact.org or call Brian Christianson, Program Manager, at 406-243-5177.

Communities in Action

Serve in frontier Montana and enhance early childhood development with the Communities in Action VISTA project of Richland County. The open position will be developing a Farm to School program. Call Judith LaPan at 406-433-2207 to learn more.

AmeriCorps NCCC- travel with a team

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) strengthens communities and develops leaders through team-based national and community service. The AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Campus is based in Sacramento, California and serves Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Utah, and the Pacific Territories. NCCC engages teams of 9-12 members in 3-9 week service projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, & urban and rural development. Apply now for positions starting in the fall of 2013. Learn more at americorps.gov/nccc.

Learn more about all the AmeriCorps programs in Montana.

Download the AmeriCorps Montana Member Education Award Fact Sheet

Since 1994, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA members completing their service in the state of Montana have earned more than $16 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. Education awards earned through AmeriCorps can be used toward furthering a member’s education whether through a traditional four year college or other courses such as those offered at Sage Technical Institute and Aerie Backcountry Medicine.

Some of the more surprising data presented in the map above is the large dollar value of education awards being distributed to New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. These three states stand out in the data due to the presence of either federal lenders, or large federal loan processors. Consequently, many of the dollars reaching Montana institutions (coming in in the form of federal loans) are not represented in this data.

Upon earning an Education Award, AmeriCorps Alumni have seven years to use it to attend school, purchase education supplies, or to pay off student loans. Those who are 55 and older when they serve can transfer their Education Award to children or grandchildren. Education awards can be used at Title IV colleges and universities as well as trade schools, apprentice programs, and outdoor education programs.

Learn more about Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards at edaward.org.

See the list of Education Awards to Montana Institutions from 1995 to January 2012.

Energy Interns in Montana…

Gain work experience related to their studies,

Earn money for college, and

Contribute to the state’s booming energy sector!

EnergyIntern.com

For the last two years, Governor Schweitzer’s Energy Intern Program has provided work opportunities for Montana college students through a unique partnership between Montana schools, businesses, and government. Since the first intern started in May of 2011, 99 interns have contributed over 18,000 hours to Montana’s burgeoning energy sector. When the program ends in December 2012, it will have distributed over $232,000 in scholarships to financially needy students from Montana’s public and tribal colleges.

Bowen Humphrey and Craig Brewer, interns at the UM Sustainability Office, presenting at the Governor’s Innovation Day

Energy Interns have worked on a variety of projects across Montana including conducting water sampling, developing recycling initiatives, creating monitoring tools for home energy use, testing fuel cells, leading hydropower dam tours, teaching sustainable agricultural practices to youth, and so much more. Read about all the Energy Intern projects at energyintern.com/about.

Energy Interns have served at 60 host sites across the state. From nonprofits to electric cooperatives to the US Army Corps of Engineers- host sites have covered the spectrum of energy-related fields. Find a map of all the Energy Intern host sites at energyintern.com/host-site.

The first energy interns with Governor Schweitzer in 2011

Governor Schweitzer’s Energy Intern Program was funded by a US Department of Education grant. The program was conducted by the Governor's Office of Community Service, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development as well as the Department of Commerce’s Energy Promotion and Development Division.

National Service truly makes a difference in Montana but understanding how it works can be confusing. National Service programs include AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Senior Corps. AmeriCorps members serve through 12 different programs under three different umbrellas- AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps National, and AmeriCorps NCCC. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve through one of five VISTA projects. Senior Corps’ three programs are RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions. All National Service programs are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Download the flowchart of National Service programs in Montana.

Nationals Service Contacts

• AmeriCorps State Programs
• AmeriCorps VISTA Projects
• Senior Corps Directors

Learn more about all National Service programs by visiting www.nationalservice.gov.

AmeriCorps in Montana

AmeriCorps members serve all across Montana. This map shows where current AmeriCorps members are serving, but note that not all members serve full time for a year. Contact information listed is for their host site or parent organization. Those interesting in applying to serve as an AmeriCorps member should visit www.americorps.gov.

View AmeriCorps in Montana in a full screen map

First Lady and First Interstate Bank Kick-off One Warm Coat drive in Montana

Campaign Encourages Montanans to Help Keep Neighbors Warm this Winter

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

HELENA—First Lady Nancy Schweitzer today joined First Interstate Bank and One Warm Coat® to kick-off a coat drive across Montana. The First Lady's participation is part of the Governor’s Office of Community Service Winter Ready Montana initiative (serve.mt.gov) that highlights winter ready tips and resources and encourages Montanans to help others this winter season.

“As Montanans are getting winter ready, it’s important to help make sure your neighbors and those in need are ready too,” said First Lady Nancy Schweitzer. “I encourage all Montanans to join me in giving a coat to help keep someone warm this winter.”

Montanans are invited to donate clean, gently used coats at drop-off locations across the state. Collection boxes are set up in the Capitol Rotunda and at First Interstate Bank branches in 19 cities and towns. For more information on collection box locations, visit the website: serve.mt.gov. The coat drive will run through October 26th and donated coats will be given to local organizations for distribution such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, and Montana Rescue Mission.

“No one should have to go without such a basic necessity as a winter coat,” said Kelly Bruggeman, First Interstate Foundation Executive Director. “This is a great opportunity for First Interstate Bank and all Montanans to demonstrate their generosity of spirit by passing along coats that are no longer needed.

One Warm Coat (onewarmcoat.org) is a national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need.

First Interstate Bank (firstinterstatebank.com) is a community banking organization, operating 71 offices throughout Montana, Wyoming, and western South Dakota.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service (serve.mt.gov) expands and promotes national service and volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service and emergency preparedness.

###

CONTACT: Sarah Elliott 406-444-9725 or Jayson O’Neill 406-444-9844

Nominate an Unsung Hero for Citizen Service Before Self Honors, a National Award Given by Medal of Honor Recipients

Heroes are made everyday. A hero could be a family member, neighbor, friend, or coworker, who has heroically risked his life to save another’s, or the hero may have sacrificed his time and resources selflessly to help another in need.

Take a moment and recognize these unsung heroes for a national award. The Citizen Service Before Self Honors award is presented to three United States citizens each year by members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society who themselves have received the nation’s highest award for valor—the Medal of Honor.

Citizen Service Before Self Honors recognizes and honors those ordinary Americans who have clearly demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for others. The sacrifice may include a single act of extraordinary heroism at risk to one’s life, or through a prolonged series of selfless acts on behalf of their fellow citizens.

You can nominate a hero from your community by completing the nominations form online at www.CitizenServiceBeforeSelfHonors.org. Nominations must be received by Friday, December 28, 2012. All nominations will be considered, and a panel of Medal of Honor recipients will select three individuals to receive Citizen Service Before Self Honors at a national awards ceremony on March 25 2013, in conjunction with National Medal of Honor Day at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Help America’s greatest war heroes, Medal of Honor recipients, find citizen heroes—unsung heroes who deserve to be recognized nationally.

At the 2012 Montana Nonprofit Association Conference in Helena, the Governor’s Office of Community Service highlighted impact of AmeriCorps to Montana. During the meals on Friday, attendees had the opportunity to learn about National Service with “AmeriCorps Impacts Montana” placemats and table tents featuring individuals’ AmeriCorps stories. There was also a gallery of AmeriCorps stories set up in the hallway of the conference. Thank you MNA for letting us share a few stories of AmeriCorps in Montana!

Download the 11x17 place mat.

Learn more about the data sources used for the place mat.

AmeriCorps Stories

Read stories from AmeriCorps alumni and nonprofits benefiting from AmeriCorps. Thank you to the Prevention Resource Center with the Department of Health and Human Services for sharing the nonprofit stories.

Katie Wheeler - Food Corps, Kalispell

Drew Grissom - Montana Legal Services, Missoula

Abby Zent - Prevention Resource Center, Helena

Kevin Moore - UM Western, Dillon

Kalena Gravina - Big Sky Watershed Corps, Hamilton

Kirsten Vorreyer - CASA, Missoula

Rocky Mountain Development Council - Helena

National Coalition Building Institute - Missoula

Mental Health America of Montana - Bozeman

Find more AmeriCorps data and impact reports on the ServeMontana press packet page.

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor 9/11 victims, survivors, and others who rose up in service in response to the attacks. In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country.

Get involved with the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by participating in a service project, thanking those who serve in your community, or finding a way you can volunteer at www.buildmontana.org.

National Service members including Senior Corps and AmeriCorps members across Montana will be participating in activities to honor the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, including:

• AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps State, and Senior Corps programs are collecting toiletries, household items, and coffee for emergency shelters, veterans’ organizations, and food banks across the state. Find collection locations here.
• The Billings Metro VISTA project is hosting a Garden Beautification Day at the Whitetail Run Community Garden on Tuesday, 9/11, between 12pm and 3pm. Contact Jessie Soye or Lauren Asmus at 406-237-1900.
• Montana State Parks AmeriCorps members will be teaching Emergency and Outdoor Survival Skills at Giant Spring State Park in Great Falls on Saturday, 9/15. Contact Savanna Davenport at 406-454-5840.
• Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development, Inc. (WORD) will be holding a necessity drive for women and families in poverty at the Orange Street Food Farm on Friday, 9/21, from 3pm to 7pm. Contact Robyn Hegland at 406-534-3550, ext. 231.
• The Action for Eastern Montana Senior Companion program is collecting items and preparing care packages for National Guard Troops currently serving in Afghanistan. Contact Karen O’Dell at 800-227-0703.
• Senior Corps programs from across Montana have created a tribute video thanking the military and first responders. The video can be viewed here.

Download the full list of 9/11 Day Projects:

• 9/11 Day Projects (Excel)
• 9/11 Day Projects (PDF)

Learn more about the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance at serve.gov/sept11.

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor 9/11 victims, survivors, and others who rose up in service in response to the attacks. In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. For the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, 33 million people spent the day helping others and 700,000 people volunteered.

Get involved this 9/11 Day by finding a volunteer opportunity in your community! Here a just a few opportunities across Montana and you can always find more ways to get involved at BuildMontana.org.

Billings

Join the Billings Metro VISTA project for a Garden Beautification Day at the Whitetail Run Community Garden at 335 Sioux Lane. On Tuesday, 9/11, come between 10am and 2pm to help with garden maintenance and educational projects. Contact Jessie Soye or Lauren Asmus at 406-237-1900 to learn more.

Bozeman

Help harvest produce that goes to those in need at the Anchor Ministries Produce Garden off East Cameron Bridge Road. Contact Dale McNikles at 406-548-1712 to schedule a time to volunteer anytime in September including on Tuesday, 9/11. Volunteers will be picking produce that is donated to the Gallatin County Food Bank.

Butte

Join in with the 9/11 Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Fair in Stodden Park in afternoon of Tuesday, 9/11. There will demonstrations and materials available about how to be prepared for emergencies in Butte-Silverbow County. Contact Emily White at 406-496-4692 to learn more.

Support “a Brush with Kindness” organized by the National Affordable Housing Network on Saturday, 9/8. Veterans, students, and community volunteers will be repairing and painting the home a disabled community member. Contact Jordan Backstrom at 218-831-3075 to learn more.

Great Falls

Learn Emergency and Outdoor Survival Skills at Giant Springs State Park on Saturday, 9/15. Educational sessions will be provided for youth and adults on orienteering and map reading, edible and medicinal plants, and other outdoor skills. Contact Savanna Davenport at 406-454-5840 to learn more.

Helena

Join the Helena Community Gardens’ Harvest and Work Day on Saturday, 9/8 from 9am to noon. Volunteers will meet at the Bausch Park Community Garden behind the YMCA then disburse to four community gardens to harvest produce for the Volunteer for Veggies program. Contact Caroline Wallace at 540-392-3847 to learn more.

Kalispell

Join the Montana Conservation Corps doing trail work in our great outdoors. Volunteers are welcome to join crews in the field the week of 9/10 but need to be able to hike long miles and do physical work in all weather conditions. Contact Clifford Kipp at 406-755-3619 to learn more.

Missoula

Home ReSource is providing a Disaster Preparedness course on Tuesday, 9/11, at 6pm at the Home ReSource ReVamp Shop at 1515 Wyoming Street. Participants are encouraged to donate $10 for the class that will be given to the Veterans Center in Missoula. Contact Hannah Kooistra at 406-541-8300 to learn more.

Statewide

AmeriCorps members in Helena, Missoula, Bozeman, Kalispell, Havre, Butte, and Great Falls are organizing “The Great Roll Out.” This collection drive of toiletries and coffee runs from 9/1 to 9/11 and donations will be distributed to Food Pantries and Veteran Centers across the state. Email Amanda Opitz at vistaleader@mtcompact.org to find the collection site near you.

History

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor 9/11 victims, survivors, and others who rose up in service in response to the attacks.

In 2009, Congress designated September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. For the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, 33 million people spent the day helping others and 700,000 people volunteered.

Learn more by reading “Why Serve on 9/11?” on the United We Serve blog.

9/11 Day in Montana

National Service (Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and AmeriCorps VISTA) programs in Montana have supported the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance starting in 2009 by encouraging Montanans to pledge to serve their communities to honor and remember. In 2010, National Service programs organized six service events including a “Big Roll Out” drive for the Montana Food Bank Network, a food collection drive for veterans, elderly, and disadvantaged youth, and a book collection for Head Starts and Daycares in Eastern Montana. In 2011, there were more than 35 events and service projects organized across the state in honor of 9/11 by National Service programs.

This year, National Service programs will continue the tradition of service in honor of September 11 with events across Montana.

National Service 9/11 Day Conference Call

The Governor’s Office of Community Service is hosting an open conference call on August 23 for National Service Programs to share their 9/11 Day plans.

9/11 Day in MT Conference Call
Thursday, August 23 at 10 am
Call in number: (641) 715-3620
Participant code: 937749#
RSVP to serve@mt.gov

This call is open to anyone involved with National Service and volunteering in Montana including AmeriCorps members, program staff, Senior Corps directors, host sites, and campuses. The purpose of this call is to share 9/11 Day plans and to find collaboration opportunities. The Governor’s Office of Community Service will use the information shared to help network opportunities and to spread the word to the public and the media. If possible, please RSVP by sending your name, program, email and phone number to serve@mt.gov.

9/11 Day Resources

• Learn about the Corporation for National and Community Service’s plans for 9/11 Day.
• Join the 9/11 Tribute Movement at www.911day.org.
• Find teaching tools and service learning projects also at www.911day.org.
• Find toolkits for all types of service projects at serve.gov.
• Download 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Logos from CNCS.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service launched the third annual Summer Survey on Service and Volunteering.

This survey will help assess how volunteers are utilized in Montana, what type of support and trainings are needed, and the effectiveness of tools and resources provided.

Individuals are asked to take the survey even if they do not work with or directly manage volunteers, as there are questions about community values and needs. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Take the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ServeMontana2012

This survey is open to anyone in Montana including organizations, individuals, businesses, schools, and community leaders. The survey closes on August 5, 2012. Survey deadline extended to Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service are proud to present the ServeMontana Awards and the ReadyMontana Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals of all ages and backgrounds who, through their dedication and commitment to community service, have greatly enhanced civic life in Montana.

We invite you to nominate individuals and organizations who:

• Volunteer in ways that cause a lasting change in people’s lives
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their community
• Engage in service that greatly benefits others
• Exhibit leadership in their service
• Represent determination and perseverance

These awards represent the best in positive community change through service, volunteerism and community leadership.

