Attention members and friends of Campus Corps:
The Campus Corps Member Portal is now LIVE!
Visit our new-and-improved website at http://mtcampuscorps.org.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Difference a Day Made
Thank you for those of you that participated in Make-a-Difference Day on October 24th! Campus Corps members all over the state participated in meaningful service projects in their local community. Here are results from some of the many Campus Corps Projects:
- Fort Belknap College collected over 200 coats during a coat drive
- University of Montana raised $150 dollars to serve 111 meals at the Poverello Center
- University of Montana Western members collected 160 pounds of food with a food drive that received donations from 17 local businesses
- Carroll College members served over 20 beneficiaries during their project at the YWCA
- Montana State University- Billings participated in a trick-or-eat drive collecting 800 lbs of food from over 200 homes
- Flathead Valley Community College worked with over 50 volunteers from the campus, community, and Montana Conservation Corps. Volunteers did construction work on an old mall that will soon be offices for 15 different non-profits offering around 30 programs.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
National Day of Service and Rememberance (9/11/09)
Click below to make a pledge to service for 9/11.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Apply to Serve!
Montana Campus Corps is now accepting AmeriCorps member applications for the 2009-2010 program year.
Contact the Campus Corps coordinator at your local campus to learn more about opportunities in your community.
Once you've decided to make a commitment to serve, click the
Apply Now! link and follow the instructions.
Contact the Campus Corps coordinator at your local campus to learn more about opportunities in your community.
Once you've decided to make a commitment to serve, click the
Apply Now! link and follow the instructions.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Summer Newsletter is now available!
Attention members and friends of Campus Corps: the latest edition of the Campus Corps Connections newsletter is available online!
Check it out by clicking the link below:
Campus Corps Connections Vol. 5-3
Friday, June 19, 2009
Video Submitted to National Contest
Congratulations to MTCC VISTA leader Kay Minor for submitting an awesome video to the national AmeriCorps Video Contest!
Check it out and cast your vote by clicking here!
Check it out and cast your vote by clicking here!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
National Service Agency Announces 23,000 New AmeriCorps Positions
Washington DC -- The Corporation for National and Community Service announced the results of its 2009 funding competition today,selecting 259 national and local nonprofits that will engage 23,000 new AmeriCorps members in improving lives and strengthening communities from coast to coast.
AmeriCorps members will tutor and mentor at-risk youth, build homes, prevent high school dropouts and expand college access, conserve parks and public lands, support food banks and shelters, help communities recover from disasters, and recruit and mobilize volunteers.
The grants total $131 million and are going to a wide range of national and local organizations, state service commissions, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes. Competition was stiff, with organizations requesting nearly twice as many member positions as were available and three times more state competitive funding than was available. Collectively, these members are projected to earn over $53.5 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help pay for college or to pay back student loans.
"AmeriCorps members give a tremendous boost to organizations that are serving our most vulnerable citizens and communities -- especially during tough economic times," said Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation. "As the economy drives up the demand for social services, AmeriCorps members and the volunteers they mobilize are a vital resource to meet immediate community needs and bring about lasting change."
Today's grant announcement includes organizations that competed successfully to develop new AmeriCorps programs or to begin a new three year grant cycle, as well as grants for groups that are completing their second or third year. Later this summer, governor-appointed state commissions will announce AmeriCorps formula grants.
Together with other positions in AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, and NCC, today's announcement puts AmeriCorps on track to support nearly 75,000 through regular fiscal 2009 funding. An additional 13,000 one-time positions were funded the American and Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allowing AmeriCorps to support the largest class in its 16-year existence.
The extra positions come as AmeriCorps is experiencing a rapid increase in interest and applications, fueled by a "compassion boom" of Americans wanting to help their neighbors in tough times, increased interest in public service by millennials and boomers, the economic downturn which is making more Americans take a closer look at service positions, and an "Obama effect" of people responding to the President's call of service. Last month, AmeriCorps received 35,922 online applications, nearly double the previous month, and more than triple the 11,262 online applications received in May of 2008. Between November 2008 and May 2009, AmeriCorps received 112,326 online applications, up 226% from the same seven month period a year ago.
