VIP AmeriCorps Week Photo Contest

VIP Fellows: Check out our photo contest for AmeriCorps week (March 10-18)!  Put together a video or submit some photos for a chance to be showcased on VIP websites, help us promote AmeriCorps Week, and win cool prizes!

Good luck!

Nominate a Champion of Change

The White House Champions of Change program is looking for nominations of individuals who exemplify the Life and Legacy of Cesar Chavez by living our Chavez's core values: service to others, sacrifice, helping the most needy, acceptance of all people, celebration of community, non-violence, knowledge, and innovation.

Do you know an exemplary volunteer, VIP Fellow, or staff member at one of our partner sites who exudes the values and service of Cesar Chavez?  Nominate them here by midnight on February 24 (that's tomorrow... so get a move on!).

Tomorrow: Check out this free webcast on social sector innovation

Looking for a little inspiration?  Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that connects other nonprofits with business expertise, is holding a free webcast tomorrow at 11:30 am PT on innovation in the social sector.

This webcast will feature a strong panel, and should be interesting - check it out if you'd like a thought-provoking activity for your lunch break!

Inspriation Friday - from a KidWorks volunteer

Need a little motivation to volunteer? Here is some inspiration from the experience of Jessi Kraai, volunteer at VIP partner site KidWorks:

"I volunteer with the hope of making a small difference in the life of one of my students.  I understand the many influences that play a role in shaping the characters of each of my students; I hope that I can be a positive influence and role model for them.  Developing and maintaining a relationship with each student is one of the best parts of volunteering.  As the months and years pass I am privileged to see my students grow and mature academically, socially, and spiritually.  I treasure the moments I spend with my students.  For the past few years I have volunteered with KidWorks, I have learned more from my students than I had ever imagined."

Happy Valen... er, Generosity Day!

The 14th of February brings a lot of mixed emotions - we all know people who absolutely love it and people who try to pretend that it doesn't exist.  It's a sweet idea, showing love to the people in your life, but... why not show love to everyone?  Why not show your love through service and generosity?

Let's help reboot Valentine's day.  Let's join in the movement, and make it Generosity Day.

Give of yourself - your heart, your time, and your resources today.  not just to that "special someone" - take the challenge, take the pledge, and be generous with everyone around you today.

Enjoy this great video from the Generosity Day cause to get a little inspiration for a day of giving in love and service:

Tri-City Volunteers

Congratulations to Peter Hooper (pictured on the far right), VIP Fellow with Tri City Volunteers.  Peter organized this great group of holiday volunteers for this Fremont-based food bank and thrift store! 

Practical tips on leading change in your organization - check out the link!

Yesterday's great entry on Katya Andresen's blog lays out some great advice for inspiring change.  The article is inspired by John Kotter's book, A Sense of Urgency, and lays out a summary of some of his powerful tactics for leading change with a true sense of urgency.

Change can be hard at any organization - and can be a blockade to moving new projects or plans forward.  If you're running into any issues changing mindsets or practices that keep you from building the volunteer infrastructure you desire to create, check out the very practical tips that Katya lays out!