2013 Nomination Materials

• Award Information
• Nomination Form (in Word)
• Nomination Form (as a PDF)

Categories

For service and volunteer work in the areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans & military families, and economic opportunity

For service specifically related to disaster services, emergency preparedness, and emergency response

Eligibility

The public is encouraged to nominate individuals of all ages and backgrounds, organizations, and groups. All services must be performed in Montana and individual nominees may not be salaried for the services performed. However, stipend AmeriCorps members are eligible for nomination. Service organizations, nonprofits, and clubs with paid staff are also eligible for nomination.

Selection

The Montana Commission on Community Service, a Governor-appointed body dedicated to promoting service in Montana, will select the award winners. Selections will be based on the five qualities above while factoring in geographical diversity and variety of nomination types.

Deadline

All nominations for the 2013 Awards must be received by December 18, 2012.

The Commission will review nominations in January and the Awards will be presented during the 4th annual ServeMontana Symposium in Helena, February 2013.

Submission Instructions

Please submit your nomination form and any other materials to ServeMontana, the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

• Email to serve@mt.gov (preferred)
• Fax to 406-444-4418
• Mail to: Governor’s Office of Community Service, Award Nomination, PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620

The Governor’s Office of Community Service will contact you confirming receipt of your nomination. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours please call 406-444-9077 to confirm the nomination form arrived. Please note that large pictures need to be sent in separate emails.

AmeriCorps NCCC members with ServeMontana Staff, May 2012

Apply to Host an AmeriCorps NCCC Team!

Could your organization use a team of hardworking young people dedicated to improving communities like yours?

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is currently accepting applications from prospective NCCC Sponsors!

What is NCCC?

The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service. The AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Campus is based in Sacramento, California and serves Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Utah, and the Pacific Territories.

NCCC engages teams of 9-12 members in 3-9 week service projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, & urban and rural development.

Who can apply?

• Nonprofits
• Faith-based Organizations
• Local and County Governments
• Federal Government
• National or State Parks
• Indian Tribes
• Schools or School Districts

Examples of past projects throughout our region have included:

• Construction of low-income housing
• Disaster response and recovery
• Fuels reduction
• Disaster preparedness education and outreach
• Camp improvements
• Tax preparation for low-income families
• Weatherization and replacing traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Food bank program support
• General facilities improvement and beautification projects

Learn More:

The AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific region accepts project applications on a rolling basis. NCCC teams serve four rounds starting November 2012. Check the schedule below to see when your application is due. Note that your project must fit within a project round. If you are a new project, you will need to submit a project concept form one month before the application deadline.

Application Deadline Schedule
Round 1 (Early Nov. to mid Dec.)  Deadline: August 2, 2012
Round 2 (Early Jan. to mid March) Deadline: September 5, 2012
Round 3 (End March to end May) Deadline: December 17, 2012
Round 5 (Early June to Early July ) Deadline: February 4, 2013

Please download the Class 19 Pacific Region RFA for application instructions.

Learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC at www.americorps.gov/NCCC.

Find the project application form here.

Contact:

Deanne Reeves
AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region
916-640-0317
dreeves@cns.gov

In honor of National Trails Day AmeriCorps members will be serving across the state to improve public lands. Volunteer and make a difference in your community by joining one of the following events.  For more opportunities to serve visit Build Montana.

Billings – Engage community volunteers in rebuilding a section of Phipps Park. Volunteers will work alongside MCC AmeriCorps leaders to complete basic trail construction projects including waters bars, drain dips, and retread.

Volunteers will meet at Phipps Park on Saturday, June 2 at 9a.m. Tools, coffee, and morning snacks will be provided. Projects will be completed by 1 p.m. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Maggie Zaback at Montana Conservation Corps by phone: 406-651-1311 or email: maggie@mtcorps.org.

Helena – Partnering with Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) to expand the Nob Hill trail system. Volunteers will work alongside MCC AmeriCorps leaders using hand tools to complete basic trail construction and maintenance projects.

Volunteers will meet at the parking lot on Saddle Drive near Nob Hill on Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves when available. Tools, lunch, and refreshments will be provided. Projects will be completed by 1 p.m. Those interested in volunteering should contact Greg Ross at Montana Conservation Corps by phone: 406-651-1311 or email: greg@mtcorps.org.

Bozeman – Partnering with Gallatin Valley Land Trust, REI Bozeman, and City of Bozeman to resurface sections of trail and complete noxious weed pull at East Gallatin Recreation Area and Story Mill Spur.

Volunteers will meet at the Bogart Park to car pool on Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, shovels, and rakes when available, some tools will be provided. Projects wrap up by noon, with lunch provided by Baja Fresh. Those interested in volunteering should contact Tim Dwyer at Montana Conservation Corps by phone: 406-586-0151 or email: tim@mtcorps.org.

Kalispell – Partnering with Foys to Blacktail Trails, Lone Pine State Park, and Flathead County volunteers will complete basic trail and park improvement projects at Herron Park and Lone Pine State Park.

Volunteers will meet on Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, shovels, and rakes when available, some tools will be provided. Projects wrap up by noon, and lunch will be provided by Daybreak Rotary. Those interested in volunteering should contact Cliff Kipp at Montana Conservation Corps by phone: 406-755-3619 or email: clifford@mtcorps.org.

Billings - Pictograph Cave State Park: Saturday, June 2 from Noon-4pm.  Junior Ranger Day! Come with your aspiring junior ranger to take part in fun activities that will lead them to their badge.  Kids will be looking at animal tracks and animal scat and making their own animal scat out of tootsie rolls, activities include rock art.  This event is best for kids ages 5-11.

Location: In Billings, take Lockwood Exit off I-90, then 5 miles south on Coburn Road.  Contact: Jessie Hendrix (406) 254-7342

Butte/Bozeman - Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: Saturday, June 2 starts at 9am

• 9am - Presentation on weeds and trail etiquette – meet at the campground pavilion
• 10am - Out to trails for weed pulling and trail maintenance
• 12:30pm - Lunch provided by the park (Music with The Tumbleweed Connection)
• 2pm - Trail Tour
• Door prizes from the American Hiking Society and Lewis & Clark Caverns

Location: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759.  Contact: Lynette Kemp or Rhea Armstrong (406) 287-3541

Glendive - Makoshika State Park: Saturday, June 9 starts at 9am.  As part of the annual ‘Buzzard Day’ special event join the ‘Wilderness Walk’ (this event will occur a week after National Trails Day). The walk begins at the group use shelter, one half mile inside the park entrance. It is a 4-mile hike following the coulee out to a prominent point overlooking Glendive and the Yellowstone River Valley. Hikers will have resting and speaking stops where the guide will discuss the pre-history of the park and the erosion actions that created the state park that we see today. The guide will talk about Glendive’s history and the significance of the Yellowstone Valley. Prepare for weather. A hiking stick is recommended, water is recommended.

Location: 1301 Snyder Avenue in Glendive.  Contact: Tom Shoush, Park Ranger at Makoshika (406) 377-6256

Great Falls - First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park: Saturday, June 2 from 10:30am – 12:30pm.  Join a Montana State Parks Ranger for a guided hike along First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park's 3.5 mile interpretive trail. During the hike you will learn about the jump's history, geology, plants, animals and more! The hike will start and finish at the park's Visitor Center and includes a trip to the top of the jump.

Location: 10 miles south of Great Falls on I-15 at Ulm Exit, then 3.5 miles northwest on Ulm-Vaughn road.  Contact: Richard Hopkins or Jake McCoy (406) 866-2219

Great Falls -Giant Springs State Park: Saturday, June 2 from 9am – 1pm.  Help build an addition to River’s Edge Trail on the south shore of the Missouri River. Giant Springs State Park’s staff and Great Falls Bike Club will provide trail work instruction and all tools. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and bring leather gloves. Meet at Lewis & Clark overlook. Water and light snacks will be provided.

Location: From Interstate 15, take Central Avenue (Exit 280). Proceed east on Central Avenue and turn left on River Drive immediately after crossing the Missouri River. Continue on River Drive 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Giant Springs Rd. -Giant Springs State Park is located approximately 1 mile ahead, on the left.  Contact: Matt Marcinek (406) 454-5859

Kalispell - Lone Pine State Park: Saturday, June 2 from 9am – Noon.  Celebrate National Trails Day by assisting with basic trail maintenance followed by a delicious BBQ feast! Be a part of your community by working together to improve one of the most beautiful parks in the Flathead Valley.

Location: Lone Pine State Park is located 4 miles southwest of Kalispell. Travel on Highway 93 Alternate to the Foy's Lake Road Roundabout. Travel west on Foy's Lake Road for approximately 2.7 miles. Turn left on Lone Pine Road and follow to the park entrance at the end of the road.  Contact: Amy Grout (406) 755-2706 ext. 3

Missoula - Milltown State Park: Saturday, June 2 from 10am – 2pm.  The upcoming Milltown State Park is hosting a volunteer event in celebration of the 20th National Trails Day. This event will be held on the newly constructed trail that leads to the Milltown Bluff Overlook. Volunteers will be planting native shrubs and trees along this trail and a Boy Scout troop will be installing 2 park benches.

Location: Milltown Bluff Overlook - 1353 Deer Creek Rd. in Bonner.  Contact: Michael Kustudia (406) 542-5533 or Dan Shook at (406) 880-0571

We send our gratitude to the men and women – including many Montanans – who gave their lives to defend our country and ensure our freedoms.  Please take time this Memorial Day weekend to remember them in your heart.

More than two hundred new Montana Conservation Corps(MCC) members took the AmeriCorps pledge just outside Seeley Lake at Camp Paxson. In addition to the accepting their pledge as AmeriCorps members, to get things done for America, the new MCC members took special care to get Camp Paxon Fire Ready!  AmeriCorps members removed dead pine needles from roofs and cleared defensible space around cabins. In the coming months MCC members will be camping out in Montana’s wildlands rebuilding trails, removing beetle killed trees, pulling weeds and tending to many of the other features that make Montana a great place to live and visit.

5,316 Senior Corps Volunteers in Montana

Senior Corps Week May 7-11, 2012

The third annual Senior Corps Week is an opportunity to thank Senior Corps volunteers for their service and recognize their positive impact and value to our communities and nation. For more than four decades Senior Corps, and its three programs – RSVP, Senior Companions, and Foster Grandparents – have proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans ages 55 and over in meeting national and community needs. Senior Corps volunteers last year provided more than 96.2 million hours of service, helping to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, strengthen our educational system; protect our environment, provide independent living services, and contribute to our public safety. Senior Corps volunteers build capacity of organizations and communities by serving through more than 65,000 nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based community groups nationwide. At a time of mounting social needs and growing interest in service by older Americans, there is an unprecedented opportunity to harness the talents of 55-plus volunteers to address community challenges. Service by older Americans helps volunteers by keeping them active, healthy, and engaged; helps our communities by solving local problems, and helps our nation by saving taxpayer dollars, reducing healthcare costs, and strengthening our democracy. Learn more about Senior Corps at www.getinvolved.gov. Continue Reading

Apply Today!

Gain Job Skills, Earn Money for College, and Make a Difference!

There are 34 open positions for AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates in Montana. During 8-10 weeks of service, you can help with summer feeding programs, assist with summer education programs, build community-school partnerships, or support veterans and military families.

The AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates is a great opportunity for Montana college students to participate in service over the summer, earn a living allowance, get great experience and receive an education award!

Find a Summer VISTA Associate Position at www.americorps.gov.

Download the fact sheet.

Find a local VISTA Project Contact.

Continue Reading

Recognizing Montana High School Students for Volunteering 

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact awarded 70 Montana high school seniors with a $1,000 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship to further their education in Montana. These scholarships are in recognition of students who have volunteered more than 100 hours in the last year.

“These young leaders have shown a commitment to Montana through their service,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “We are happy to thank them by making it a little easier to pay for college.”

Download the list of scholarship recipients. 

View 2012 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships in a full screen map

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants needed to volunteer at least 100 hours in the last year. Many students volunteered more than this and in total, the 70 scholarship recipients contributed 11,705 volunteer hours to Montana. Students helped their communities by mentoring youth, organizing recycling drives, coaching sports teams, cleaning up parks, helping at food pantries, volunteering in hospitals, participating in 4-H service events, supporting Special Olympics, volunteering at museums, assisting with Red Cross blood drives, and so much more.

These Youth Serve Montana Scholarships will be used for continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s twenty two-year, four-year, public, tribal, private, or community colleges and universities.

Colleges and Universities that the scholarship recipients are attending:

• Carroll College - 2 students
• Miles Community College - 1 student
• Montana State University Billings- 6 students
• Montana State University Bozeman- 28 students
• Montana State University Northern – 1 student
• Montana Tech of the UM – 5 students
• Rocky Mountain College – 5 students
• University of Montana Missoula – 18 students
• University of Montana Missoula COT – 1 student
• University of Montana Western – 3 students

The 2012 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships have been made available through a partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact, the largest higher education network in Montana. Montana Campus Compact includes 20 of Montana's two-year, four-year, public, private, tribal, and community colleges and universities, with a state network office located in Missoula.

Learn more about the 2012 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships.

7 Montanans Honored

including 5 Campus Corps AmeriCorps Members!

The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building a better world.

Kallie Madler

Dawson Community College, '12, Campus Corps AmeriCorps member

Kallie is involved in all aspects of campus life and readily volunteers her time for Adopt a Family, Salvation Army, Relay for Life, Health Fairs, Dialing for Dollars, elementary school tutoring, and athletic service. So far this year, she has given 465 hours of community service.

Read about Kallie Madler in the Campus Corps Blog on 4/26/12.

Elizabeth Collins

Montana State University Billings, '13, Campus Corps AmeriCorps member

Elizabeth (Liz) Collins, a Junior at Montana State University Billings, serves as the campus Student United Way President, encouraging other students to give, advocate and volunteer in the areas of education, income and health. Elizabeth is serving an AmeriCorps term of service at St. John’s Lutheran Ministries Nursing Home. Her passion for service extends beyond the boundaries of Montana, as she served in Mississippi’s hurricane relief efforts and in an orphanage in Tijuana.

Read about Liz Collins in the MSU-Billings News on 4/23/12.

Sarah Foster

The University of Montana Western, '14, Campus Corps AmeriCorps member

Sarah Foster, a sophomore at The University of Montana Western, is genuinely devoted to a career as a health care professional. She serves (through Campus Corps) at South Central Montana Area Health Education Center, which works to address the healthcare workforce shortage in rural Montana. This summer, she plans to get certified as a First Responder Emergency Medical Technician.

Read about Sarah Foster in the UMW News on 4/18/12.

Corey Ledbetter

Flathead Valley Community College, '12, Campus Corps AmeriCorps member

Corey Ledbetter is a sophomore at Flathead Valley Community College. Wanting to enhance his education in paramedicine, Corey began volunteering as an emergency services technician (EMT) and firefighter at the Big Mountain Fire Department. Corey also serves on the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol as an assistant director on the board and as an instructor for outdoor emergency care classes.

Read about Corey Ledbetter in the Daily Inter Lake on 4/1/12.

Maureen Karlin

The University of Montana-Missoula,'13, Campus Corps AmeriCorps member

Maureen Karlin, a junior at the University of Montana, is an active volunteer in the community. While on campus, Maureen coordinates the America Reads America Counts program. As a future special education teacher, Maureen understands the value of extra support in a classroom of diverse learners. Off campus, Maureen continually volunteers in local classrooms, at the Ronald McDonald House, and on committees that address educational issues.

