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If you're after a NY resolution that has real impact, get in touch about becoming and Ambassador with Form the Future CIC. Tips on how to make it one you can keep, next....

✨ Volunteering Has Been a Game-Changer for Me ✨ For those who know me, you'll know how passionate I am about #Volunteering. Over the years, I've had the privilege to grow in ways I never imagined—from learning #Leadership skills to mastering advanced first aid, organizing events, and even diving into Public Relations and Social Media Marketing. 🎯 The best part? It's been an incredible growth journey, and I've enjoyed every minute! 🙌 One thing that always stands out is the network of incredible people you meet along the way—fellow volunteers, event organizers, and community leaders. Through these connections, you uncover countless opportunities to expand your network and deepen your understanding of how much is happening in our communities. 🌍🤝 Volunteering didn't just teach me new skills—it opened doors I didn't even know existed. It landed me my co-op position with the Government of Nova Scotia when I was at Nova Scotia Community College - NSCC, it made me a confident medical first responder, and now, through my work with Data for Good, I can use my technical skills to give back meaningfully and grow as a leader. 📊💡 I can't recommend it enough if you've ever considered #GivingBack. The benefits are endless, both personally and professionally. #CommunityImpact #PersonalGrowth #DataForGood #Networking #TechForGood #LifelongLearning #MakeADifference

When I graduated college in the early 2000s, I had a clear vision of becoming an urban and regional planner. However, navigating the job market proved to be more challenging than anticipated. With the economy in flux and limited positions available in planning, I had to adapt quickly. My journey began as an AmeriCorps member in rural western Michigan, where I engaged in community outreach and education focused on public health and natural resource conservation. This role was a pivot from my original aspirations, but it ignited a deeper understanding of the vital link between community engagement and sustainable development. From there, I transitioned into environmental policy work in the Chesapeake Bay region, where I learned to advocate for systemic change within complex regulatory frameworks. Each step—whether it was writing proposals for nonprofits in Washington, D.C., or managing energy efficiency projects in the inner-ring suburbs of Detroit—served not only to nurture my skills but also to keep me connected to the core themes of land use, environmental stewardship, and community welfare that had always inspired me. Reflecting on this journey 20 years later, I can see how my early experiences, though divergent from my original path, have enriched my understanding of community needs and funding priorities. They all connect back to that initial spark of interest in urban planning, enabling me to emerge as a seasoned grant professional. Interestingly, the fields of urban and regional planning, public health, and environmental policy continue to captivate me as I strive to align clever funding strategies with projects that contribute to livable, sustainable communities. Flexibility and resilience have defined my career trajectory, illustrating how divergent paths can converge toward a shared passion. Each role has deepened my commitment to creating impactful change, illustrating that even unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling destinations. #UrbanPlanning #CommunityEngagement #SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalPolicy #PublicHealth #GrantProfessional #CareerJourney #Flexibility #Resilience #ChesapeakeBay #NaturalResourceConservation #ImpactfulChange #LivableCommunities #CareerPath #NonprofitAdvocacy #RuralDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #FundingStrategies #20YearsInTheField

The most rewarding part of being a grant professional? Site visits. This week's experiences reaffirmed the joy in connecting with grantees on a deeper level and witnessing their incredible work firsthand. In Moundridge, KS, Jeremy Johnson's team utilized grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce to enhance electric and gas infrastructure, supporting local economic growth and benefiting companies like Tortilla King, Bradbury Company, and Moridge Manufacturing. At Bethel College in North Newton, KS, Pam Tieszen's team is leveraging Commerce grants to construct a much-needed recreation center on campus. In Atchison, KS, a fifth-generation business owner and dedicated volunteer leaders are enhancing a local business park with the help of Commerce grants. And in Elwood, KS, the community has upgraded water and sewer systems using Commerce funding, fostering economic development for companies like Elanco in the regional Animal Health Corridor. Grants serve a programmatic purpose, facilitating the transfer of financial resources to drive impactful initiatives. Through site visits, I am reminded of the profound significance grants hold for local communities, emphasizing the essence of their purpose beyond mere mechanics.

