The Care Team:
The Volunteer Newsletter of The JASON Program
Vol.1 ISSUE 4 - March 25, 2008
 

Maine: Leading the Way in Volunteerism

Last February the United States Department of Labor (USDL) released a press statement summarizing the impact of volunteerism in the United States for the fiscal year of 2007. According to the press statement, 26.2% of the United States population volunteered either continuously or on a one time basis last year. While this figures is impressive for a country of over 300 million, it stands limp in comparison to Maine’s statistics. The data is not yet complete for FY2007 but according to past data, over 40% of the population of Maine participated in a volunteer activity in 2006. Not surprisingly, “Maine had the second-highest volunteer rate among states in the Northeast.”
Information regarding the national statistics came from a USDL commissioned report conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). CNCS is a federal umbrella corporation which sponsors national initiatives across the country such as AmeriCorps VISTA, HealthCorps, AmeriCorps NCCC, SeniorCorps and Learn and Serve America. CNCS also has state chapters spread throughout the country including the Maine Commission for Community Service (MCCS). MCCS compiled data on the state of volunteerism in ME, and the results were both exciting and inspiring. Overall, 350,000 volunteers in Maine preformed 42.4 million hours of service.
The Jason Program is privileged be a part of this wonderful legacy of volunteering in Maine, and we are so grateful to all of our volunteers for their continued effort and support. From all of us here at JP, thank you and congratulations to our volunteers! The future is looking brighter than ever.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Special Events
· Celebration by the Sea: At the end of May, JP will be holding its annual fundraiser Celebration by the Sea. We are looking for anyone and everyone to help out! We need individuals willing to do outreach and collect items for our silent auction. We are also looking for qualified individuals who want to help plan and execute the event in conjunction with the JP Marketing Committee.

Recurring Needs:
· Local Newspaper Contact: JP is working to build stronger connections to local communities throughout Maine. We have contacts at several Portland based newspapers and are looking for someone to help manage these contacts and create materials which will eventually be published on behalf of JP.


APRIL 27 – MAY 3, 2008
National Volunteer Week

The Jason Program is proud to recognize the wonderful volunteers who help make our program so strong!

THANK YOU!!!

Running Resources:

Volunteerism: Looking for more information on volunteerism in Maine? Every day hundreds of thousands of individuals are working to support volunteerism in this great state. Check out the latest state-wide efforts at the website of the Maine Commission for Community Service: www.maineservicecommission.gov

Shopping for a Good Cause: It’s a common problem: we all find ourselves looking for that perfect gift but there is just not enough time in the day to go shopping. Thank goodness for online shopping! Thank goodness for multi-tasking! With websites like Charity Blast, it’s possible to get the perfect gift, to save time, and to support your local charity. Charity Blast is an organization that allows you to shop online at all the regular stores you would go to, but it also provides funds to nonprofits with links to the site. Learn all about them out online at:
www.charityblast.com/faq

Misc: Spring is here and music is in the air! The Jason Program is selling our signature CD “Listen to the Children” online. The CD contains an eclectic mix of beautiful music composed by home-grown Maine artists. From folk to classical, the music of “Listen to the Children” is sure to inspire listeners of every genre. Price is $10.00. Contact: info@jasonprogram.org or check us out at the website of the Maine Association of Non-Profits
 

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Special Events
· Celebration by the Sea: At the end of May, JP will be holding its annual fundraiser Celebration by the Sea. We are looking for anyone and everyone to help out! We need individuals willing to do outreach and collect items for our silent auction. We are also looking for qualified individuals who want to help plan and execute the event in conjunction with the JP Marketing Committee.

Recurring Needs:
· Local Newspaper Contact: JP is working to build stronger connections to local communities throughout Maine. We have contacts at several Portland based newspapers and are looking for someone to help manage these contacts and create materials which will eventually be published on behalf of JP.

APRIL 27 – MAY 3, 2008
National Volunteer Week

The Jason Program is proud to recognize the wonderful volunteers who help make our program so strong!

THANK YOU!!!


For more information on volunteering, go to our Volunteer page

Ongoing Needs:

Shelving and Storage:

Looking to get rid of that old shelf set? Have any storage boxes sitting around after moving or coming home from college? JP is looking for in-kind donations of shelves and storage units which are still in good condition. These units will be placed in our play room, so please make sure they are child-proof (no metal units please).

Computer Projector:

JP has made a commitment to contribute to the growing national dialogue surrounding pediatric palliative care. As part of our effort to increase awareness about pediatric palliative issues JP is always producing new presentations and materials to share publicly and professionally. Now that we have so much to say, we need a projector that will help us share the message of hope and love. Our computer department is looking for someone who is willing to donate a portable computer projector to The Jason Program. The projector should be clean and in working condition. Please no slide-projectors (our materials are entirely digital). Please contact our offices BEFORE a donation is made to ensure that the donated projector will be compatible with our staffs’ computers.

Contact:
meg@jasonprogram.org OR
leslie@jasonprogram.org

From all of us here at The Jason Program -
Thank You For Your Support

“One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind.”
-Malayan Proverb

The Jason Program is always looking for new ways to thank our volunteers and to get more community members involved in our program. This year JP will be distributing magnets and stickers to all volunteers in recognition of their wonderful hours of service. Don’t forget to check your mail!