Michael Townshend

Montana State University Bozeman,'14,

Michael is a leader at MSU. He uses training from a Leadership Foundations course on conflict resolution to facilitate positive changes. Michael demonstrates how to listen to dissenting opinions while also building common ground for new solutions. He uses these skills as a Hearing Board member for the University’s Student Code of Conduct process.

Read about Michael Townshend in the MSU News on 4/10/12.

Catherine Gray

University of Great Falls, '14

Now a junior at the University of Great Falls, Gray is double-majoring in English and Fine Arts and minoring in Communications. She has served in the University’s Peer Mentor program for the past two years, mentoring incoming freshmen and helping students adjust to college life and being away from home. Gray also serves as a Community Living Assistant, a job which entails the enforcement of campus safety rules, providing a full range of support for campus housing students, and creating programs to assist students with socialization and learning. She is the co-founder of GLOW (Great Leaders, Outstanding Women), a club dedicated to promoting the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of women on campus, as well as providing community outreach to women in need in the Great Falls area. Gray enjoys being a part of Campus Ministry, through which she has organized clothing and medical supplies for victims of the Haiti earthquakes in 2010 and helped to organize a Spokane-area Habitat for Humanity warehouse in 2011. The Newman Civic Fellows award honors these achievements and will allow Gray the opportunity to network with other civic-minded students across the nation. Catherine organized an alternative spring break last year in Seattle to work with the Sisters of Providence in preparing materials for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Catherine made use of the streets of Seattle to lead her group in a protest against human trafficking. Catherine is a strong leader on campus, serving as a resident adviser, peer mentor, freshman orientation leader, and President’s List scholar.

Youth will serve Montana for Global Youth Service Day and join with an estimated 2 million youth across the globe! There are Global Youth Service Day projects planned in 100 countries on six continents and in all 50 U.S. states!

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest and longest-running service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth.

In Montana, we estimate that more than 1,500 youth and adult volunteers will serve during Global Youth Service Day with projects across the state. These projects include Earth Day celebrations, community garden workdays, clean-up and painting endeavors, recycling events, and artistic activities.

Learn more about Global Youth Service Day and register your project at www.gysd.org.    Check out the official GYSD map of events here.

GYSD Projects in Montana

Find a project in your area and ask how you can help!

1. Anaconda: Jamie Roessler and Sue Konicek with the Anaconda Family Resource Center will have a community service fair, special service projects, and GYSD Rally at the Benny Goodman Park on 4/21/12. Contact: skonicek@anacondafrc.org or 406-563-7972.
2. Anaconda: Terry Galle and Stephanie Galle with the Anaconda Little League are organizing a park cleanup at the Marty May Baseball Field on 4/21/12. Contact: sgalle@mt.gov 406-691-0861.
3. Billings: Maggie Zaback and Tauzha Grantham of the Montana Conservation Corps are coordinating special work days at Lake Elmo State Park, Phipps Park, and the Audubon Center on 4/21/12. Contact: tauzha@mtcorps.org 406-651-1311.
4. Billings: Heather Ristow and the Montana Audubon Conservation Education Center are hosting an Earth Day Celebration and Clean-up at the Audubon Conservation Education Center on 4/21/12. Contact: hristow@mtaudubon.org 406-294-5099.
5. Billings: Molly Peterson and Nathan Stahley of the United Way of Yellowstone County are organizing a Youth in Action-mural painting project at the Shiloh Trail Underpass on 4/22/12. Contact: nathan.stahley@unitedway.org 406-252-3839 x38.
6. Billings: Jill Washburn, Campus Corps Team Leader at Rocky Mountain College is coordinating Volunteer Leaders for the Youth in Action spectrum of events on 4/20 and 4/21. Contact: campuscorps@rocky.edu.
7. Billings: Volunteers will be “taming the trail” at Pictograph State Park on 4/21 from 9am to 4pm. Contact: Jessie Hendrix at jessiehendrix8@gmail.com
8. Boulder: Kaitlyn Sonsteng and Branna Giulio of the 21st Century Community Learning Center’s Service Learning Club are organizing a local food community dinner and art projects at Boulder Elementary School on 4/20/12. Contact: giuliobranna@gmail.com 406-202-4825.
9. Bozeman: Rebekah McKeehan, Vanessa Skelton, and Girls for a Change with Thrive are hosting a water taste test at the Sustainability Show at Boget Park on 4/21/12. Contact: vskelton@allthrive.org 406-922-4249.
10. Bozeman: Max Smith and Emerald LaFortune of 1,000 New Gardens are organizing “Dig Days” converting yards to gardens on 4/21 and 4/22. Meet at the City Hall Gardens. Contact: 1000newgardens@gmail.com 208-301-0535
11. Bozeman: Girl Scouts in Bozeman will be improving the trail system around Chief Joseph Middle School on 4/21 from 10am to Noon.
12. Bozeman: Campus Corps AmeriCorps members, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, and the CJMS Leo Club will be doing trail work at the local Folf course at Rose Park on 4/21 from 10am to Noon. Contact: Alexandra Black at teamleader@montana.edu or 406-994-7571.
13. Browning: Chyann Raining Bird and Kelly Sykora with the Browning Community Development Corporation are organizing a Family Fun Day and Gardening Event at Government Square on 4/21/12. Contact: vista@browningcdc.org 406-388-4015.
14. Butte: Kelly Hancock is organizing a special volunteer weekend at the Science Mine on 4/21/12 and 4/22/12. Contact: director@sciencemine.org 406-221-7495.
15. Dillon: The Beaverhead Recycling Committee and UMW Student Senate will be hosting an E-rase your E-Waste event at the Beaverhead County Fairground 4H building on 4/21 from 12-3pm and 4/22 from 10am-3pm. Contact: Leaf Magnuson at 406-683-1249.
16. Fort Peck: Bethany Lacock and Roubie Younkin of the Valley County 4-H Council will be repainting the bathrooms at the Boy Scout Park on 4/21/12 and 4/22/12. Contact: kry@montana.edu 406-228-6241.
17. Gallatin Gateway: Laura Axtman, a teacher at Gallatin Gateway School, is organizing the creation of a "Sunflower Learning Center" at the Gallatin Gateway School on 4/20/12. Contact: axtman@gallatingatewayschool.com 406-763-4415.
18. Glasgow: Tee Aune and Roubie Younkin of the Tampico Boys 4-H Club will be painting the Horse Barns at the Valley County Fairgrounds on 4/21/12. Contact: kry@montana.edu 406-228-6241.
19. Glendive: Tina Carter with the Boys & Girls Club of Dawson County is organizing a garden bed construction and potluck at the Boys and Girls Club on 4/22/12. Contact: bgc@midrivers.com 406-377-7999.
20. Great Falls: Students at CMR High School are collecting food for their Food Pantry. Contact: dlewis@bridgemail.com
21. Havre: Samantha Rybicki and Carrie Johnson at Opportunity Link, Inc. are hosting an UpCycle Clinic for youth at Pepin Park on 4/21/12. Contact: samantha@opportunitylinkmt.org 406-265-3699.
22. Havre: Campus Corps AmeriCorps members are partnering with Hands on History Day for a history and up-cycling event on 4/21 from 1-5pm at the Atrium in Havre. Contact: Anna Brumley at ethos@buffalojump.org.
23. Helena: Danielle Hamm and Emily McVey with Rocky Mountain Youth Resources will be building a garden at the Jan Shaw Youth Home on 4/21 from 10am-4pm. Contact: dhamm@rmdc.net 406-449-3038.
24. Helena: Eric Walliman and Matt Elsaesser with the SAVE Foundation will have a recycling game at the Kids Spring Fest and Earth Jam Fair in Pioneer Park on 4/21/12. Contact: saverecycling@gmail.com 406-449-6088.
25. Helena: The Helena Community Gardens and the Montana Conservation Corps will be hosting a work day at the new Selma Held Park Community Garden on 4/21 from 9am to 1pm. Contact: Gregg at greg@mtcorps.org or 406-495-9214.
26. Kalispell: Anders Olson and Shareen Springer with the Center for Restorative Youth Justice will be making “seed bombs” at the Nourish the Flathead Community Garden on 4/20/12 and 4/21/12. Contact: shareen@restorativeyouthjustice.org 406-257-7400.
27. Kalispell: Isabelle Mullen and Gretchen Boyer of Nourish the Flathead are hosting a garden workday with games and art at the Nourish Community Garden at FVCC on 4/21/12. Contact: gretchenb@montanaacademy.com 406-461-5569.
28. Lima: Christopher Sutton and Jacqueline Sutton with the Beaverhead Stock N Stitch 4-H Club will be installing sod for the community area around the swimming pool at the Lima School on 4/20/12. Contact: 2jreds@3rivers.net 406-276-3534.
29. Missoula: Shari Strachan and Troop 3252 of the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming will be distributing re-useable shopping bags at the Orange Street Food Farm on 4/22/12. Contact: sharistrachan@gmail.com 406-544-2505.
30. Missoula: Scarlet Kaplan and Lee Brown of the SAVE Club at Hellgate High School will be installing a water barrel and planters in the community garden at Hellgate High School on 4/21/12. Contact: leejbrown@gmail.com 406-728-2402.
31. Missoula: Stacy Houge and Gypsy Ray at Mountain Home Montana are organizing a special volunteer day for young mothers at the River Road Community Garden on 4/21/12. Contact: exd@mountainhomemt.org 406-541-4663.
32. Missoula: Jenifer Kerber and Karen Carreno with the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre are presenting on the "Create" program Sat. April 21, an affordable dance performance at the Hellgate High School. Contact: rmbts@aol.com 406-549-5155.
33. Missoula: Kalie Sauro and Julie Walsh with the Missoula Youth Philanthropy Club are hosting "The Trash Bash" at the downtown Earth Day Event in Caras Park on 4/22/12. Contact: walsh.julie.k@gmail.com 406-690-4863.
34. Missoula: Max Smith and Emerald LaFortune of 1,000 New Gardens are organizing “Dig Days” converting yards to gardens on 4/21 and 4/22. Meet at Kiwanis Park. Contact: 1000newgardens@gmail.com 208-301-0535.
35. Missoula: Volunteer with Golden Key are joining the Clark Fork Coalition for a Clark Fork River Cleanup at Caras Park on 4/21 from 10am to 1pm. Contact: Cassie Moog at kaleigh.best@umontana.edu.
36. Plains: Students with the Trotter Youth Basketball Program are replanting a flower garden at the Wildhorse Elementary School on 4/20 from 10am-3pm. Contact: Jessica Hansen at j_bugz1994@rocketmail.com.
37. Sunburst: Student with FCCLA will be doing a highway clean up and planting a tree at the school on 4/22. Contact: Nancy Linnell at brett_si2013@hotmail.com.
38. Three Forks: Students with FCCLA will be cleaning up Bertagnolli Park on 4/21 from 10am to 2pm. Contact: Cathe Felz at fcclacathe@yahoo.com

April is Donate Life Month!

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger and the Governor's Office of Community Service encourage all Montanans to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Register today at www.DonateLifeToday.com!

“I have seen firsthand how important donations are to families and their loved ones,” said Lt. Governor John Bohlinger. “I encourage everyone to register and to give the gift of life. It is easy to register; I signed up when I renewed my license.”

Donate Life Month is a national initiative held throughout the month of April to heighten awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourage everyone to register their wish to be a donor.

Montana Donation Statistics

• In 2011, 23 Montanans became organ donors and saved the lives of 76 people through organ donation.
• In 2011, 91 Montanans became tissue donors and impacted the lives of more than 4000 people.
• Currently, there are 251 Montanans waiting for a second chance at life, and more than 110,000 people waiting nationally.

General Statistics

• 18 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant in the United States.
• Organ Donation is a rare gift, less than 1% of people who die have the opportunity to become organ donors and save the lives of others.
• About 3% of people who die have the opportunity to become tissue donors and impact the lives of others.
• One organ, eye, and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of over 50 people.

Tissue Donation

The gift of bone and connective tissue helps individuals with various orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions. In all, over one hundred people may benefit from the gift of bone and connective tissue donation from a single donor. These tissues are used in a variety of back, joint, and leg surgeries, such as hip replacement, knee reconstruction, and spinal fusion. After the bone and soft tissues are recovered, procurement technicians replace the bone with prosthetics.

Donation facts and statistics from LifeCenter Northwest.

Learn about Donate Life

Watch the video "It's Your Choice...Donate Life"

On the Radio

Listen to Katrina whose son recieved a heart transplant in 2006.
Donate Life Today by ServeMontana

Find out More

Check out LifeCenter Northwest to learn more organ donation, to read stories of hope, and to learn how you can help. LifeCenter Northwest manages the organ, eye, and tissue donor registry for Montana, Washington, Alaska, and North Idaho. This registry is a confidential database of donation wishes to be carried out at the time of death.

Learn more about bone marrow donation at Be the Match and join the Be the Match Registry®.

Find out more about cornea transplants with SightLife.

25 Mini-Grants Awarded!

The Governor’s Office of Community Service is pleased to announce the 25 recipients of a Global Youth Service Day mini-grant. These organizations will be holding youth-driven service projects this Global Youth Service Day weekend, April 20-22, 2012.

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest and longest-running service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. GYSD is celebrated each year in over 100 countries.

In Montana, we estimate that more than 1,400 youth and adult volunteers will serve during Global Youth Service Day with projects across the state. These projects include Earth Day celebrations, community garden workdays, clean-up and painting endeavors, recycling events, and artistic activities.

Learn more about Global Youth Service Day and register your project at gysd.org.

GYSD Mini-Grant Recipients

Contact a group in your area and ask how you can help!  Continue Reading

Montana Conservation Corps Seeks Adventurous Teens for Summer Crew Expeditions

Four-week Volunteer Service Experience includes $200 dollar Service Award

Bozeman – Montana Conservation Corps (www.mtcorps.org) announced today that it is seeking adventurous teens aged 15-17 years old for their ‘Youth Service Expedition’ program, a four-week, summer service experience that combines outdoor adventure, education, job skills training and fun! Participants will receive a Service Award of $200 dollars upon successful completion of program.

“The summer Youth Service Expeditions are a terrific opportunity for young Montanans to get outside and reconnect with values that make Montana great – values like hard work for quality results, service to community, stewardship of our public lands, and working together in common purpose,” says Jono McKinney, President and CEO for the Montana Conservation Corps. McKinney adds: “I see a lot of big smiles when these kids return from a month with the corps. They know they’ve done something great.”

‘Youth Service Expedition’ crews will be based out of Kalispell, Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Billings but youths from across the state, including rural areas, are encouraged to apply to participate in either of two sessions: June 11 – July 6 and July 16 – August 10. Parents need only drop-off teens for the orientation and safety briefing at the start of each session, and then pick them up four weeks later for the final graduation picnic. Participants may have the opportunity to check in by phone, but otherwise will be on “Expedition” for the full duration of the program. Continue Reading

AmeriCorps Week

March 10-18, 2012

AmeriCorps week is annual event to celebrate and recognize the impact AmeriCorps has on our communities. In Big Sky Country, AmeriCorps members build trails, mentor at-risk youth, weatherize homes, help students learn to read, assist with tax preparations, build homes for low-income families, recruit volunteers, help nonprofits achieve their mission, and so much more. Since 1994, more than 7,200 Montana residents have served more than 6.7 million hours with AmeriCorps.

“I thank all the AmeriCorps members serving in our Montana communities,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer, “These outstanding men and women are truly making a difference through their time, commitment and incredible energy.”