The grants also come as the Corporation for National and Community Service is working on its plan to implement the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed by President Obama on April 21. Among other provisions, the Act will set AmeriCorps on a path to grow from 75,000 to 250,000 annual positions by the year 2017. The agency is holding a cross-country Listening Tour and launched a website to get public input on implementing the Act.
Many of the new grant support increasing school success and high school graduation rates by focusing on improving academic performance of disadvantaged students. For example, Jumpstart will engage 1,040 AmeriCorps members to work one-on-one with low-income, preschool children in Head Start and other community learning centers. In Philadelphia, PA, Chester, PA, and Trenton, NJ school districts, 221 Education Works AmeriCorps members will serve as teacher assistants, mentors, and on safety teams. In Austin, Texas 120 members serving through Charles A. Dana Center will provide intensive, bilingual early literacy tutoring and family literacy support to students and their families.
The grants also support programs to help individuals improve their economic and social conditions. The Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky will engage 40 members in serving homeless families and building and renovating homes for low-income families throughout Kentucky. The national grant to Habitat for Humanity will support 262 members to build homes and recruit, train, and manage volunteers.
Organizations that promote conservation and environmental protection were also funded. The Corps Network and its affiliated programs will engage 3,011 members in 25 states to carry out activities such as planting trees and vegetable gardens, removing invasive plants, constructing and maintaining trails, installing playgrounds, removing debris from flood channels, restoring wetlands, weatherizing homes, expanding recycling programs and participating in disaster recovery in flood and fire plagued states.
The grants will continue AmeriCorps support of entrepreneurial organizations that bring innovative business-based approaches to citizen problem-solving. They will also continue AmeriCorps emphasis on expanding capacity by recruiting and managing other volunteers. Last year, AmeriCorps programs mobilized and managed 2.2 million volunteers for the organizations they serve with.
"We have funded organizations that will best leverage the resources of AmeriCorps members to bring energy and hope to tackling some of the nation's most difficult problems," said Kristin McSwain, Chief of Program Operations. "We are pleased to support the innovative models that have emerged to complement existing programs that make progress in communities every day."
AmeriCorps members serve more than 4,100 nonprofit, faith-based, and community groups each year, helping them expand their reach and better meet their mission. Most of the positions announced today will be available starting in the fall. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and submit an online application by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve programs. For more information visit www.NationalService.gov.
AmeriCorps members will tutor and mentor at-risk youth, build homes, prevent high school dropouts and expand college access, conserve parks and public lands, support food banks and shelters, help communities recover from disasters, and recruit and mobilize volunteers.
The grants total $131 million and are going to a wide range of national and local organizations, state service commissions, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes. Competition was stiff, with organizations requesting nearly twice as many member positions as were available and three times more state competitive funding than was available. Collectively, these members are projected to earn over $53.5 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help pay for college or to pay back student loans.
"AmeriCorps members give a tremendous boost to organizations that are serving our most vulnerable citizens and communities -- especially during tough economic times," said Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation. "As the economy drives up the demand for social services, AmeriCorps members and the volunteers they mobilize are a vital resource to meet immediate community needs and bring about lasting change."
Today's grant announcement includes organizations that competed successfully to develop new AmeriCorps programs or to begin a new three year grant cycle, as well as grants for groups that are completing their second or third year. Later this summer, governor-appointed state commissions will announce AmeriCorps formula grants.
Together with other positions in AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, and NCC, today's announcement puts AmeriCorps on track to support nearly 75,000 through regular fiscal 2009 funding. An additional 13,000 one-time positions were funded the American and Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allowing AmeriCorps to support the largest class in its 16-year existence.