Together with A.G. Rhodes, Pebble Tossers is hosting our summer service camp- Generation Connect. We believe in the power of bridging generations to create a brighter future for all. This camp is not just about volunteering—it's about building meaningful connections and shaping a better world together. 👵👧 Our Mission: Generation Connect is a weeklong summer camp, June 24-28, with a mission to collect the invaluable stories and histories of A.G. Rhodes' residents. Through personalized service and intergenerational relationships, we aim to strengthen bonds within our community while honoring the wisdom of our elders. As a teen volunteer at Generation Connect, you'll experience firsthand the transformative power of intergenerational connections. Here's what's in it for you: 1️⃣ Improved Academic Performance: Studies show that students who interact regularly with older adults tend to have better reading scores. At Generation Connect, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your learning while making a difference. 2️⃣ Enhanced Social Skills: Engaging with older adults helps develop vital communication and problem-solving skills. Plus, you'll gain a positive attitude toward aging and a sense of purpose through meaningful community service. 3️⃣ Positive Life Choices: By participating in our program, you're less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Our intergenerational mentoring fosters a supportive environment where you can thrive and make positive life choices. 4️⃣ Role Models & Mentors: Connect with inspiring individuals who serve as role models and mentors, guiding you on your journey of personal growth and community impact. 🌍 Benefits for the Community: Generation Connect isn't just about individual growth—it's about building a stronger, more connected community. Here's how our program benefits society as a whole: 1️⃣ Dispelling Stereotypes: Intergenerational programs break down barriers and challenge negative stereotypes, fostering understanding and empathy across generations. 2️⃣ Building Bridges: By bringing together diverse groups, we promote inclusivity and belonging, creating a more cohesive community where everyone has a voice. 3️⃣ Maximizing Resources: Through intergenerational volunteering, we harness the unique talents and experiences of both older adults and youth, multiplying our impact on various populations and causes. 4️⃣ Preserving Traditions: Our program celebrates cultural traditions and values, passing them from one generation to the next and fostering a sense of identity and tolerance. Join us for Generation Connect and be a part of something truly special and FUN. Together, we'll create a future where generations unite to make a difference. https://lnkd.in/ebRvF9di. Sign up today and let's embark on this journey of connection, compassion, and community! #GenerationConnect #IntergenerationalService #YouthEmpowerment 🌟

The Chapter One UK corporate partner network is growing at pace and is helping more struggling young readers across the UK each year. If you want to know more about the biggest online reading programme in the UK, now is a good time to get in touch. We shall be in 12 regions from September and have a waiting list of schools wanting to take part. #volunteering #employeevolunteering #corporatepartnerships #socialimpact #socialvalue #esg #csr #responsiblebusiness #employeewellbeing #literacy #itallstartswithliteracy

Hey Camp Directors, your camp is really good! So what? As camp professionals, we spend a good deal of time thinking about how we can move from Good to Great. That’s a noble gesture and a good use of time. The problem with thinking about the movement of good to great is that we start to ignore the elephant in the room, which is, what’s wrong? Spending all of our time thinking about the good aspects of our camp and improving on them keeps us from thinking about the things that are wrong with our camp. Rather than spending all of our focus on the unique aspects of our camp and how we camp improve upon them. We should spend some time thinking about why parents don’t register their child for our camp. We can all come up with 50 reasons why parents choose us. Can you come up with ten reasons why parents do not choose your camp? A dozen great things about camp will be ignored as soon as Mom finds something she doesn’t like. You have a lot of competition. You have to start looking for holes in your program, your staff, your marketing, your facilities, your leadership and start working on repairing those problems. As camp draws closer and we are scrambling to understand why we haven’t hit our enrollment goals we have to start asking ourselves hard questions. If we do not start to understand our weaknesses now, we will have the same issues next year. Fix camp this summer, so your retention reflects it next summer. Just for a moment stop focusing on great and just think about getting things right. Stop ignoring the obvious, fix it now. Telling yourself you’ll address it in the fall is what you did last year. It didn’t work. If you can’t find those ten things that are wrong, start calling Mothers of kids who didn’t come back. They’ll be happy to tell you a few of them. Fixmycamp.com