Participate in AmeriCorps Week Events

AmeriCorps Week events are happening around the state including service projects in Billings, Box Elder, Dillon, Hamilton, Havre, Kalispell, Missoula, and Pablo; AmeriCorps presentations for schools in Billings, Butte, Culbertson, Eureka, Great Falls, and Missoula; AmeriCorps Alumni gatherings in Billings, Missoula, and Poplar; public displays in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula; and special AmeriCorps radio shows in Browning, Butte, Missoula, and Poplar. These events will allow community residents to learn about and participate in AmeriCorps programs.

Download the list of AmeriCorps week events here.

Share your AmeriCorps story

Share your AmeriCorps story with ServeMontana on Facebook.

Are you an AmeriCorps Alumnus? Connect with other AmeriCorps Alumni on Facebook.

Proud of your AmeriCorps week event? Tell us about and email serve@mt.gov. Continue Reading

Mini-Grants Available for Global Youth Service Day Projects

-Apply by March 23, 2012-

Helena, MT – The Governor’s Office of Community Service is seeking youth-led community projects for Global Youth Service Day on April 20-22, 2012. In partnership with YSA (Youth Service America), the Governor’s Office of Community Service is offering $150 mini-grants for up to 30 projects that engage youth in serving their community.

 “We are excited to offer mini-grants for Montana’s youth to participate in Global Youth Service Day,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “Volunteering in your community when you are young creates a strong commitment to volunteer service that lasts for a lifetime.”

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youths who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries.

Organizations, schools, afterschool programs, service clubs, and youth can apply. Youth are especially encouraged to apply for projects they have planned in their community. Applications are due to the Governor’s Office of Community Service by Friday, March 23 at Noon.

The application form, additional guidelines, and an FAQ can be found on the website: serve.mt.gov.

Continue Reading

Montana AmeriCorps Alums is recognizing Mat Darlington,
Campus Corps AmeriCorps member at Montana Tech

Montana AmeriCorps Alums is recognizing Matthew “Mat” Darlington with four tickets to attend the Tim Tebow fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of South West Montana on March 6 in Butte.

Mat is currently a Montana Tech student and serves with the Campus Corps AmeriCorps Program. This team of 15 AmeriCorps members work 4 days a week to build high performance, solar-ready homes.

Mat Darlington pictured with Young Adult Service Corps Director Sarah Sadowski after recieving the Student Builder of the Year Award

Mat was chosen because of his commitment to service as a solution to local challenges. While in High School, Mat previously served in AmeriCorps with Young Adult Service Corps and helped to build homes with NeighborWorks. Darlington said the AmeriCorps Education Award enabled him to pursue a degree in Construction Management

Joining Mat will be Bill Ryan, Department Chair of the Trades and Technology Division at Montana Tech and three AmeriCorps members to hear Tim Tebow’s word of inspiration to help out Habitat for Humanity.

Over the years Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Montana has benefited from many AmeriCorps and VISTA members through service and alumni as staff. Continue Reading

First Lady Announces Winners of Nancy’s Garden Recipe Card Contest

View cards at: mathscience.mt.gov

(HELENA) – Today, First Lady Nancy Schweitzer announced the winners of the Nancy’s Garden Recipe Card Contest to engage children in exploring gardening, healthy eating, and cooking. Earlier this year, Montana students were invited to submit a favorite family recipe including ingredients that could be grown in a garden. Alternatively, students could submit drawings or illustrations of their favorite healthy recipe. The winning recipes and illustrations were printed on recipe cards and will be used to promote gardening and healthy eating to students and teachers.

“Montana kids embraced this idea and sent us fun, creative recipes that families will enjoy making together plus darling illustrations,” said First Lady Nancy Schweitzer. “These winning entries represent a full menu from breakfast to dessert of healthy and Montana-made foods.”

Winning Recipes and Illustrations:

• Garden Fresh Egg Muffins – Submitted by Amélie Toler, 4th Grade, Montessori Island School in Livingston
• Apple Slusher – Submitted by Tanner Inman, 1st Grade, Ennis Elementary School
• Green Pea Spread – Submitted by Rebekah Yager, 2nd Grade, Amsterdam Elementary
• Broccoli Apple Salad – Submitted by Ellawynn Morrison, 2nd Grade, Ennis Elementary School
• Fresh Garden Salad – Submitted by Nicole Lessley, 3rd Grade, Willow Creek School
• Elk Soup – Submitted by James Stieb, 3rd Grade, Willow Creek School
• Fresh Fruit Salad – Submitted by Kaiden Batzler, 2nd Grade, Sheridan Elementary School

The recipe contest is part of Nancy’s Garden, a feature of the Governor and First Lady’s Math & Science Initiative (mathscience.mt.gov). Nancy’s Garden provides a gardening experience for Montana students by supplying grow boxes, seeds, lesson plans and instructions for classrooms.

The contest is sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service with a grant from the Sodexo Foundation and Youth Serve America. The contest is also a partnership with the Department of Public Health & Human Services and Montana’s No Kid Hungry® Campaign to engage children in eliminating childhood hunger.

###

AMERICORPS WEEK 2012

Saturday, March 10 -Sunday, March 18

AmeriCorps Week Goals

1. Connect AmeriCorps members and alums with each other so they feel they are a part of a nationwide effort.
2. Communicate AmeriCorps’ powerful impact on critical problems and on the lives of its members and alums.

AmeriCorps in Montana (Facts to use)

• While serving our Montana community communities, AmeriCorps members gain job skill, earn money for college, and learn the importance of giving back.
• There are more than 1,400 AmeriCorps members serving in Montana this year!
• AmeriCorps members serve in Montana through 7 AmeriCorps State Programs, 4 AmeriCorps National Programs, and 5 AmeriCorps VISTA projects. That’s 16 different programs connecting AmeriCorps members to local community needs.
• Since 1994, more than 7,200 Montanans have served with AmeriCorps.
• Since 1995, more than $10.6 million dollars in AmeriCorps Education Awards has gone to Montana schools and institutions.
• AmeriCorps members serve Montana by weatherizing homes, helping low-income Montanans access legal assistance, improving trails and public lands, educating citizens about energy conservation, recruiting and training volunteers, mentoring students, developing nonprofits capacity, increasing access to healthy food, and so much more!

AmeriCorps Week Ideas

• Host an AmeriCorps Roundtable with current members and Alumni- make sure to invite local officials and community stakeholders
• Write a letter to the editor explaining what AmeriCorps does in your community
• Host a service project that showcases AmeriCorps members in action- make sure to invite members from multiple programs
• Hold an open house and explain how AmeriCorps benefits your nonprofit
• Honor your AmeriCorps Alumni though a special event or in the local news
• Don’t forget to invite the media to the events you have planned!

 AmeriCorps Week Resources

• CNCS- AmeriCorps Week Resources
• Download the AmeriCorps Week Impact Guide
• CNCS- Factsheets on service in Montana
• ServeMontana Press Packet Page (fact sheets, maps, contact info, etc)

Spread the word through social media

• ServeMontana Facebook Page
• Montana AmeriCorps Connection Facebook Page
• Montana AmeriCorps Alumni Facebook Page
• AmeriCorps Week Facebook Page
• AmeriCorps on Twitter (@AmeriCorps, #AmeriCorpsWeek)
• United We Serve on Twitter (@servedotgov)

AmeriCorps Service Projects

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ServeMontana Symposium: Growing Montana Communities

AmeriCorps members from across Montana will be joining together in Helena on Wednesday, February 22 for service projects throughout the community. More than 70 AmeriCorps members will be participating in service projects including, planting “Nancy’s Garden” boxes with children at afterschool programs, building a sandbox and garden cold frames, painting emergency preparedness classrooms, organizing the Habitat ReStore, and setting up the new Placer Pantry at the YWCA.

The public is invited to participate!

Please join in at the Habitat Restore, YWCA, or the Salvation Army from 3:00-6:00pm. Donations are needed at all three sites and AmeriCorps members will be available to receive donations.

Habitat ReStore Organizing and Maintenance, 1531 National Avenue: Volunteers at the Habitat ReStore will assist with bagging hardware items, putting items out on display, and organizing and sorting donated items. The profits from the Habitat ReStore support Habitat for Humanity building projects.

• Directions: traveling EAST on Hwy 12/Lyndale Ave, turn left onto National Ave, Habitat will be on the right
• Parking: park in store parking lot or on National Ave
• Site contact: Steve Staneart, 406-449-4663
• Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Donations will be accepted at front entrance:
• Cabinets, tools, furniture, light fixtures, exterior doors, appliances

YWCA Placer Pantry Project and Organizing, 501 North Park Avenue: The YWCA will soon launch their Placer Pantry, a pantry and donation center for toiletries and personal care products. To get the pantry up and running volunteers will build shelves, help move and organize pantry goods, deliver some care packages to locations around Helena, and help with general organizing and cleaning.

• Directions: traveling EAST on Hwy 12/Euclid Ave/Lyndale Ave, turn left onto N. Benton Ave, continue on N. Park Ave, the YWCA is located at the intersection of Park and Placer Aves, continue to park, turn onto W. 6th Ave
• Parking: park in W. 6th Ave Parking Garage or in metered parking on Park Ave
• Enter in front entrance
• Site contact: Erin McMahon, 406-442-8774
• Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Donations will be accepted at Placer Ave entrance:
• Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, laundry detergent, dish soap, tampons, pads, razors, lotion, soap, toilet paper

Salvation Army Classroom Set-Up for Disaster Preparedness Classes, 1905 Henderson Avenue, downstairs classrooms: The Salvation Army will soon be offering Disaster Preparedness classes. The classrooms need a new coat of paint and general cleaning and organizing of materials.

• Directions: traveling EAST on Hwy 12/Euclid Ave, turn left (north) on Henderson Ave, turn right on Hudson St
• Parking: park in parking lot at main building entrance
• Site contact: Lt. Rob Lawler, 406-442-8244
• Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Donation will be accepted at front entrance:
• Non-perishable food items, bedding for queen/twin beds

Questions on how to get involved? Please contact Caroline Wallace at 540-392-3847 or servevolunteer@mt.gov.

Montanans Honored for Outstanding Volunteer Service!

The 2012 ServeMontana, ReadyMontana and First Lady Math & Science Awards will be presented at the ServeMontana Symposium award luncheon on Thursday, February 23 at noon at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena.

“We are proud to honor these individuals and organizations who represent the true spirit of civic engagement.” said Kim Miske, Chair of the Montana Commission on Community Service.

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger will first present six ReadyMontana Awards to outstanding community volunteers and organizations in the areas of disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response.

First Lady Nancy Schweitzer will present six First Lady’s Math & Science Awards to exceptional individuals, organizations, and groups for promoting in math and science education.

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger will finish with the presentation of the eight ServeMontana Awards to outstanding national service members, community volunteers and organizations in the social impact areas of humanities, education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans & military families and economic opportunity. Continue Reading

Free Tax Preparation Assistance for Veterans

February 14 in Helena, Miles City, Hamilton, Havre,
Kalispell, Butte, Great Falls, Bozeman and Billings

Volunteers across Montana are gearing up to help veterans prepare tax returns on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites will offer veterans priority in having their taxes prepared free by IRS certified volunteers.

“Volunteers across Montana have dedicated a day to help veterans with their tax returns,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “This is a great way for us to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans.”

Veterans can go to designated VITA site to have their taxes prepared free by IRS certified volunteers. To qualify the veteran must have a household income of less than $50,000 and schedule an appointment with a participating location.

Veterans can schedule an appointment at one of following VITA sites:

February 14

• Butte- Aldersgate United Methodist Church, walk-in, no appointment needed
• Great Falls- Rural Dynamics, call 406-454-5707
• Hamilton-Ravalli County Federal Credit Union, call 406-363-4631
• Helena- Trico Community Federal Credit Union, call 406-442-1421
• Helena- Helena Community Credit Union, call 406-495-6071
• Kalispell- Community Action Partnership Northwest, call 406-758-5445
• Miles City- Eagles Manor, call 406-234-5320

February 13-17

• Billings- HRDC District 7, call 406-247-4710

March 6

• Bozeman- Bozeman Public Library, call 406-586-6641
• Havre- Opportunity Link, call 406-265-3699

“Doing your taxes can be a challenging experience. Too often those who can least afford it pay for someone to prepare their taxes,” said Dan O’Brien, AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Montana Credit Unions for Community Development. “VITA volunteers help hard working tax payers prepare their taxes for free, which save them money and gives them peace of mind.”

This veterans free file tax day is made possible through partnerships with Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, Community Action Partnership Northwest, AARP Montana, Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP), Montana Legal Services Association, Montana Campus Corps, HRDC 7, Rural Dynamics, Opportunity Link, and the Governor’s Office of Community Service. AmeriCorps members across Montana are providing support and promotion for this free service to veterans.

Volunteer certification for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is provided annually by the IRS to assist low and moderate-income citizens with their annual tax returns. There are over 50 VITA sites in towns across Montana. To find a VITA location visit www.MontanaFreeFile.org. Anyone with a household income of less than $50,000 can call to schedule an appointment in his or her community.

A letter from Alex Villalta, Veterans Green Corps member:

My name is Alex Villalta. This past summer I was a crew member on the first ever Veterans Crew with the Montana Conservation Corps. For those vets who are considering joining this program, I hope my story helps with your decision.

I served in the Air Force from 2002 to 2007. When I got out, I moved back to Los Angeles and went to school. Once I finished in April, I felt that I needed to get out of LA and challenge myself with something out of the ordinary. After countless hours of looking and applying for jobs, I came across the MCC website. When I saw that they were having a veterans crew, I was attracted to the idea of being around people that had faced many of the same challenges that I faced while I was in.

When we all met up for the first time, it took a matter of minutes before we were all laughing and joking. Again, I felt like the fact that we all had, at least at some level, been through similar situations in the military created a type of camaraderie that I had not experienced since getting out.

The friendships continued to be built upon as the season progressed. Countless nights were spent talking about nothing in particular. We began to really rely on each other in a rather dangerous job. In all honesty, we became a family and the woods were our home. We ate together, cleaned-up together, set up and tore down camp together, and sweated together. And by the end of the season, we celebrated together.

Spending time doing project work in the Medicine Bow National Forest really helped me regain my focus. The time away from the big lights in the big city left me with a lot of time to determine what direction I wanted to go when I moved back to LA. It has really opened doors for me. I am currently working for another Non-Profit focused on conservation and will be spending January through April in the Angeles National Forest planting trees that had been lost by a tragic fire a few years ago.

For those veterans who are considering joining the MCC, it is going to be tough, but tough is what we are good at. There are going to be times when you have to be the mission first, but that is something we all know too well.

Very Respectfully,

Alex Villalta

Montana Conservation Corps - Veterans Green Corps, now accepting applications for 2012. Apply Today!  Gain the necessary training and experience for careers in wildfire and forestry management.

Montana AmeriCorps Connection’s MLK Day Photo Contest Winner

Photo by Sean Cochrane, 1/16/12 “Butte children meet a firefighter in full bunker gear, so they won’t be scared by the man in the suit in the event they need to be rescued.” This photo was taken at the Stop, Drop and Read MLK Day event in Butte, MT that brought local schoolchildren to the fire station to learn about fire safety and read books with firefighters.

Meet the photographer!

Sean Cochrane is an AmeriCorps team leader with Montana Campus Corps and he service at Montana Tech in Butte. His favorite part about being an AmeriCorps member is working with driven and civically engaged college students to make positive change in their communities. In his free time, he likes hiking, reading, and enjoying football games. After AmeriCorps, he plans to enroll in Law School at the University of Virginia.

