CONTACTS: Jesse Call, AmeriCorps VISTA
1-800-344-6679 ext. 6009, 1-304-384-6009
callj22@concord.eduAlex Overmiller, AmeriCorps VISTA
1-800-344-6679 ext. 6009, 1-304-384-6009
overmillera15@concord.edu Web Site to Consolidate Volunteer Opportunities for Agencies, Event Planners in Region
Athens, W.Va. – A new web site is now in business to serve volunteers!
The web site, designed by Jesse Call and Alex Overmiller, links students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of
Concord with community service and training opportunities throughout the two Virginias. The site,
http://volunteer.concord.edu/ (or,
www.concord.edu > Students > Volunteer), provides a way for community agencies and event organizers to easily submit their service opportunities. Moreover, those wishing to volunteer may register on the site, which will serve as a clearing house, matching volunteers with needs.
Call, from Pocahontas, Va., and Overmiller, from Daniels, are recent graduates of
Concord University. They are serving a one-year stint as members of AmeriCorps VISTA. VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more.
Matching funding in the form of an enrichment grant from the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation of Princeton, N.J., is also being used to support the activities of Call and Overmiller in their efforts to improve opportunities for those who want to volunteer and improve visibility for the agencies or event planners that need the services of volunteers.
"Service to the regional community is part of
Concord’s mission statement. Every day I see more and more how much this University desires to truly impact its community," said Call.
"This new web tool,” according to Call, “will allow that energy and desire of the volunteers to be more easily fulfilled according to the diverse service areas in which the
Concord community is interested."
According to Call, the web site was designed with concern for the already busy and complicated lives of local community service agencies and the
Concord community.
"Unlike many other web sites listing opportunities for volunteers, this one is local to the two Virginias and is directed towards a large body of potential volunteers," Call said. "In addition, it's extremely easy to add your listing to the site. Agencies can simply fill out a short form. There are no extra requirements, accounts or commitments necessary."
Individuals can search for opportunities based on a variety of descriptions: one-time events, part-time commitments, or full-time volunteer positions. And, the opportunities are also listed by county, with a special page for on-campus opportunities.
"We also used a lot of new technology and provided maps with pinpoints where service opportunities exist, as well as a calendar of local one-time service events," Call said. "And, those seeking a volunteer opportunity can call us toll-free as well, and we'll help them find one in our listings."
"Alumni, supporters, neighbors and friends, as part of our
Concord community, are encouraged to utilize the site," Call said.
To list an event or need, or to find a local service opportunity, visit
http://volunteer.concord.edu/ (or
www.concord.edu > Students > Volunteers).
Those interested may also contact the Bonner House for Campus-Wide Community Service at
volunteer@concord.edu, 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6009 or locally at 304-384-6009.
Call and Overmiller will pursue graduate studies upon completion of their terms of service.
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