Welcome Back!
 

The Civic Engagement Office is glad to welcome all students.  We are ready for the new year!

Please read the entire newsletter so you don't miss any start-of-the year information.  There is a lot going on!

All of our programs from last year are returning, and we have some exciting new plans for the office this year.

Servapalooza - Thursday, Sept. 15

On September 15, the CEO will be holding its first annual Servapalooza!  The CEO staff will be available to talk with you about about our major programs, including ICAP, Alternative Spring Break, Lunch Buddies, GIRLSS Group/MENtoring, and Colleges Against Cancer.  We'll also have information about other volunteer activities to match your interests.  Please stop by, meet the staff, and learn about all of these great opportunities.

CEO Program Information Sessions

In addition to Servapalooza, information sessions are being planned for our individual programs.  See the "Upcoming Info Sessions" list to the right for locations and times.

Lunch Buddies - Online Applications Available

Applications for our Lunch Buddies program are now available.  Lunch Buddies is our partnership with Mount Vernon's Washington Elementary School.  Participants join 3rd graders for lunch and recess three times a month.  Make a difference in a child's life by becoming a Lunch Buddy!  

Applications are due by September 26 at 4:00 pm.  To apply, click here, and fill out the online form.  Answers in the form cannot be saved, so make sure you allow enough time to answer all questions.  Then, click here and electronically sign the Lunch Buddies Contract.

AmeriCorps ICAP Program

Are you interested in making a commitment to community service this year?  Then learn more about the ICAP program!  As a member of ICAP (Iowa Campus Compact AmeriCorps Program), you can earn an Education Award of approximately $1,000 by completing 300 hours of community service during the academic year.  The Education Award can be applied to tuition or student loans, and the long term volunteer commitment allows members to form deep connections with service organizations in the area.  For information, contact Collin Paschall, AmeriCorps VISTA at cpaschall@cornellcollege.edu, or drop by the Civic Engagement Office.  There will also be an information session on Monday, September 19 in Hedges at 6:30pm.

Block Break Service Trip: Mapleton, Iowa - September 29-October 1

A new event to start the year!  Collin Paschall, the CEO's AmeriCorps VISTA, is leading a Block Break Service Trip to Mapleton, Iowa during the first block break, September 29 to October 1.  Students will help this western Iowa community to rebuild from the effects of a tornado that struck this past April.  Students will work with painting, landscaping, and light construction.  Transportation, lodging, and food are all covered by a $20 participation fee.  There will be an info session on Tuesday, September 13 at 12:00 in Hedges.

Opportunities and Events in the Community

Cornell Fellowship with Matthew 25 - Cedar Rapids
Matthew 25 is a non-profit organization dedicated to community development in Cedar Rapids.  Many Cornell students have worked with the organization in the past.  This year, Matthew 25 is seeking a Cornell Fellow.  The Fellow will assist in a research project related to food desert issues, obesity problems, and unhealthy food consumption in Cedar Rapids communities.  Other tasks may consist of creation of survey materials and distributing materials, as well as assisting in public forums and discussion groups.  For more information, contact Kara Trebil, Director of Civic Engagement, at ktrebil@cornellcollege.edu.  For more on Matthew 25, visit their website here.

Mount Vernon High School Mentoring Program
Do you want to mentor Mount Vernon High School students; promoting positive life choices in a safe and fun environment? If so, contact: Cortney Waguespack (Cornell Junior) at cwaguespack13@cornellcollege.edu or Aaron Paterson (Youth Coordinator) at apaterson@mountvernon.k12.ia.us.
 
Through group discussions and monthly community events our aim is to help develop positive assets in Mount Vernon High School students by developing strong and meaningful relationships with them. The time commitment will be roughly 2-3 activity dates per month.  Our efforts to encourage those positive assets will aide to decrease high-risk behaviors and help to increase positive life choices.

High School Tutor
Mount Vernon Alternative Education Center is looking for tutors for high school students, specifically in math.  They are willing to be flexible in terms of scheduling.  For more information, contact Kara Trebil, Director of Civic Engagment at ktrebil@cornellcollege.edu.   