“AmeriCorps has helped be appreciated all the opportunities I have,” said Sean Cochrane. “And it has allowed me to see a part of the country I had never seen before.”

Learn more about AmeriCorps opportunities with Montana Campus Corps.

Learn more about how to connect with AmeriCorps Members in Montana with Montana AmeriCorps Connection.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a 10-month, full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18 to 24 years of age who want to get ahead and leave their mark on society. NCCC is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. NCCC Teams periodically serve in Montana out of the NCCC Pacific Region Campus located in Sacramento, CA.

A NCCC team is currently serving with Rural Dynamics Inc. in Great Falls. They will be in Montana from 1/9/12 to 3/9/12 and are working on preparing taxes and providing public assistance for Native American and rural communities.

Selected NCCC Highlights and Accomplishments in Montana since 2000*

• Over 86, 170 service hours on more than 35 projects
• Service valued at over $1.7 million
• More than 600 volunteers recruited or coordinated
• Approximately 49,800 acres of land in which fire was suppressed or contained
• Over 1,420 acres of brush or undergrowth removed to prevent fires

NCCC has collaborated with Montana organizations including

• Rural Dynamics Inc.
• Camp Marshall
• Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission
• Montana Area VII Agency on Aging
• Musselshell Valley Community Foundation

Read about NCCC in the Billings Gazette 12/10/11

Interested in sponsoring a NCCC Team?

NCCC teams, made up of 9–12 members, address needs related to the 5 focus areas: natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conversation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. These dedicated and energetic young adults, trained in CPR, first aid, disaster response and wildland firefighting (each year a percentage of eligible members are trained as Type II Firefighters), spend their service term helping citizens, preparing for/responding to natural and other disasters, and serving communities by constructing and rehabilitating housing, building trails, cleaning up streams, and addressing other pressing local needs through direct service. Rounds typically last six to eight weeks. Project sponsors can be nonprofit and faith-based organizations, government entities (federal, state, and local), public and private schools and universities, and Native American Tribal Councils.

For Round 4 (end of May to end of July), concept forms are due Feb 1, 2012 and Applications are due February 27, 2012. Contact Chelsea Rae Rendleman at CRendleman@cns.gov ifyou would the like the full Class XVIII request for proposals (RFP).

Learn more about NCCC sponsorship here.

Download the December 2011 NCCC Pacific Region Newsletter.

Volunteer in your community!

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a time to re-commit ourselves to serving each other and our communities. On MLK Day, Americans across the country will honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities. You can find volunteer opportunities in your community anytime at Build Montana.

“I hope Montanans will think of the MLK Day of Service as a ‘day on, not a day off’ and I encourage everyone to find a service opportunity in their community,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “There are lots of ways to help others, like making a donation to local food banks or by simply shoveling the sidewalk for a neighbor.”

You can join with Montana National Service Members including AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in service events statewide.

Service Events on MLK Day:

• Billings- The MLK Day Ceremony at the MSU Billings Campus will include a bell ringing and Dr. King program. The event is from 9:50am to 11am. Contact AmeriCorps Member Hazel Todd, 406-896-5815, to learn more.
• Butte- Local schoolchildren will participate in a Stop, Drop, and Read event at two Butte fire stations. Firefighters will read books, educate on fire safety, and give tours of the fire station. The event is from 1:00-2:30pm. Contact RSVP Director Michele Brennick, 406-533-2508, to learn more.
• Havre- Join with AmeriCorps members and renovate Havre’s Historic Courthouse and Post Office Building. Renovations work from 10am to 3pm with a community tour at noon. Contact Lisa Smith, 406-265-3699, to learn more.
• Helena- A pancake breakfast at St Peter’s Cathedral will benefit Helena Food Share. This event from 8-11am also includes a DPHHS sponsored healthy breakfast items food drive. Contact AmeriCorps VISTA Jared Schmidt, 406-444-9655, to learn more.
• Missoula- Donate clothing to benefit Project Homeless Connect at the MLK Day Rally sponsored by NCBI in Caras Park. Contact AmeriCorps Member Shanna Ungate, 406-243-5531, to learn more.
• Sidney- The Boys and Girls Club of Richland County are hosting a carnival for local children and their families. Stop by between 3:30-7:00pm. Contact RSVP Director Idelle Badt, 406-433-2207, to learn more.

Download the list of all MLK Day activities organized by Senior Corps and AmeriCorps Members here.

Learn More about MLK Day related Projects throughout January:

• Wake up Montana! Healthy Breakfast Food Drive organized by AmeriCorps VISTAs and the Department of Health and Human Services
• Montana Free File Outreach through Justice for Montanans AmeriCorps Members
• MLK Day Celebration in Bozeman organized by Campus Corps AmeriCorps Members
• Billings Community Connect organized in part by Senior Corps
• Helena Plastic Recycling organized by AmeriCorps VISTA at the SAVE Foundation
• Missoula Read for Peace organized by Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTAs
• Projects Statewide organized by Campus Corps AmeriCorps Members

First Lady Launches Nancy’s Garden Recipe Card Contest

(HELENA) – Today, First Lady Nancy Schweitzer announced a recipe card contest to engage children in exploring gardening, healthy eating, and cooking. Montana students are invited to submit a favorite family recipe that includes ingredients that can be grown in a garden. Alternatively, students can submit drawings or illustrations of their favorite healthy recipe. The winning recipes and illustrations will be printed on recipe cards and distributed at the ServeMontana Symposium in Helena, February 23–24, 2012. The theme of the symposium is Growing Montana Communities.

“Gardening and cooking give kids a fun, hands-on experience with fruits and vegetables,” said First Lady Nancy Schweitzer. “Growing, measuring, and mixing your food is also a great way to explore math and science.”

The recipe contest is part of Nancy’s Garden, the newest feature of the Governor and First Lady’s Math & Science Initiative (mathscience.mt.gov). Nancy’s Garden provides a gardening experience for every 4th grade student by supplying grow boxes, seeds, lesson plans and instructions for each classroom.

The contest is sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Community Service with a grant from the Sodexo Foundation and Youth Serve America. The contest is also a partnership with the Department of Public Health & Human Services to engage children in eliminating childhood hunger.

Guidelines on the contest can be found at mathscience.mt.gov. Submissions must be received by Friday, February 3, 2012.

Download the contest guidelines:

• Guidelines (Word)
• Guidelines (PDF)

Continue Reading

Recognizing Montana High School Senior Students for Volunteering

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact, announced today that the 2012 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships are now available for up to 70 Montana high school seniors. It is the 7th year for this exciting scholarship opportunity aimed at students who have completed 100 hours of volunteer service in their community by April 16, 2012.

Students who apply and qualify may receive $1,000 dollars toward continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s twenty public, tribal, private, community, or community colleges and universities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our students’ enthusiasm for volunteering,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “The Youth Serve Montana Scholarships are a great way to honor students who invest their time and talents in Montana, and want to stay here for college.”

Applications, proof of volunteer service, and enrollment to a Montana post-secondary institution must be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Community Service by noon April 16, 2012.

The application form, additional guidelines, and a scholarship FAQ can be found here.

“Students who volunteer gain valuable job skills and invest in their community,” said Stefani Hicswa, President of Miles City Community College and member of the Montana Campus Compact. “These scholarships provide us the opportunity to reward student leaders throughout Montana for making a difference.” President Hicswa also serves on the Montana Commission on Community Service.

The 2012 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships have been made available through a partnership with the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact, the largest higher education network in Montana. Montana Campus Compact includes 20 of Montana's two-year, four-year, public, private, tribal, and community colleges and universities, with a state network office located in Missoula.

Energy Corps Members convene in Browning for weatherization event

Nine Energy Corps members braved the whipping winds to retrofit tribal elders’ abodes. In a town where west-facing windows sometimes fracture due to the Glacier Front gales, sealing the house’s shell can mean the difference between a winter full of shivers and one of comfort. Thanks to Blackfeet Tribal Housing Authority staff, the Energy Corps AmeriCorps teams surpassed their largest obstacle: finding residences in a town where streets are seldom labeled. Once on site however, the teams demonstrated their prowess, adeptly plugging leaky walls, installing energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and outfitting showers with water-saving heads. A record 45 homes were weatherized in just two days and an additional 80 Winter Ready kits were distributed from the Browning Community Center. Thanks to AmeriCorps, 125 families will be slightly cozier around the holiday table!

AmeriCorps members with the Montana Energy Corps program will be holding weatherization events on the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet Reservation this week as part of the Governor’s Warm Hearts Warm Homes Initiative.

Events

Lodge Pole- 12/15/11, 10am-12pm, Tribal Office

Hayes- 12/15/11, 1pm-3pm, Tribal Office

Browning- 12/17/11, 11am-2pm, Community Senior Center

Media Advisory

NCAT Energy Corps Provide Weatherization Assistance on the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet Reservations

Volunteers Roll Up Their Sleeves to Weatherize Homes and Distribute Materials

[BUTTE, MT]—Montana Energy Corps members will be holding three weatherization events on the Fort Belknap and Blackfeet reservations to reach those in need of weatherization assistance in the area.

The Butte-based National Center for Appropriate Technology’s (NCAT) Montana Energy Corps AmeriCorps program has planned three weatherization fairs in North central Montana to reach those in need of assistance with high home energy costs this winter. AmeriCorps members will be distributing weatherization kits to individuals at the events and will be signing up those that need help installing materials. Events will be held on Thursday December 15th from 10am – 12pm in Lodge Pole and 1-3pm in Hayes. Each of these events will take place at the community tribal offices. On Saturday December 17th from 11am – 2pm the Energy Corps will be holding a final weatherization event in Browning at the Community Senior Center.

Energy Corps members will also be providing hands on weatherization assistance to several area households on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th. With the help of community volunteers including Blackfeet housing staff, the Energy Corps plans to weatherize close to 60 homes in the Browning area over the two day span. These projects have been planned with help from Energy Corps members and staff from Opportunity Link in Havre, Montana and serve as one example of the many projects that have been completed in the area by Energy Corps and Opportunity Link. Continue Reading

Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer

Deadline Approaching for Public to Submit Nominations

Helena, MT- The Governor’s Office of Community Service, in partnership with First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and the Montana Commission on Community Service, is accepting nominations for the 2012 ServeMontana Awards, ReadyMontana Awards and First Lady’s Math and Science Awards. Nominations are due December 21, 2011.

Presented in February, these annual awards recognize outstanding Montana individuals, organizations and national service members committed to community and volunteer service.

“All over Montana people are volunteering and giving back to their communities in amazing ways,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “We ask the public to help us recognize these inspiring individuals.”

• The ServeMontana Awards are for service and volunteer work in the areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans & military families, and economic opportunity.
• The ReadyMontana Awards are for service specifically related to disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response.
• The First Lady’s Math and Science Awards are for outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that promote math and science education in Montana.

Click here: Award Application and Nomination Information

Deadline for Nomination Applications: Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Lt. Governor and First Lady will present these awards during the ServeMontana Symposium February 23, 2012 in Helena. There will be more than one award presented in each category.

“These awards help us honor individuals and organizations who represent the true spirit of civic engagement in Montana,” said Kim Miske, Chair of the Montana Commission on Community Service. “Each year we look forward to learning about the incredible things Montanans are doing for each other.” Continue Reading

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 16, 2012

Did you know that MLK Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service? In other words it is a "day on, not a day off."

Join with National Service Programs across Montana and organize a MLK Day Service Project in your community! The Governor’s Office of Community Service has funding available for projects that have disability inclusion as a focus.

Learn more about MLK day and get ideas for projects at mlkday.gov.

Quick Links

• Guidelines for Funding Requests
• Event Funding Request Form
• W9
• Funding Agreement
• Media Use Release Form
• Build Montana
• Event and Service Project Evaluation

Continue Reading

Honor Our Veterans with Service this Veterans Day

You can honor our veterans this Veterans Day through service and volunteering in your community!

“Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor all our Montana veterans,” said Lt. Governor John Bohlinger. “I encourage the public to honor our veterans by volunteering in their community.”

Veterans Day at MSU

This Veterans Day, Montana State University is hosting a public event to honor our veterans with the Remembrance Day Nation Roll Call and Operation Honor Card “Wall of Service.”

Montana volunteers will join in with the Remembrance Day National Roll Call effort by reading aloud the names of more than 6,200 service men and women who died in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past 10 years. This public event is from 9am-5pm in the Leigh Lounge of the Montana State University’s Strand Union Building and will be streamed live on the MSU website at http://www.montana.edu/veteransrollcall/.

Since September 11, Volunteers with the 20 Senior Corps and RSVP programs across Montana collected Operation Honor Cards. These cards encourage the public to pledge hours of service in honor of our troops, veterans, and military families. Senior Corps volunteers collected over 185,000 hours of pledged service from across Montana. The public is invited to view the “Wall of Service” displaying the collected Operation Honor Cards and make a personal pledge at MSU on Friday. Learn more about Operation Honor Cards at http://joiningforces.allforgood.org/.

Find a Volunteer Opportunity

The public can honor veterans through their service anytime of the year. Build Montana helps the public find volunteer opportunities throughout Montana by combing over 16 national and local search sites into one website (www.buildmontana.org). Build Montana is a program of the Montana Nonprofit Association.

Share Your Story

Tell us about the service you’ve pledged in honor of our veterans on our Facebook page or send an email to serve@mt.gov.

Annual Food Drive Challenge

This weekend kicks off the “Can the Cats” food drive benefiting the Missoula Food Bank. This challenge invites the public to make food and cash donations to meet the goal of collecting over 40,000 pounds of food to beat the “Can the Griz” food drive effort at MSU.

The annual “Can the Cats” and “Can the Griz” food drive leverages the cross-state football rivalry to raise resources for the Missoula Food Bank and the Bozeman Food Bank.

Get Involved!

Last year, volunteers collected 27,292 pounds of food or donations to benefit the Missoula Food Bank. Campus Corps AmeriCorps members and UM student volunteers will be collecting can goods at the gate to Saturday’s UM Griz football game. Griz Fans can also drop off their donations at Karl Tyler Chevrolet, Albertson Stores, Papa Johns Pizza, Missoula Family YMCA, Orange Street Food Farm, the Pressbox, Paradise Falls, the Source, or at the Missoula Food Bank. The winner of the 12th annual “Can the Cats” and “Can the Griz” challenge will be announced at Bobcat/Griz game in Bozeman on November 19. Learn more about the “Can the Cats” challenge and drop off locations at http://www.missoulafoodbank.org/.

Volunteer of the Game

The Governor’s Office of Community Service will recognize the Missoula Food Bank as the “Volunteer of the Game” during this Saturday’s UM Grizzly home football game.

Missoula Food Bank has been providing an emergency food supply to the Missoula community for almost 30 years. In 2010, they served more than 15,700 people. Volunteers are essential are all aspects of their operation including stocking shelves, boxing groceries, sorting deliveries for seniors and stuffing backpacks with supplemental food for kids during the summertime. Last year, more than 900 volunteers provided over 17,500 hours of service.

“Missoula Food Bank is grateful to the wonderful people in Missoula who make our work possible,” said Cynthia Lotty, Executive Director of Missoula Food Bank. “Volunteers are the cornerstone of our service delivery system who gives us the opportunity to serve our community.” Continue Reading

According to data provided on the Corporations for National and Community Service website (NationalService.gov) Montana institutions have now received payments in excess of 10 million dollars from Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards.