The extra positions come as AmeriCorps is experiencing a rapid increase in interest and applications, fueled by a "compassion boom" of Americans wanting to help their neighbors in tough times, increased interest in public service by millennials and boomers, the economic downturn which is making more Americans take a closer look at service positions, and an "Obama effect" of people responding to the President's call of service. Last month, AmeriCorps received 35,922 online applications, nearly double the previous month, and more than triple the 11,262 online applications received in May of 2008. Between November 2008 and May 2009, AmeriCorps received 112,326 online applications, up 226% from the same seven month period a year ago.
The grants also come as the Corporation for National and Community Service is working on its plan to implement the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed by President Obama on April 21. Among other provisions, the Act will set AmeriCorps on a path to grow from 75,000 to 250,000 annual positions by the year 2017. The agency is holding a cross-country Listening Tour and launched a website to get public input on implementing the Act.
Many of the new grant support increasing school success and high school graduation rates by focusing on improving academic performance of disadvantaged students. For example, Jumpstart will engage 1,040 AmeriCorps members to work one-on-one with low-income, preschool children in Head Start and other community learning centers. In Philadelphia, PA, Chester, PA, and Trenton, NJ school districts, 221 Education Works AmeriCorps members will serve as teacher assistants, mentors, and on safety teams. In Austin, Texas 120 members serving through Charles A. Dana Center will provide intensive, bilingual early literacy tutoring and family literacy support to students and their families.
The grants also support programs to help individuals improve their economic and social conditions. The Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky will engage 40 members in serving homeless families and building and renovating homes for low-income families throughout Kentucky. The national grant to Habitat for Humanity will support 262 members to build homes and recruit, train, and manage volunteers.
Organizations that promote conservation and environmental protection were also funded. The Corps Network and its affiliated programs will engage 3,011 members in 25 states to carry out activities such as planting trees and vegetable gardens, removing invasive plants, constructing and maintaining trails, installing playgrounds, removing debris from flood channels, restoring wetlands, weatherizing homes, expanding recycling programs and participating in disaster recovery in flood and fire plagued states.
The grants will continue AmeriCorps support of entrepreneurial organizations that bring innovative business-based approaches to citizen problem-solving. They will also continue AmeriCorps emphasis on expanding capacity by recruiting and managing other volunteers. Last year, AmeriCorps programs mobilized and managed 2.2 million volunteers for the organizations they serve with.
"We have funded organizations that will best leverage the resources of AmeriCorps members to bring energy and hope to tackling some of the nation's most difficult problems," said Kristin McSwain, Chief of Program Operations. "We are pleased to support the innovative models that have emerged to complement existing programs that make progress in communities every day."
AmeriCorps members serve more than 4,100 nonprofit, faith-based, and community groups each year, helping them expand their reach and better meet their mission. Most of the positions announced today will be available starting in the fall. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and submit an online application by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve programs. For more information visit www.NationalService.gov.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Be a leader!
Interested in spending a year of your life leading a group of college student AmeriCorps members? We've got a position for you!
Each year, non-student leaders support the efforts of hundreds of Campus Corps members throughout Montana. Under the supervision of local campus-based program coordinators, leaders organize weekly team meetings with members, serve as campus-community liaisons, help coordinate service-learning activities, and offer assistance in developing and implementing service projects on national service days.
Think you're up to the challenge?
Go to the MyAmeriCorps Portal and apply today!
Each year, non-student leaders support the efforts of hundreds of Campus Corps members throughout Montana. Under the supervision of local campus-based program coordinators, leaders organize weekly team meetings with members, serve as campus-community liaisons, help coordinate service-learning activities, and offer assistance in developing and implementing service projects on national service days.
Think you're up to the challenge?
