Connect 1 Summit Registration Extended to May 18
The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (MCVS) will host its fifth annual Connect 1 Summit on May 23-25, during the Positioned for Progress Consortia Conference at the Jackson Convention Complex. The MCVS Connect 1 Summit is designed for emergency response and management personnel, first responders, people who work with the disability population and national service staff. Connect 1 workshops will educate, train and raise awareness of disability issues in communities as they relate to disaster preparedness and emergency response, as well as provide tools for effective program and volunteer management for national service staff. The Connect 1 Summit offers a variety of high-quality learning and networking opportunities, with plenary sessions featuring resident experts in the mission-based field.
This year, for the first time, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and MSVOAD (Mississippi Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) are joining MCVS to host a half-day pre-conference for nonprofit and faith-based organization leaders and staff involved in disaster recovery. Conference registration is extended through May 18, with registration options ranging from $25 to $150. Limited scholarships are available for national service affiliates. For questions about the Connect 1 Summit, download the MCVS Connect 1 Summit brochure or contact Program Inclusion Specialist Sadelle Sweet at 601.432.6377 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Connect 1 Pre-Conference Session Focuses on Long Term Recovery
The Long Term Recovery pre-conference training is designed to provide educational information on how federal, state, and non-governmental organizations work together with local, county, and community leaders after a disaster event. All disasters begin and end on the local level; however, it is imperative for all recovery resources to be utilized in the most effective and efficient manner possible for the survivors of a disaster event. Mr. Robert Latham, Director of MEMA, will be the introductory Featured Speaker, and presenters will include Mr. Ken Skalitzky, FEMA Region IV Volunteer Agency Liaison; Dan Magee, MEMA Individual Assistance Bureau Director; and Wayne Napier, United Methodist Committee on Relief.Volunteer Week in Mississippi
Governor Phil Bryant signed a proclamation designating April 15-22, 2012 as Volunteer Week in Mississippi, recognizing the energy and power volunteers evoke on a daily basis. Volunteer Week in Mississippi is held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week celebrates “people in action” who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.
Governor's Youth Advisory Council Leadership Training
MCVS shared a glimpse into the AmeriCorps experience with the Governor's Youth Advisory Council during their Leadership Training Session on April 17. MCVS Executive Director W. David Mallery, staff and members from three AmeriCorps programs spoke to the council about Volunteer Week in Mississippi and the power of volunteerism and national service. The group then traveled to see Brown Elementary's Playworks program and the youth who benefit from the AmeriCorps program.
Read more: Governor's Youth Advisory Council Leadership Training
Corporations Give Back During Volunteer Week
While nonprofits, agencies, national service programs and civic organizations were celebrating Volunteer Week in Mississippi, companies gave their time and resources to help build a brighter future for Mississippi. The Pascagoula Chevron Refinery held a free fire training for municipal and volunteer firefighters on April 21. The facility's fire training grounds gave volunteer firefighters an opportunity to face multiple challenging scenarios. That same day, Entergy Mississippi employees turned their efforts toward Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, where volunteers participated in several projects adding value to the preserve.
Be a Part of the Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival
Want to be in the middle of all the Double Decker Arts Festival excitement? Well, you can by simply volunteering. Be a part of Double Decker, Oxford’s very own festival that celebrates spring in the South with a concert on the Square, art vendors, food vendors, children’s activities, a race and music galore. Double Decker Arts Festival also presents a variety of volunteer opportunities for the young and young at heart.
“Volunteers play an important role in acting as ambassadors for this annual event from helping visitors find their way around Oxford to assisting with the Double Decker Spring Run that attracts over 1,000 runners to Oxford from all over the region,” says Kelly Shannon, Volunteer Oxford Director.
To find and sign up for Double Decker volunteer opportunities, it’s simple: visit Volunteer Oxford online at www.volunteeroxford.org and click on “Find Agencies” under “Volunteer.” Once there, search for Oxford Convention & Visitors Bureau and Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce to find the many Double Decker opportunities available.
Read more: Be a Part of the Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival
Senate Confirms Bipartisan Leaders to Corporation for National and Community Service Board
The U.S. Senate last week confirmed four leaders from the nonprofit, civic, and corporate sectors to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
The new board members are Rick Christman, CEO of Employment Solutions in Lexington, Ky.; Marguerite W. Kondracke, senior advisor and former President and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance; Lisa Quiroz, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility for Time Warner Inc.; and Phyllis N. Segal, Vice President of Civic Ventures. The nominees, two Republicans and two Democrats, were nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate on March 29.
“We’re delighted the Senate has confirmed these outstanding national leaders to serve on the CNCS board,” said Laysha Ward, president of Community Relations for Target and CNCS board chair. “They will provide key insight and direction as the Corporation for National and Community Service increases the impact and effectiveness of national service in tackling the most critical challenges facing our communities.”
CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer: Ready to Serve
More Than a Meal Program Offers Aid, Fellowship to Oxford/Lafayette Homeless
America Reads-Mississippi members at the University of Mississippi collaborated with University of Mississippi-College Corps at host site More Than A Meal to serve a warm, healthy meal and tutor students. ARM members were divided into groups, some serving the meal, while another group helped tutor the children. Many ARM members expressed interest in starting similar programs in their towns, especially with many summer programs facing cutbacks. Local churches and community groups take turns sponsoring the meal, serving between 50-100 people. The event takes place every Tuesday at the Stone Center in Oxford and meets the needs of citizens in need of a warm meal.
Read more: More Than a Meal Program Offers Aid, Fellowship to Oxford/Lafayette Homeless