Follow these tips when thinking about ways to effectively donate or volunteer to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts.
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The most effective donations after disasters are financial donations. Visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website to donate to those non-profit organizations that are active in disaster response.
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Volunteers are very beneficial to the response and recovery efforts after a disaster and are most effective when affiliating with a non-profit organization. Do not self-deploy to the affected areas. Contact your local non-profit organization to find out how you can become trained to respond in the most effective way.
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Additional information about the Oklahoma Tornadoes relief efforts can be found at: Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Walker/Cullman County Disaster Case Management Team of the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama and Case Manager Cindy Smith are recognized for their efforts in helping the Lester Family rebuild their home after the April 2011 tornadoes.
With help from Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers and a partnership with Garden Spot Village, a Pennsylvania retirement community, the Lester’s home was rebuilt. The efforts of Alabama’s Disaster Case Management Program are featured on the NeighborWorks website.
AmeriCorps Week Service Panel
George Washington University Alternative Spring Break
Tuesday, March 12, 2013, Serve Alabama staff along with a CNCS State representative and a Peace Corps representative had the pleasure of hosting an informational presentation/panel to discuss national service opportunities and experiences. The GWU students were in Tuscaloosa, AL with the United Saints Recovery Project to aid with reconstruction and restoration efforts.
1st picture: Jackie Bishop discussing the overview of the Corporation for National and Community Service at The University of Alabama to very attentive Alternative Spring Breakers from George Washington University.
2nd picture: Nakia Kyler, a former AmeriCorps Vista for Serve Alabama, shares her AmeriCorps Vista experience with the GWU students via face time.
3rd picture: GWU students listen intently as the panelist representing AmeirCorps, AmeriCorps Professional Corps and Peace Corps share their stories of service.
AmeriCorps members across the state, thank you for Serving Alabama! AMERICORPS WEEK MARCH 9 - 17, 2013
Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums by highlighting the extraordinary impact AmeriCorps makes across our nation every day. This year, AmeriCorps Week will take place March 9-17, 2013.
AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and communicate AmeriCorps impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve.
This year’s theme, AmeriCorps Works, reflects AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment — for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA
WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of the American character and throughout our history citizens have stepped up to meet our challenges by volunteering in their communities; the current economic downturn means more Americans are facing hardships, and volunteering and national service is needed more than ever; and
Governor Bentley Discusses State Sales Tax Holiday for Severe Weather Preparedness Items
MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday urged people across Alabama to take advantage of this weekend’s state sales tax holiday for severe weather preparedness items.
“People need to take this opportunity to stock up on the supplies they’ll need before, during and aftersevere weather,” Governor Bentley said.
Christmas Day Tornadoes in Alabama
For those interested in volunteering after the Christmas Day tornadoes, please review the most effective ways to help those in need:
Affiliate with existing non-profit organizations before coming to the disaster area. Immediately following a disaster, a community can become easily overwhelmed by the amount of generous people who want to help. Contacting and affiliating with an established organization will help to ensure that you are appropriately trained to respond in the most effective way. You may also sign up at www.handsonsal.org.
Be safe: Do not self-deploy. Register and wait until you have been notified of a specific volunteer need. Once assigned a position, make sure you have been given an assignment and are wearing proper safety gear for the task.
Special thank you to Governor Robert Bentley, speakers, presenters and all of the folks from around Alabama for making yesterday’s Governor’s Community Response Workshop a great success!
Source: Points of Light
Family Volunteer Day is a day of service that demonstrates and celebrates the power of families who volunteer together, supporting their neighborhoods, communities and the world.
Points of Light created the day 22 years ago to showcase the benefits of family volunteering and provide opportunities for families to help communities create supportive environments for their children and each other. This year Family Volunteer Day takes place on Nov. 17 and is being sponsored by Disney Friends for Change and powered by generationOn.
Family Volunteer Day is strategically held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to “kick-off” the holiday season with giving and service. It also signals the start of National Family Week, sponsored by the Alliance for Children and Families and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Families that volunteer together not only address community social problems, but also strengthen themselves. Volunteering together as a family provides quality time, strengthens family communication and provides opportunities for family members to be role models.
For additional resources and ideas for Family Volunteer Day, please visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/signature-events/family-volunteer-day