SheRen Consulting - News Alert! 📣 🌟NEW: National Service Program Implementation Rules 🌟 AmeriCorps has announced a transformative new rule for the AmeriCorps State and National program, effective October 1, 2024. This rule promises to reduce barriers, expand workforce development opportunities, and enhance programmatic flexibility. At SheRen Consulting, we are committed to helping organizations navigate these changes to maximize their impact. Here are some key highlights of the new rule and our assessments: 🔹 Grantee & Subgrantee Match Requirements Modified: Starting at 24% for the first three-year cycle, incrementally increasing to 30% by the tenth year. This adjustment makes it more affordable for organizations to run AmeriCorps programs, especially in high-need areas. Rule Change Score: A++ This is a win for grantees and subgrantees of all sizes! 🔹 Simplified Match Waiver Criteria: The new rule aligns with AmeriCorps Seniors' criteria, simplifying the match waiver process. This allows organizations to focus on their missions without being overwhelmed by funding challenges. Rule Change Score: B A positive step, reducing confusion between state commissions and subrecipients. However, a streamlined process only works if requests are processed within a reasonable timeframe. Let's see how well it is operationalized in the coming months. 🔹 Job Readiness Waiver Flexibilities: Waivers on education hour limitations for programs focusing on apprenticeships, job training, GED attainment, and other credentialing activities foster greater job readiness. Rule Change Score: A National service should build up professionals and align with their career aspirations. Programs must include this new option in onboarding materials for new service members. 🔹 Removal of Term Limit Barriers: The four-term limit has been removed, allowing individuals to serve multiple terms up to the equivalent of two full-time education awards. This change increases diversity and commitment within AmeriCorps. Rule Change Score: A This allows members serving in less-than-full-time awards, such as an 100hrs or 300hr slot, especially in our summer AmeriCorps programs and Conservation Corps, to serve more than four terms, enhancing retention and supporting recruitment goals. SheRen Consulting is here to support organizations in adapting to these changes, ensuring they can take full advantage of the new flexibilities and opportunities. Together, we can strengthen communities and empower individuals through effective national service programs. Connect with us in making a difference! Learn more about the new rule and how we can help you navigate these changes at SheRen Consulting. #AmeriCorps #NationalService #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #SheRenConsulting #ServiceLeadership #GrantManagement 📚 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEBqm5yV

As part of our environmental education aims, we offer student work experience placements to local secondary schools. This week, our Founder and Director, Clare Matheson, has been sharing her environmental and business knowledge and expertise with 2 students from The Woodroffe School in Dorset (pictured). In their feedback forms, both students recommend their placement, scoring it 9/10 in relation to their desired future career paths. Both rated the knowledge gained as 10/10, and they enjoyed the tailored tasks set for part of the week. Amelie stated, "Knowing Clare's experiences and career path was a huge eye opener. I have come away with so much knowledge and have a good understanding of business as a career and how to start. I love the tasks that were set and the ease of asking questions." Penny added, "I have gained useful knowledge that'll help me in my future career. I really enjoyed doing the research task and Clare gave me full control of this topic, which was helpful. I also felt comfortable to ask for help when needed." Little Green Change has previous delivered highly rated work experience placements for students at Colyton Grammar School Academy Trust Devon, and The Sir John Colfox Academy. littlegreenchange.com #littlegreenchange #environmentaleducation #awardwinning #nonprofit #socialenterpriseuk #workexperience #secondaryschool #dorset #careeradvice #greencareers #businessknowledge #careerpathways

One of the things I enjoy the most with volunteering work is the huge variation of tasks it offers.🙌 If you like practical work and learning by doing, then volunteering work can be a good fit for you. Many times little experience is needed, just a positive mindset and willingness to help out. The economical reward is zero or even negative, but trust me the feeling of contributing to a good cause is worth much more than the money in the bank, and something you can carry with you for a lifetime. Even though the environment may differ quite a bit from our typical offices, the workflow can be very familiar. Usually there is a person who is responsible for the farm, the ecovillage, the reforestation project, or whatever site it might be. Work tasks are usually handed out, and people are responsible for their areas. Problems arise during the daily work that needs to be solved, ideas for improvement pop-up that must be listened to and respected, and plans and strategies are revised to improve efficiency. And a good lunch break is always a good lunch break. 🙂 With this said though, there are many people out there who have special skills that really can be of great value in many different projects, and that are missing in many projects. Personally, I am always looking for electrical issues where I can give a hand, and I have to say that I have been surprised by the many places where I never expected to find industrial-like electrical cabinets. A great way for me as an electrical engineer to get hands-on experience with typical industrial installations and components. And I couldn’t think of learning in more beautiful places. 🙂 If you could choose freely, what would your dream location be for a volunteering project, and what would be your contribution?🤝 #volunteering #volunteeringwork #volunteeringproject #electricalengineer