Go to the MyAmeriCorps Portal and apply today!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Honoring Campus Corps members for exemplary service
A few weeks back, Campus Corps members from around the state gathered in Bozeman to wrap up the program year and celebrate their service. Congratulations to the following members, who received special recognition at this year's Spring Summit:
The Award for Exceptional Leadership was awarded to Liz Dellwo, 2008-09 team leader at MSU-Bozeman. Liz's tireless commitment to the program and her members has been an inspiration for many, including staff at MSU's Office for Community Involvement, Campus Corps members, and fellow team leaders throughout the state.
The honor of Outstanding Service Project was awarded to Flathead Valley Community College Campus Corps Team for their Suessville University event. The day-long celebration of Dr. Suess's legacy engaged approximately 50 student volunteers, who coordinated activities for over 250 third graders from throughout the Flathead Valley. Activities included art, music, math, storytelling and a theater production.
The Campus Corps Citizenship Award was received by member Lindsay Stocker at MSU-Billings. Lindsay recently completed a two-year term of service with Campus Corps and has played a vital role in helping MSU-B's Office for Community Involvement meet its civic mission. Her dedication to service reaches beyond the scope of her AmeriCorps commitment and she continues to meet the needs of disadvantaged youth at her former service site, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County.
Excellence in Service-Learning was bestowed upon Nikole Disney. Having just wrapped-up her Junior year as an Elementary Education major at MSU-Bozeman, Nikole has drawn significant, lasting connections between her coursework and out-of-classroom experiences through meaningful service and reflection. Having served as a tutor with MSU's America Reads*America Counts program, as well as the FFA, Nikole feels that her Campus Corps experience has given her a way to be civically active as a full-time student and she plans to continue serving as a volunteer for the rest of her life.
In addition, Special Recognition was afforded to Charles Kennedy, a member at Blackfeet Community College. Charlie has devoted two years to his Campus Corps service on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where he coordinates physical fitness and art activities for youth at a local language immersion school. In addition to encouraging young people to lead active lifestyles and make healthy choices, Charlie has learned a lot about the Blackfeet culture himself and has gained valuable experience as a future teacher.
Congratulations to these--and all--Campus Corps members for your exemplary service to Montana!
The Award for Exceptional Leadership was awarded to Liz Dellwo, 2008-09 team leader at MSU-Bozeman. Liz's tireless commitment to the program and her members has been an inspiration for many, including staff at MSU's Office for Community Involvement, Campus Corps members, and fellow team leaders throughout the state.
The honor of Outstanding Service Project was awarded to Flathead Valley Community College Campus Corps Team for their Suessville University event. The day-long celebration of Dr. Suess's legacy engaged approximately 50 student volunteers, who coordinated activities for over 250 third graders from throughout the Flathead Valley. Activities included art, music, math, storytelling and a theater production.
The Campus Corps Citizenship Award was received by member Lindsay Stocker at MSU-Billings. Lindsay recently completed a two-year term of service with Campus Corps and has played a vital role in helping MSU-B's Office for Community Involvement meet its civic mission. Her dedication to service reaches beyond the scope of her AmeriCorps commitment and she continues to meet the needs of disadvantaged youth at her former service site, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County.
Excellence in Service-Learning was bestowed upon Nikole Disney. Having just wrapped-up her Junior year as an Elementary Education major at MSU-Bozeman, Nikole has drawn significant, lasting connections between her coursework and out-of-classroom experiences through meaningful service and reflection. Having served as a tutor with MSU's America Reads*America Counts program, as well as the FFA, Nikole feels that her Campus Corps experience has given her a way to be civically active as a full-time student and she plans to continue serving as a volunteer for the rest of her life.
In addition, Special Recognition was afforded to Charles Kennedy, a member at Blackfeet Community College. Charlie has devoted two years to his Campus Corps service on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where he coordinates physical fitness and art activities for youth at a local language immersion school. In addition to encouraging young people to lead active lifestyles and make healthy choices, Charlie has learned a lot about the Blackfeet culture himself and has gained valuable experience as a future teacher.