The $10 million mark represents a total of coming into the state since 1994 the year the National Service Trust began distributing education awards to AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC members. The Segal Education Award is available to individuals who successfully complete a term of AmeriCorps service to be used to help them pay for furthering their education.

Currently the value of the education award for AmeriCorps State and National members ranges from $5,550 for those serving 1,700 hours to $1,175 for individuals completing 300 hours of AmeriCorps Service. For AmeriCorps VISTA and NCCC the current education award is $5,550 for all members completing a full year of service.

Of this $10 million just over half ($5.4 million) was distributed to the Montana University System. Over $800,000 went to the state’s seven Tribal Colleges; $387,000 to community colleges; and $282,000 to the states private colleges. Of the remainder of funds more than $2.6 million went to aiding students in paying down student debt and interest accumulated.

One Warm Coat Campaign October 17-28, 2011

First Lady Nancy Schweitzer invites you to help keep someone warm this winter. Join the One Warm Coat Campaign and donate a clean, gently used coat. Coats are being collected at Montana State Capitol in Helena and at First Interstate Bank Locations across the state. Donated coats will be given to local organizations for distribution such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, and Montana Rescue Mission. This is the third annual One Warm Coat Campaign with First Lady Schweitzer and First Interstate Bank.

“As Montanans are getting winter ready, it’s important to help make sure your neighbors and those in need are ready, too,” said First Lady Nancy Schweitzer. “I encourage all Montanans to join me in giving a coat to help keep someone warm this winter.”

One Warm Coat- Oct 17-28, 2011

• Find First Interstate Bank donation locations
• Download the 2011 One Warm Coat Flyer
• Learn more about One Warm Coat
• Learn more about First Lady Nancy Schweitzer
• Learn more about First Interstate Bank

Agenda

October 12, 2011 at 2pm MST

• Dial-in number: (641) 715-3620
• Participant access code: 937749#

2012 National Performance Measures Instructions

• Disaster Services
• Education
• Capacity Building
• Economic Opportunity
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
• Veterans and Military Families 

Additional Training Opportunities

Distributed on behalf of the AmeriCorps program at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Public call series hosted by AmeriCorps State and National program officers to assist potential applicants. The calls will cover the following topics:

• Key Terminology and Resources for AmeriCorps
• AmeriCorps Planning Grants
• AmeriCorps Grants 101
• Next Steps to Applying for an AmeriCorps Grant
• AmeriCorps Program Budgets

You can find a description of each call type, the dates and times as well as register to participate by clicking HERE. Once you identify the call or calls you want to participate in, you can click the link to register for that call.

For more information on the public calls hosted by CNCS please click HERE.

It is Senior Corps Week! Thank a Senior Corps Volunteer in Your Community!

 

One in Four Older Americans Makes a Positive Impact in Local Communities

Through Volunteering, Providing More Than $64 Billion in Annual Economic Benefit to the U.S.

Senior Corps Week – September 19–23 – honors the 450,000+ Senior Corps volunteers who provide their talent and skill to fill critical gaps across the nation

Washington, D.C. – New data released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service indicates that 18.7 million older adults – more than a quarter of those 55 and older – contributed on average more than 3 billion hours of service in their communities per year between 2008 and 2010. The yearly economic benefit of this service to the nation equals more than $64 billion.[i]

“Communities across America are seeing the benefits from the talent and skill older Americans offer through volunteering,” said Robert Velasco II, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “During Senior Corps Week we celebrate the powerful impact of the more than 450,000 Senior Corps volunteers who are helping to solve problems ranging from poverty and illiteracy to helping seniors continue to live independently.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service administers three Senior Corps programs – Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companions – and is honoring the tremendous contribution of Senior Corps volunteers during the second annual Senior Corps Week, September 19–23. Throughout the year, Senior Corps volunteers contribute to the health and vitality of their communities by meeting critical local needs, whether tutoring at–risk students, providing job training to veterans, supporting independent living, or responding to natural disasters. Continue Reading

Volunteer and Serve Your Community!

“To recognize the 10th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th we encourage Montanans to lend a helping hand in their communities,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “Those who volunteer and serve make a difference in Montana and we thank them for their service!”

Citizens can participate in the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance by participating in a service project, thanking those who serve in their community, or finding a way they can volunteer at www.buildmontana.org.

Participate in an Event

• School Supply Drive and Annual Picnic in Butte on Wednesday 9/6/11 from 4pm-6pm at the World Museum of Mining- contact Michele Brennick at 406-533-2508
• “Cup of Coffee for Montana’s Veterans” Coffee Supply Collection in Helena 9/1 to 9/9- contact Kayla Parker at 406-442-9830 ext 22
• Ice Cream Social Honoring Veterans in Miles City on Thursday 9/8 from 9am to 4pm at the VA Medical Center- contact Betty Vail at 406-234-0505
• “Great Falls Supports Our Soldiers” Care Package Collection in Great Falls 9/1 to 9/12- contact Stephanie Fenner at 406-454-5725
• Toiletry Drive to benefit WORD in Missoula on Friday 9/9 from 3pm-7pm at the Orange Street Food Farm- contact Traci Kutzleb at 406-273-0142
• Chokecherry Festival in Lewistown on Saturday 9/10 from 9am-4:30pm- look for the RSVP and Emergency Preparedness Booth- contact Shirlee Brillhart at 406-323-1403
• Trails Day at Herron Park in Kalispell on Saturday 9/10 from 10am to 3:30pm- Contact the Montana Conservation Corps at 406-755-3619
• Disaster Preparedness Fair in Butte on Sunday 9/11 starting at 1pm at Stodden Park- contact Ashley Makowski at 406-461-2132
• Freedom Walk in Helena on Sunday 9/11 starting at 2pm at the North end of the Walking Mall- contact Liann Meyer at 406-227-8824
• Disaster Preparedness Kit Creations in Havre on Monday 9/12 starting at 3:30pm at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line- contact Samantha Hutchins at 406-265-6206
• United Way Day of Caring in Billings on Thursday 9/15 at the United Way Center- Contact United Way of Yellowstone County at 406-252-3839
• Veterans’ “Stand Down” Outreach in Sidney on Saturday 9/17- contact Idelle Badt at 406-443-2207
• “A Tribute to Service” in Kalispell on Wednesday 9/21 starting at 4pm at Flathead Valley Community College- contact Sara Cowger at 406-758-5712

Full List of 9/11 Day of Service Events in Montana

Volunteer Opportunities can always be found at www.buildmontana.org.  

Share your service story on Facebook at ServeMontana or email serve@mt.gov.

Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer Today!

Annual Awards Recognize Volunteer Service in Montana

The Governor’s Office of Community Service, in partnership with First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and the Montana Commission on Community Service, announced today that nominations are being accepted for the 2012 Serve Montana Awards, Ready Montana Awards and First Lady’s Math and Science Awards.

Presented in February, these annual awards recognize outstanding Montana individuals, organizations and national service members committed to community and volunteer service.

“All over Montana people are serving and giving back to their communities in amazing ways,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “We ask the public to help us recognize these inspiring individuals.”

• The ServeMontana Awards are for service and volunteer work in the areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans & military families, and economic opportunity.
• The ReadyMontana Awards are for service specifically related to disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response.
• The First Lady’s Math and Science Awards are for outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that promote math and science education in Montana.

Nominate Today! Award Application and Nomination Information

Deadline for Nomination Applications: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Continue Reading

Apply today!

Join AmeriCorps in Montana to give back to the community, gain job skills, and earn money for college!

Montana Energy Corps

• Focus: The Energy Corps promotes sustainable energy consumption and education, fosters community sustainability and helps to mitigate the effects of global climate change.
• Ideal For: We are looking for individuals 18 and older who work well in a team environment, can relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds, have sound organizational skills and act in a professional manner, as well as have a strong interest in energy conservation and community development.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana in Missoula, Helena, Havre, Butte, Kalispell, Browning, Fort Belknap, and Dillon.
• Apply Here: www.americorps.gov - search Energy Corps in Montana or www.energycorps.org
• Applications Due: Sept. 15, 2011
• Term of Service: October 3, 2011- Aug 31, 2012
• Questions: Contact Holly at 406-494-8652, hollyh@ncat.org, or visit www.energycorps.org

Justice for Montanans Project

• Focus: The Justice for Montanans Project empowers low to moderate income Montanans to advocate for their legal rights and increases access to justice for Montana's poor. This project places 11 members throughout Montana that help provide and expand intake, legal information and referral services for Montana's low income residents seeking legal assistance.
• Ideal For: This program is ideal for individuals interested in serving within a legal focused program that provides legal resources and information to low-income people in Montana.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.
• Apply Here: www.americorps.gov search Justice for Montanans Project or www.justiceformontanans.org
• Applications Due: September 1, 2011
• Term of Service: September 12, 2011-August 11,2012
• Questions: Michelle at 406-442-9830x18 or jfm@mtlsa.org

Young Adult Service Corps (YASC)

A program of Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Foundation (JMGF)

• Focus: JMGF partners with Montana’s schools and community based organizations to offer YASC to local young adults. Members serve to meet local needs, gain skills and have fun!
• Ideal For: This program is ideal for Montana’s young adults 17-24 interested in volunteering locally in the schools and communities where they live.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana. See map on JMGF’s website for partner service locations or contact us!
• Apply Here: www.jmgf-mt.org
• Applications Due: September 1, 2011
• Term of Service: September 1, 2011 - July 18, 2012
• Questions: Contact JMGF! www.jmgf-mt.org or 406.443.2413 Continue Reading

Volunteering in America

Greetings Commissioners, AmeriCorps Programs, and Partners in Service:

Please find below a press release on the recent Volunteering in America survey administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Although, the report indicates that our national ranking dropped to 12th because of fewer citizens volunteering, it does not tell the full story of the commitment of Montanans. Our citizens – of all ages - continue to care about their community and neighbors. Taking a careful look at the Volunteering in America data tells us that we rank 3rd in the nation for the volunteer rate of 20-24 year olds and 2nd in the nation for the volunteer rate of 25-34 year olds! We are also proud that we rank 7th in the nation for volunteer retention and 2nd in the nation for the number of nonprofits per resident.

We are also analyzing the results of our volunteer survey in Montana conducted this month. Preliminary results tell us that a vast majority of respondents report that they are successful or very successful at using college students as volunteers.

We recognize that there will always be a need for active and involved citizens who want to help build strong communities through volunteering and national service. I send a thank you to those of you that get out and volunteer in your community or help others to do so. Montana is a great place to live, work and raise a family because of you.

Best,
jan m lombardi
Executive Director, Governor's Office of Community Service

New Report: Americans Devote 8.1 Billion Hours to Volunteering in 2010

Generation X Deepens Commitment, Serves More Than 2.3 Billion Hours in their Communities Continue Reading

Apply today!

Become an AmeriCorps member; engage in direct service and capacity-building to address unmet community needs across Montana!

The Governor’s Office of Community Service supports AmeriCorps State Programs and AmeriCorps National Programs operating in Montana. AmeriCorps VISTA programs are coordinated through the Corporation for National and Community Service state office in Helena. AmeriCorps State MT Recruitment Information

Montana Campus Corps

• Focus: The mission of Montana Campus Corps is to actively engage college students in meeting community-identified needs through meaningful service.
• Ideal For: Montana college students who are interested in serving and taking on a leadership role in their communities.
• Service Locations: Blackfeet Community College, Carroll College, Dawson Community College, Flathead Valley Community College, Fort Belknap College, Fort Peck Community College, Miles Community College, Montana State University Billings, Montana State University Bozeman, MSU Great Falls College of Technology, MSU College of Nursing-Great Falls, Montana State University Northern, Montana Tech of the UM, Rocky Mountain College, Salish Kootenai College, University of Great Falls, UM Helena College of Technology, The University of Montana Missoula, The University of Montana Western.
• Apply Here: www.mtcampuscorps.org and click APPLY TO SERVE
• Applications Due: Ongoing
• Term of Service: August 15, 2011 to August 14, 2012
• Questions: Visit www.mtcampuscorps.org and click CONTACT

Montana Conservation Corps

Crew Leader

• Focus: To inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities.
• Ideal For: Young adults from all backgrounds with an interest in conservation and public land issues and at least two years of college coursework, military service, or other equivalent work experience. Crew Leaders lead a team of young adults on conservation and community based projects.
• Service Locations: Members serve in public lands and communities throughout Montana and surrounding areas.
• Apply Here: www.mtcorps.org
• Applications Due: Ongoing
• Term of Service: February – November
• Questions: Contact Jen Rusnak, Recruitment Coordinator at 406-587-4475

Corps Member

• Focus: MCC invests in young adults as the solution to community and public land needs through conservation projects that are of lasting benefit to Montana's lands and people.
• Ideal For: Individuals from all backgrounds with an interest in conservation and public land issues and a high school diploma, GED, or willingness to take the GED.
• Service Locations: Members serve in public lands and communities throughout Montana and surrounding areas.
• Apply Here: www.mtcorps.org
• Applications Due: Ongoing
• Term of Service: May - November
• Questions: Contact Jen Rusnak, Recruitment Coordinator at 406-587-4475

Veterans Green Corps - Wildlands Fuel Management Program

• Focus: Conservation skills and career development for current era veterans interested in pursuing employment opportunities with land management agencies.
• Ideal For: Honorably discharged veterans of OEF and OIF from all backgrounds with an interest in professional development in conservation and public land issues.
• Service Locations: Members serve in public lands in Montana and surrounding areas.
• Apply Here: www.mtcorps.org
• Applications Due: Applications accepted year-round
• Term of Service: May - August or August - October
• Questions: Contact Jen Rusnak, Recruitment Coordinator at 406-587-4475

Youth Crew Leader

• Focus: To inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities.
• Ideal For: Young adults from all backgrounds with an interest in working with youth on conservation and public land issues, and at least two years of college coursework, military service, or other equivalent work experience. Youth Crew Leaders lead a team of Montana Youth ages 15-17 on conservation and community based projects.
• Service Locations: Members serve in public lands and communities throughout Montana and surrounding areas.
• Apply Here: www.mtcorps.org
• Applications Due: Ongoing
• Term of Service: February - August
• Questions: Contact Jen Rusnak, Recruitment Coordinator at 406-587-4475

Montana Energy Corps

• Focus: The Energy Corps addresses unmet community energy needs by promoting sustainable energy consumption and education, fostering community sustainability and helping to mitigate the effects of global climate change.
• Ideal For: We are looking for individuals 18 and older who work well in a team environment, can relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds, have sound organizational skills and act in a professional manner, as well as have a strong interest in energy conservation and community development.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana in Missoula, Helena, Havre, Butte, Kalispell, Browning, Fort Belknap, and Dillon.
• Apply Here: www.americorps.gov - search Energy Corps in Montana or www.energycorps.org
• Applications Due: Sept. 15, 2011
• Term of Service: October 3, 2011- Aug 31, 2012
• Questions: Contact Holly at 406-494-8652, hollyh@ncat.org, or visit www.energycorps.org

Justice for Montanans Project

• Focus: The Justice for Montanans Project seeks to empower low to moderate income Montanans to advocate for their legal rights, increasing access to justice for Montana's poor. Established by the Montana Legal Services Association, in partnership with the Self-Help Program of the Montana Supreme Court Office of the Court Administrator and the Montana Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection & Victim Services, the project places 11 members throughout Montana that help provide and expand intake, legal information and referral services for Montana's low income residents seeking legal assistance.
• Ideal For: This program is ideal for individuals interested in serving within a legal focused program that provides legal resources and information to low-income people in Montana.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.
• Apply Here: www.americorps.gov search Justice for Montanans Project or www.justiceformontanans.org
• Applications Due: September 1, 2011
• Term of Service: September 12, 2011-August 11,2012
• Questions: Michelle at 406-442-9830x18 or jfm@mtlsa.org

Young Adult Service Corps (YASC)

A program of Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Foundation (JMGF)

• Focus: JMGF partners with Montana’s schools and community based organizations to offer YASC to local young adults. Members serve to meet local needs, gain skills and have fun!
• Ideal For: This program is ideal for Montana’s young adults 17-24 interested in volunteering locally in the schools and communities where they live.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana. See map on JMGF’s website for partner service locations or contact us!
• Apply Here: www.jmgf-mt.org
• Applications Due: September 1, 2011
• Term of Service: September 1, 2011 - July 18, 2012
• Questions: Contact JMGF! www.jmgf-mt.org or 406.443.2413

Big Sky Watershed Corps

Corps Member

• Focus: To inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities. BSWC invests in community solutions to protect and restore watersheds in Montana.
• Ideal For: College graduates from all backgrounds with experience in resource management or environmental education and an interest data collection, field work, and education. and at least two years of college coursework, military service, or other equivalent work experience.
• Service Locations: Members serve in public lands and communities throughout Montana and surrounding areas.
• Apply Here: www.mtcorps.org
• Applications Due: Ongoing
• Term of Service: August 2011 - October 2012
• Questions: Contact Lee Gault, Program Director at 406-587-4475

Montana State Park Corps

Please note this program is not currently recruiting.

