Panel Discussion 1
A Survey of Current Volunteer Opportunities
Tanisha Smith of Volunteers of America
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Smith shared her views on assisting underserved and vulnerable communities. Volunteers of America works with at-risk youths, low-income seniors, the homeless, former inmates, and the mentally disabled. The organization offers volunteers a convenient way to stay involved by allowing them to work remotely by computer, volunteer episodically, and by providing numerous local opportunities. Read More
Susan Silverie of the Salvation Army
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Silverie discussed her charity’s mission assisting 34 million individuals throughout the year though thrift stores, pantries, homes for runaway teens, and supplying basic food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. The Salvation Army has noted a spike in demand for food and resources, yet levels of volunteers and donations have also risen to meet the heightened need. Read More
Maureen Curley of Campus Compact
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Curley discussed providing service opportunities for college students and seeks to bridge the gap between the campus and the community. At Campus Compact the issue of service is approached from academic perspectives, with courses aimed at analyzing systemic causes of social problems. The goal is to create "responsible citizenship," a set of socially conscious values and skills for public life. Read More
Laura Sodano of the Community Foodbank of New Jersey
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Sodano discussed the Foodbank’s mission of collecting donations from food drives, food manufacturers, salvage warehouses, or refused commercial food shipments. The food supplies soup kitchens, shelters, school programs, and other service centers throughout New Jersey. The Foodbank of New Jersey is where volunteers can "hop in and hop out," with little training or long term commitment. Read More
Bertina Ceccarelli of the United Way of New York City
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Ceccarelli discussed how her group assists low-income families by creating access to education, health care, and income assistance. They also facilitate corporate volunteer initiatives allowing professionals from the corporate world to leverage their expertise into highly valuable and rewarding volunteer service, as well as a website to connect potential volunteers to local opportunities.
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Kevin O’Brien of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps
O’Brien discussed the JVC, a placement organization that typically recruits recent college graduates into domestic or foreign grassroots social service organizations. The program hones morally conscience leadership skills through immersion work with AIDS hospices, employment services, economic development, refugee services, women’s services, or other fields. A series of retreats and workshops assist spiritual formation for volunteers.
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