Project Brighten - Cedar Rapids
BRIGHTEN is a grassroots program that was started by the Community Corrections Improvement Association (CCIA), and is led by staff hired through the national service program AmeriCorps*VISTA.  The main objectives of BRIGHTEN are to improve living conditions for families and increase neighborhood pride. The program provides house painting, minor repair, and yard work to families who qualify through economic hardship, disability, or age.  BRIGHTEN is currently looking for more volunteers to join. Individuals or groups are welcome to volunteer any weekday or Saturdy from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Some groups spend an entire day with us, others stay for a few hours, but any amount of time is greatly appreciated!  No prior skills or experience are necessary, and all volunteers will receive painting tips and a safety lesson prior to field work. BRIGHTEN offers an excellent opportunity for interested individuals to develop skills and make a difference!  Give us a call at 319-366-1673 to lend an hand and help your neighbor!

Willis Dady Emergency Shelter - Cedar Rapids
Willis Dady provides emergency shelter to single men and families in Cedar Rapids, while providing them with the tools necessary to help address the causes of their individual situations.  We are constantly searching for volunteers to help with various tasks and activities at the shelter.  Cornell College students have volunteered with the shelter in the past.  For more information, contact Brad Bybee at vista1@willisdady.org or 319-362-7555, or visit the shelter's website here.

Iowa Legal Aid - Cedar Rapids
Iowa Legal Aid is attempting to expand the availability of its services to non-English speaking populations.  It is looking for students who would be interested in serving as translators or interpreters.  Advanced students of a variety of different languages could serve as volunteers.  The volunteer schedule is very fleixble, as translations can be completed remotely and do not require deadlines for completion.  For more information, contact Carly Graber at cgraber@iowalaw.org or 319-364-6108, ext 1308, or visit Iowa Legal Aid's Webiste here.

Taste of Mount Vernon - Monday, September 12
 The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG) is holding its "Taste of Mount Vernon" on Monday, September 12 from 7:00-8:30 in Memorial Park, just down the street from campus.  The CDG is seeking volunteers for this program, and volunteers receive five complimentary taste tickets for their help.  If interested, contact Joe Jennison at director@visitmvl.com or 319-210-9935.

Out of Darkness Walk - Saturday, September 17 - Cedar Rapids
 The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in over 250 communities across the country this year, with the proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). By walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, you will be walking with thousands of other walkers nationwide to raise money for AFSP's vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide and provide support for survivors of suicide loss. In deciding to walk you are taking us a step closer to making suicide prevention a national priority.

For infomation about Out of Darkness, check its Facebook page here.  A Facebook event for the walk itself is located here.  You can contact the chair of the local walk at CR.OutOfTheDarkness@gmail.com.

Moving Help - Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24
A Mount Vernon woman is looking for a group of students to help move everything out of her storage unit.  There are several items, some large, so it will probably take a group a couple of hours.  She can be flexible with times, but is looking for someone the weekend of September 23 and 24.  If interested, contact Kara Trebil, Director of Civic Engagement at ktrebil@cornellcollege.edu.

Cystic Fibrosis Cycle Event - Monday, September 25
 The Cystic Fibrosis Cycle Ride is looking for 3 to 6 volunteers to assist with the rest stop at Cornell College. Volunteers would be stationed at the Sport Center and need to arrive at 8:45 a.m. or so, and stay until 2 p.m.  Students may be able to work in shifts if they are unable to work the entire time.   Volunteers will greet bicyclists and hand out food and drinks.  For more information, contact Nancy Selim at nselim@cornellcollege.edu.

Mt. Vernon CROP Hunger Walk – Sunday, October 9
Take a stand against hunger in our world.  Some 2,000 communities host CROP Hunger Walks each year to help fight hunger and poverty both locally and globally.  Along with approved international hunger-fighting agencies, a percentage of funds raised at the Mt. Vernon event will go to the Southeast Linn Community Center in Lisbon.  For more information or to sign up for a team, contact Hannah Altman at haltman13@cornellcollege.edu.