• Focus: Volunteer capacity building , natural and cultural resource interpretation and outdoor education.
• Ideal For: This program is ideal for young adults 17-25 and seniors interested assisting Montana State Parks in improving volunteer services and educational programs offered in State Parks. This is an excellent opportunity for those with or working towards their degree in resource management, and environmental and cultural education and interpretation.
• Service Locations: Members serve across Montana in various Montana State Park locations.
• Apply Here: www.americorps.gov - search Environment in Montana or www.fwp.mt.gov
• Applications Due: December 1, 2011
• Term of Service: January 2012- December 2012
• Questions: Contact Ken at 406-444-3750 or ksoderberg@mt.gov

Department of the Interior

Establishment and call for nominations for the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Advisory Committee (21CSC), a new committee to be formed in response to recommendations in the report to the President on "America’s Great Outdoors: A Promise to Future Generations." The Committee will operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and will report to the Secretary of the Interior through the Office of Youth in the Great Outdoors. The Office of Youth in the Great Outdoors will provide administrative and logistical support to the Committee.

The Federal Register notice published July 1, 2011 and summary of the notice are provided for your reference. Please note that nominations to serve on the committee will be accepted until Monday, August 1, 2011.

Please forward the Federal Register Notice to anyone you think might be interested and qualified to serve on the Committee.

Summary of the Notice: Continue Reading

10th Anniversary Challenge Will Spur Service and Remembrance Activities Across the Country

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sandy Scott sscott@cns.gov 202-606-6724

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Washington D.C. – Joining Congressional and nonprofit leaders at the U.S. Capitol today, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service Robert Velasco, II, announced the agency’s plans to support a national effort to inspire millions of Americans to engage in service and remembrance activities on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.

The agency launched a 10th Anniversary Challenge that will make up to $500,000 in awards to encourage organizations to expand participation in the 10th anniversary and fund service activities for future September 11 Days of Service and Remembrance. The aim of this Challenge is to bring Americans together in the same spirit of compassion, unity, and service that existed after the attacks. Details on the Challenge are available at www.Serve.gov/September11.

Velasco announced the Challenge at an event on Capitol Hill showcasing bipartisan unity and support for the victims and heroes of 9/11 as families, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, military veterans and members of Congress from both parties came together to help stitch together The National 9/11 Flag damaged in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center.

“We will never forget that tragic day -- the innocent lives lost, the bravery of those who responded, and the remarkable spirit of unity and compassion that swept the country in the aftermath,” said Velasco. “We are asking Americans to remember the lives of those lost, pay tribute to those who rose in service, and honor those who serve our country today by engaging in service on the 9/11 weekend.”

Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks began to seek a forward-looking tribute to honor the sacrifice of those lost and pay tribute to those who rose in service. They believed that engaging in service on the 9/11 anniversary was a productive and respectful way to honor those who died and create a legacy of compassion and action to help meet the challenges we face today.

Thanks to their leadership, the bipartisan 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. CNCS is encouraging its network of thousands of grantees and other nonprofit, faith-based, educational and business organizations to organize and participate in service projects on the 9/11 weekend.

The flag stitching event was organized by MyGoodDeed and HandsOn Network, the lead organizers of the nonpartisan, nonprofit 9/11 Day Observance. Joining with MyGoodDeed and HandsOn Network to lead the 9/11 Day Observance are the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Civic Leadership Center, AARP and The Mission Continues. Organizers expect this year's 9/11 Day Observance to be the single-largest day of good deeds, charitable activity and service in United States history.

For the 10th Anniversary Challenge, CNCS will award up to $500,000 through approximately 10-15 awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to organizations that achieve the highest level of volunteer engagement. Service activities should honor those who died and those who have served because of the tragedies of 9/11, and include a time of reflection and remembrance. Projects should be implemented on or near September 11, 2011 and clearly be linked to the observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. The submission period is July 14, 2011 to July 29, 2011. The CNCS 10th Anniversary Challenge is being conducted through Challenge.gov, the Obama Administration new portal for contests and prizes. More information is at http://sept11day.challenge.gov/.

In addition to the Challenge, CNCS will also be making funds available to all 52 state service commissions to increase their capacity to carry out 9/11 service and remembrance activities this year.

###

About the Corporation for National and Community Service: The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

About the 9/11 Day Observance: MyGoodDeed, the respected 9/11 nonprofit founded in 2003 and which successfully advocated for making 9/11 a federally designated Day of Service and Remembrance, and HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation division of Points of Light Institute, are leading an influential coalition of prominent organizations that are working together to plan and implement the 9/11 Day Observance. The coalition's primary goal for the upcoming 10-year Anniversary of 9/11 is to organize the single largest day of charitable service in U.S. history. For more information, go to: www.911day.org or email: info@911day.org.

###

Who in your community deserves the honor of stitching The National 9/11 Flag in Montana?

Thursday, August 4 

State Capitol Rotunda, 1306 E. 6th Avenue in Helena 

12:00 pm followed by stitching open to the public until 3:00 pm

The National 9/11 Flag is a powerful symbol of The American Spirit. Destroyed in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11 and stitched back together seven years later by tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kansas, The National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people. It is the modern day version of The Star Spangled Banner.

New York Says Thank You Foundation is currently taking The National 9/11 Flag on a journey across America where local service heroes in all 50 states will be given the historic privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format. Once the flag is made whole again by the 10th Year Anniversary of 9/11, The National 9/11 Flag will become part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center.

Go to www.National911Flag.org and click on “Honor A Service Hero" then "Nominate A Service Hero”

We are looking for people of all ages who are shining examples of service and sacrifice to their local communities and to the Nation to honor with the unique and historic privilege of stitching The National 9/11 Flag. Whether this person is a wounded warrior, military veteran, first responder, educator, student, volunteer service leader, or someone who lives their life in a heroic manner.

Nominations due by July 28, 2011.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Grants Policy and Operations NCB@cns.gov

Monday, July 11, 2011

National Service Agency Announces Funding to Help Nonprofits Strengthen Performance Management.

Washington, DC – The Corporation for National and Community Service has announced the availability of close to $1 million in funding to help build the capacity of small and midsize nonprofits to develop and implement performance management systems.

The funding is available through the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, authorized by the bipartisan 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. CNCS will provide grants to a small number of intermediary organizations to assist nonprofits in resource-poor communities in developing performance management systems to help them better measure progress and improve performance.

In creating the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, Congress recognized that many small and midsize nonprofit organizations are challenged in their ability to sustain and expand services and that organizational development assistance may be necessary to ensure the continuation of much-needed services in local communities.

Through grants awarded in this competition, CNCS aims to build the capacity of small and midsize nonprofits to help them better deliver and demonstrate results. Research suggests that an established framework of performance management is the prerequisite and predictor of success in other aspects of nonprofit health such as financial planning and sustainability.

For this competition, CNCS has approximately $998,000 available, and expects to make up to five awards. CNCS will select no more than one intermediary based in a particular state.

In alignment with the CNCS Strategic Plan, applicants are encouraged to identify potential subgrantees that focus on the agency's six focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 9, 2011. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of September.

For more information including the Notice of Funding Availability and Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp. A direct link to the notice is at http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=2011. A press release on last year’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Program grantees is available by clicking here.

CNCS will host two technical assistance calls to answer questions from potential applicants. The calls will be held on July 19 and July 25 at 3:00 pm Eastern. Call-in information will be available at http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=89 and the calls will be recorded and posted on the website.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service:

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve.

For more information, visit NationalService.gov

AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region RFP for Class XVIII

November 2011 - July 2012

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) invites potential Project Sponsors in California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Hawaii (and the Pacific Territories), and Alaska to apply for our teams of developing leaders as we kickoff our Class 18 at the Pacific Region Campus located in Sacramento, CA.

The NCCC Pacific Region Campus deploys to serve on projects lasting an average of 6-8 weeks. Teams are available during four project rounds (see materials below); project round start and end dates listed are subject to change, and proposed projects need not fill the entire round. Assignment of teams to projects is contingent on the availability of sufficient funds for our program and the availability of teams. Continue Reading

The Governor’s Office of Community Service announced today that 91 Montana High School Seniors from 64 Montana Schools are receiving a $1000 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship. These scholarships are in recognition of students who have performed over 100 hours of volunteer service within the past year.

“The Youth Serve Montana Scholarships are a great way to honor Montana’s High School Seniors who’ve dedicated their time to make a difference in their communities,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Click here for the list of scholarship recipients in your area.

Youth Serve Montana Scholarship recipient Codi Francis lives in Manhattan, Montana and attends Manhattan High School. She will attend Montana State University in the fall and hopes to major in Nursing. In the last year, Codi spent over a 100 hours volunteering at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, which inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Codi also volunteers with the Gallatin County 4-H Scooting Sports and Tiger Buddies (her school’s mentoring program). Continue Reading

5th Annual AmeriCorps Week- May 14-21, 2011

The fifth annual AmeriCorps Week is a time for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to demonstrate AmeriCorps' impact on critical issues, bring more Americans into service, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. AmeriCorps Week shines a spotlight on AmeriCorps' impact in communities across the country in order to motivate more Americans to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.

Activities celebrating AmeriCorps in Montana are happening every day of AmeriCorps Week all across the state. There are 1,215 AmeriCorps Members serving in Montana through both AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA programs. AmeriCorps members in Montana serve our communities by mentoring children, weatherizing homes, volunteering in hospitals, restoring the natural environment, helping Montanans navigate the justice system, planting trees, collecting food for the hungry, training community volunteers, preparing community assessments, building homes for those in need, and so much more!

Find an AmeriCorps activity in your area and thank AmeriCorps members for their service! Download a list of all AmeriCorps Activities in Montana.

Signature AmeriCorps Week Activities- Public Encouraged to Attend!

  Continue Reading

Announcing Nancy’s Garden
in our Montana Schools!

Nancy's Garden is the newest feature of the Governor and First Lady's Math & Science Initiative. Nancy's Garden provides a gardening experience for every 4th grade student by supplying grow boxes, seeds, lesson plans and instructions for each classroom. This opportunity will help create the next generation of gardeners growing their own food in Montana. Young students will get excited about studying math and science, engaged in healthy eating, and interested in future careers in our state.

Each participating 4th grade classroom will receive grow boxes and classroom materials including a teacher's guide, seeds, and posters.

Please see the map below for the participating schools and use the OPI Find-A-School service for contact information.

Volunteers are encourage to contact your local school to see how you can be involved in this hands-on educational opportunity for Montana 4th graders.

Learn more about the Governor and First Lady’s Math & Science Initiative at mathscience.mt.gov! Continue Reading

April is Donate Life Month
Promoting Organ Donor Awareness

The Governor’s Office of Community Service invites Montanans to participate in Donate Life Month and register as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Register today at www.donatelifetoday.com!

Currently, 225 people in Montana are waiting for life saving organ transplants. Last year, 52 lives were saved by 19 Montana organ donors.

Most Montanans register as a donor when renewing their driver’s license or state ID though the state Motor Vehicle Division. Continue Reading

Montana Conservation Corps Seeks Adventurous Teens for Summer Crew Expeditions

Four-week Volunteer Service Experience includes $200 dollar Service Award

Helena – The Governor’s Office of Community Service (serve.mt.gov) announced today that Montana Conservation Corps (www.mtcorps.org), an AmeriCorps program, is seeking adventurous teens aged 15-17 years old for the ‘Youth Service Expedition’ program, a four-week, summer service experience that combines outdoor adventure, education, job skills training and fun! Participants will receive a Service Award of $200 dollars upon completion. Continue Reading

Mini-Grants Now Available for Global Youth Service Day Projects!

Deadline extended to Monday 3/28 at Noon!

The Governor’s Office of Community Service in partnership with  State Farm Companies Foundation and the Sodexo Foundation announced today the availability of $150 mini-grants for up to  35 community projects in Montana that engage youth in service during Global Youth Service Day on April 15-17, 2011. 

Continue Reading

2011 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship

Recognizing Montana High School Senior Students for Volunteering in their Communities 

The Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact, announced today that the 2011 Youth Serve Montana Scholarships are now available for up to 100 Montana high school seniors. It is the 6th year for this exciting scholarship opportunity aimed at students who have completed 100 hours of volunteer service in their community, by April 8, 2011.

Each student who applies and qualifies can receive $1,000 dollars toward continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s (19) public, tribal, private, community, or technical colleges and universities.

Continue Reading

2011 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Application

Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity & Request for Proposals

Deadline April 27, 2011

Thank you for your interest in an AmeriCorps State Formula Grant. This webpage contains information pertaining to the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for 2011 AmeriCorps State Formula grants funded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) through the Montana Governor’s Office of Community Service (OCS). The Montana Commission on Community Service serves as the body to review and recommend funding to the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

Funding Purpose: to maximize the power of national service and volunteering through establishing AmeriCorps programs to improve lives by addressing unmet needs in communities across Montana. 

In the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, Congress directed CNCS to focus AmeriCorps and National Service in areas where service can make a major impact, including improving education; energy conservation; the health of all Americans; economic opportunity for economically vulnerable individuals; increasing service by and for veterans; and providing disaster services. In accordance with the Serve America Act the Governor's Office of Community Service seek to: (1) Direct the power of national service to solve a common set of challenges, (2) Expand opportunities for all Americans to serve, (3) Build the enduring capacity of individuals, organizations and communities to effectively use service and volunteering to solve community problems, and (4) Embrace innovative solutions that work. 

Applicants should read all application materials, including attachments and linked documents, and attend the technical assistance call (AmeriCorps 101) prior to submitting any documents to the Governor’s Office of Community Service. 