Congratulations to these--and all--Campus Corps members for your exemplary service to Montana!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
APRIL IS DONATE LIFE TODAY MONTH: SHOW YOUR CAMPUS PRIDE BY REGISTERING AND INVITING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO REGISTER AS WELL!
Register by clicking HERE!
More than 1600 people in the region and 100,000 nationally are currently in need of life-saving organ transplants. April is Donate Life Today month, and Campus Corps members, VISTAs, Supervisors, MTCC campus staff and faculty are all encouraged to register as donors, invite others to do so. If you are already registered (you'll either have the word "donor" or a picture of a heart on your driver's license) you can still show your campus and community pride by going to the Donate Life Today registry and clicking "I already registered" and following the steps.
Students are encouraged to use their Facebook, Myspace and Twitter pages to invite friends and family to register their donation wishes. The donatelifetoday.com website contains detailed information regarding donation.
Register by clicking HERE!
More than 1600 people in the region and 100,000 nationally are currently in need of life-saving organ transplants. April is Donate Life Today month, and Campus Corps members, VISTAs, Supervisors, MTCC campus staff and faculty are all encouraged to register as donors, invite others to do so. If you are already registered (you'll either have the word "donor" or a picture of a heart on your driver's license) you can still show your campus and community pride by going to the Donate Life Today registry and clicking "I already registered" and following the steps.
Students are encouraged to use their Facebook, Myspace and Twitter pages to invite friends and family to register their donation wishes. The donatelifetoday.com website contains detailed information regarding donation.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
"Getting Things Done for Montana" Video Contest
Attention Montana Campus Corps members:
Submit your own 60-second Getting Things Done for Montana promotional video and win recognition and prizes, including a new iPod! Video submissions will be accepted through March 31, so get your cameras rolling!
Join our YouTube Group by clicking here.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Understanding the Homeless Population of LA
Mason Giem, UM Campus Corps member, talks about his experiences on the winter alternative breaks trip to Los Angeles.
We had a panel of people come to our house and tell us their stories. Bobby was the first person who spoke, and he had a lot to say about the importance of making connections with the homeless. When he was homeless, one thing that offended him was when people would give him money and not look him in the eye. He suggested to share a sandwich with a homeless person rather than just buying them one. What a great idea, of course I would want to sit down with them and hear their story. I asked him how I might better motivate my peers to care about someone other than themselves, and he said it was important to lead by example: "It's easier to pull a chain than it is to push a chain".
The people I met in the shelter exuded a positive energy that was infectious. I walked out of those shelters feeling that everything is going to be OK, that not everyone is greedy, selfish or ignorant. LA tries to take care of it's people. They're amazing. I know not everybody in LA is like that, but today I really did see the city of angels!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Making an American dream come true for families in the Flathead Valley
A Story by FVCC Campus Corps member Gale Marguerite:
Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, a wonderful group of volunteers from United Way, Flathead Valley Community College Campus Corps and Glacier Bank, worked on the interiors of three houses for low-income families.
The autumn day brought sunshine as three families excitedly welcomed the volunteers when they arrived to begin their day of service. The children of the families danced from room-to-room remarking things like "This is my bedroom and I got to pick out the color!" The feeling of gratitude was contagious as everyone realized what it meant for these families to become first-time homeowners.
Saws, brushes, hammers and screwdrivers were busy at work as 20 volunteers installed lighting and flooring, painted one room and then the next, uncovered the concrete driveways and cleaned up the work areas. The to-do list was endless, however, much was accomplished in just an eight hour day as the volunteers and the families compassionately came together to build a house.
At the end of the day, 'thank you' came in the form of smiles, hugs and sincere gratitude for the gift of volunteered time and making a difference in these lives. The three families moved into their homes just in time for Thanksgiving. With a smile, I fondly think about Make a Difference Day as I remember how one single day made a significant difference in the lives of three families. .
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