Continue Reading

EnergyIntern.com

On behalf of the Governor’s Office of Community Service, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Department of Commerce, Energy Promotion and Development Division we would like to invite students to apply for an Energy Internship and businesses or organizations to host an Energy Intern in energy- related fields involving:

• Project Development and Management
• Engineering
• Research
• Marketing
• IT Development
• Finance
• Communications
• Education
• Conservation and Environment
• Legal

Continue Reading

Ceremony is Thursday, February 17 in Helena with First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and

Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger Presenting Awards

Montanans to be Honored for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Helena – The Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service announced today the 2011 recipients of the  ServeMontana, ReadyMontana and the First Lady’s Math & Science Awards. The annual Awards are presented to outstanding national service members and community volunteers (individuals, groups, organizations and businesses) for their service in Montana.

The Awards will be handed out at a ServeMontana Symposium luncheon ceremony on Thursday, February 17^th at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel - Ballroom in Helena.

“We are excited to recognize these exceptional Montanans who are examples of how helping your neighbor can strengthen our communities,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

Continue Reading

Montanans are serving their communities every day in countless ways. From shoveling snow for a neighbor, mentoring at risk youth, or serving with a national service program, we want to hear your story of service.

Share your Story!

• Emails stories to serve@mt.gov

• Share on Facebook at ServeMontana

Stories of Montanans Giving Back to their Communities:

• Keep Montana Warm Service Project
• Energy Corps Service Project
• Construction of Hole-in-the-wall Trail
• ‘AmeriCorps Helped Save my Life’
• ‘The Greatest Gift We Could Give’

Read More Stories of Service on the Stories Page of serve.mt.gov.

30 new AmeriCorps VISTA members who will be serving in Montana, met with Governor Brian Schweitzer and recognized him as an honorary VISTA member! The Governor talked with the VISTAs and administered their oath of service on January 21, 2011 at the State Capitol.  

There are nearly 100 AmeriCorps VISTA members serving in Montana, helping citizens and communities fight poverty.

What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

What VISTA Members Do

 VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health service, strengthen community groups and much more. With passion, commitment and hard work, they create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

 The Benefits of VISTA Service

 By serving through VISTA,  members gain job skills, make a difference in communities and earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or a post-service stipend.

  Continue Reading

Montana Volunteers and National Service Members Mobilizing for

25^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday –

National Day of Service

Download Press Release

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Helena –The Governor’s Office of Community Service (serve.mt.gov) joins with the Corporation for National and Community Service (nationalservice.gov), an independent federal agency, to urge Montanans to volunteer on Monday, January 17, in honor of the 25^th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

“I hope Montanans will think of the MLK Day of Service as a ‘day on, not a day off.’” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “We encourage the public to reach out and help others through community service opportunities, donations to local food banks or by simply shoveling the sidewalk for a neighbor.”

  Continue Reading

Could your organization use a team of hardworking young people
dedicated to improving communities like yours?

What is NCCC?

The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service.  AmeriCorps NCCC’s Pacific Region Campus is based in Sacramento, CA but serves Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Wyoming, Montana, Hawaii (and the Pacific Territories), Alaska, Idaho, and Utah.  NCCC deploys teams of 9 -12 members to serve on service projects lasting an average of 6-8 weeks (although shorter time frames or rotational teams may be available).

Continue Reading

Gain Job Skills, Earn Money for College and Make a Difference in Your Community!

Click here: Join AmeriCorps in Montana!

AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.

Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities nationwide, with more than 1,100 opportunities in Montana, for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps! Continue Reading

Inclusive Recruitment Strategies

(From the MLKday.gov e-Action Update)

When creating your volunteer recruitment plan make sure it is inclusive of the many groups represented in your community. Here are some tips on how to reach some specific groups in your community to create a diverse volunteer team for your MLK Day Service Projects. Continue Reading

New TV PSAs, from the Corporation for National and Community Service, call on Americans to serve their communities. The PSAs are being distributed by the National Association of Broadcasters to 1,200 stations across the U.S., including Montana and will start running as early at January.

The new national television PSAs feature President Obama and volunteers and are aimed at recruiting more Americans into service.

View the My American Story campaign here. http://www.serve.gov/myamericanstory.asp

As part of the "My American Story" initiative, CNCS has created a web portal where the public can enter their stories of service in writing or through short online videos.

My American Story CNCS press release here: http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1914

Join with community organizations, national service programs, and volunteers throughout Montana to explore an array of topics devoted to civic engagement and critical community needs.

February 16th and 17th at the Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena, Montana

Featuring:

ServeMontana Awards Luncheon
National Keynote Speaker
Dynamic Training Opportunities

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the dynamic training opportunities:

• Success & Measurement
• Resource & Fund Development
• Community Engagement
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Grant Writing
• Communication & Marketing
• Social Media
• Disability Inclusion
• Meaning of Service

What a great opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by those dedicated to service in Montana.

Online Registration coming in December!

(National Service Symposium Scholarships Available)

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Lane at 444-1745 or by email at jelane@mt.gov.

To view highlights from the 2010 Symposium, click here.

This special event is being brought to you by:

• The Governor's Office of Community Service
• The Corporation for National and Community Service
• Hopa Mountain
• The Montana Commission on Community Service
• Citizen Corps
• The Office of Public Instruction

The Cats beat the Griz but both counties come out victorious with 49,187 pounds of food collected by AmeriCorps members with Montana Campus Corps.

Cat fans donated 27,234 pounds of food to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, nearly doubling last year's totals. In 2009 Cat fans gave 14,451 pounds.

Grizzlies donated 21,953 pounds of food to the Missoula Food Bank, although they fell short they gave more than four times last year's totals. In 2009 the Griz gave 4,416 pounds.

5 Nutrient-Rich Ways to Make Meaningful Food Donations

Most food banks/pantries prefer cash donations, so that they can maximize their purchase of most-needed items. When you do donate food, focus on the nutrient-rich options listed below. Most locations will refuse perishable items, homemade products, unlabeled cans, home canned foods, and any open packages.

1. Donate protein foods.

These more expensive items are usually very welcome donations for hungry families. Options include canned tuna, salmon, and chicken. Canned meals - such as beef stew, chili, or hearty soups - are also good choices. Other shelf stable proteins include nuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter, as well as canned beans, peas, and lentils.

2. Donate whole grain foods.

Grain staples are important foods for every family. Maximize the nutritional value of your food donations by choosing whole grain options whenever possible. Meaningful options include whole grain pastas, quick cooking brown rice, and breakfast cereals that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber (ex. oatmeal, Cheerios, and Chex).

3. Donate canned/dried fruits and 100% juices.

Fruit and 100% juice are good sources of vitamin C (and sometimes vitamin A), as well as potassium. Excellent shelf-staple options include fruits canned in juice (pineapple, peaches, apricots, etc.), as well as applesauce and dried fruit (without added sugar, if possible). Purchase 100% fruit juice or juice mixtures in cans, boxes, or plastic bottles.

4. Donate canned vegetables and 100% juice.

Reduced-sodium veggies are also important sources of vitamins, potassium, and fiber, while veggie juice can be an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Tomato products - such as tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, prepared spaghetti sauce, and 100% tomato juice - are especially nutritious and versatile items to donate.

5. Donate shelf-stable dairy foods.

Dairy foods are important for families, especially growing children. Cash donations to food banks can help to purchase low-fat fluid milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can also make direct donations of shelf-stable products, including dehydrated milk powder instant breakfast, and evaporated canned milk.

Thanks for helping your neighbors be prepared for winter by donating a can of food today!

Sources:

Timeless Natural Foods and Eat Right Montana

ServeMontana Award Nominations Now Being Accepted

The Governor’s Office of Community Service, the Montana Commission on Community Service, and First Lady Nancy Schweitzer are proud to present three awards: the ServeMontana Awards, the ReadyMontana Awards, and the First Lady’s Math & Science Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals of all ages and backgrounds who, through their dedication and commitment to community service, have greatly enhanced civic life in Montana. We invite you to nominate individuals who demonstrate the following:

• Personal commitment to cultivating an ethic of service
• Significant level of civic engagement
• A responsibility to create positive change for others and their community
• Perseverance through obstacles of all types
• Considerable impact in their community

Continue Reading

AmeriCorps members with Montana Campus Corps are organizing the 11^th annual Cat/Griz Food Drive for the Gallatin Valley and Missoula Food Banks.  Canned food collection begins November 6^th, 2010 and ends November 20^th, 2010 when the winner will be announced during the Griz vs. Cats game.  Food collected prior to November 6^th will not be counted for the competition.

University of Montana 

Missoula Food Bank’s Development Director, Nick Roberts, says that this annual partnership already presents an important food collection effort as it leverages thousands of pounds of food each year.    

Designated canned food boxes will be located in dorms on the University of Montana’s campus, the Office for Civic Engagement, and at The Source in the University Center. Collection boxes will also be located at the Good Food Store, Karl Tyler Chevrolet, Orange Street Food Farm, YMCA, Worden’s and the Swift Building.  All canned food items will be donated to Missoula Food Bank.  Donations may be made directly to the Food Bank during the collection period, but donors must specify that it is for “Can the Cats”.  

For more information about Can the Cats, to be a collection site, or to volunteer please contact Katie at 243-5531 or katie.koga@mso.umt.edu

Montana State University

Starting November 6^th, bring your food donations to the MSU Home Football Game, MSU Strand Union Building, any MSU Residence Hall, The Dean of Students office, or the Gallatin Valley Food Bank located at 602 Bond St.  Bobcat supporters can designate their contribution of non-perishable food items toward MSU by telling the Gallatin Valley Food Bank their donation is for the Cat/Griz Food Drive.  You can also donate online at www.gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org.  Every dollar equals a pound! 

On Wednesday, November 10 from 9:00am-3:00pm in the Strand Union Building room 235 at MSU the public is invited to an exhibit titled, “Empty Plates: Touching Stories of those who rely on the Food Bank." 

For more information about Can the Griz, to be a collection site, or to volunteer please contact Stephen Johansson at 994-6902 or teamleader@montana.edu.

5 Nutrient-Rich Ways to Make Meaningful Food Donations

Most food banks/pantries prefer cash donations, so that they can maximize their purchase of most-needed items. When you do donate food, focus on the nutrient-rich options listed below. Most locations will refuse perishable items, homemade products, unlabeled cans, home canned foods, and any open packages.

1. Donate protein foods.

These more expensive items are usually very welcome donations for hungry families. Options include canned tuna, salmon, and chicken. Canned meals - such as beef stew, chili, or hearty soups - are also good choices. Other shelf stable proteins include nuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter, as well as canned beans, peas, and lentils.

2. Donate whole grain foods.

Grain staples are important foods for every family. Maximize the nutritional value of your food donations by choosing whole grain options whenever possible. Meaningful options include whole grain pastas, quick cooking brown rice, and breakfast cereals that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber (ex. oatmeal, Cheerios, and Chex).

3. Donate canned/dried fruits and 100% juices.

Fruit and 100% juice are good sources of vitamin C (and sometimes vitamin A), as well as potassium. Excellent shelf-staple options include fruits canned in juice (pineapple, peaches, apricots, etc.), as well as applesauce and dried fruit (without added sugar, if possible). Purchase 100% fruit juice or juice mixtures in cans, boxes, or plastic bottles.

4. Donate canned vegetables and 100% juice.

Reduced-sodium veggies are also important sources of vitamins, potassium, and fiber, while veggie juice can be an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Tomato products - such as tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, prepared spaghetti sauce, and 100% tomato juice - are especially nutritious and versatile items to donate.

5. Donate shelf-stable dairy foods.

Dairy foods are important for families, especially growing children. Cash donations to food banks can help to purchase low-fat fluid milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can also make direct donations of shelf-stable products, including dehydrated milk powder instant breakfast, and evaporated canned milk.

Thanks for helping your neighbors be prepared for winter by donating a can of food today!

Sources:

Timeless Natural Foods - www.timelessfood.com/  

Eat Right Montana - www.eatrightmontana.org/eatrighthealthyfamilies.htm

Join First Lady Nancy Schweitzer, First Interstate Bank and One Warm Coat to DONATE A COAT and help keep all Montanans and their families warm this winter.

Have an extra coat in your closet?

One Warm Coat Campaign

October 18 – 29, 2010

Donate a clean, gently used coat at the Montana State Capitol in Helena or First Interstate Bank locations across the state.

Coats will be distributed throughout Montana communities to families in need.

Winter Ready Coat Donation Flyer 

Learn More...

AmeriCorps State and National ‘Competitive’ and ‘Planning’ grant award opportunities are available from the Corporation for National and Community Serve, an independent federal agency, for Montana organizations and Indian tribes interested in utilizing AmeriCorps as a solution for critical issues facing local communities and our state.

“This is a great opportunity to expand AmeriCorps in Montana,” said Jan Lombardi, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “We want to get the word out that there are federal grant dollars now available to plan and implement AmeriCorps programs.”

The purpose of the grant awards is to establish AmeriCorps programs in local Montana communities to help address needs outlined in the national Serve America Act:  improving education, healthy futures for all Americans, energy conservation, increasing local service opportunities by and for veterans, economic opportunity for vulnerable individuals and providing disaster services.

 Montana Funding Notice and Application Information

Organizations that are eligible to apply include:

• Public or private nonprofit organizations, including labor organizations,
• faith-based and other community organizations;
• institutions of higher education;
• government entities within states or territories (e.g., cities, counties);
• Indian Tribes;
• partnerships and consortia; and
• intermediaries planning to sub-grant funds awarded.

The grant funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service (nationalservice.gov), an independent federal agency, and administered in Montana by the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

Request for Proposal (RFP), Application Instructions for Montana organizations, and additional information can be found at http://serve.mt.gov/?page_id=2960

Resources

• AmeriCorps FAQ
• Corporation for National and Community Service NOFA
• AmeriCorps Fit Finder (Is AmeriCorps right for me?)
• Corporation for National and Community Service Application Instructions

First National Assessment on Civic Life in America Shows Millions Working to Solve Local Problems

Minnesota, Montana, Vermont, Alaska, Utah, Washington Ranked as Top States

 Columbus, OH; Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and St. Louis, MO Lead among Metro Areas

Washington, DC – While facing many challenges, Americans are stepping forward to participate in civic life to solve problems and strengthen their communities, according to Civic Life in America: Key Findings on the Civic Health of the Nation released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC).

The Civic Life in America research found that the majority of Americans – nearly 125 million – turned toward problems and helped support their neighbors in times of need. It measures how often Americans engage in a variety of activities including political action, service, social connectedness, belonging to a group, and connection to information and current events. Whether volunteering or helping a neighbor find a job, Americans are engaging in activities that help build stronger and more civically involved communities, according to the assessment. Click here to read the complete assessment and city and state rankings. 

 “This is an all hands on deck moment for our nation that requires all of us to get involved in whatever way we can to make a difference,” said Patrick A. Corvington, the Corporation’s CEO. “What this study shows is that Americans are tilting toward problems instead of away from them, and that their participation in civic life may come in different ways, but all contribute to the same goal of stronger, more resilient communities.”

Continue Reading

Volunteer with Montana Conservation Corps for National Public Lands Day! Give back to the public lands that give us so much. Individuals, friends, families welcome!

Something for everyone!

Billings: 9/18 & 9/19 - Ft. Belknap, trails. 9/25 - Beartooth Mountains, trails.
Bozeman: 9/25 - Gallatin Valley Regional Parks, restoration.
Helena: 9/23 - Jefferson High School Community Garden.

Kalispell: 9/25 Foys Lake and Herron Park, rehabilitation, trails.
Missoula: 9/25 Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, trails.

Please contact Montana Conservation Corps for more information: 1.866.JOINMCC.

For more about National Public Lands Day, check out www.publiclandsday.org.

This video was made by the Campus Corps Team in Northeastern Montana in the Summer of 2009.