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V O L U N T E E R O P P O R T U N I T I E S S U M M E R 2 0 11
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The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County
Making a Difference for10Years!
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10221 Wincopin Circle Columbia, MD 21044 410-715-3172 Info@VolunteerHoward.org VolunteerHoward.org Facebook.com/VolunteerHoward
June 09, 2011 Dear Youth Volunteer, Thank yo ou for your interest i in making m a diffeerence in ouur communitty! By choossing to volunnteer you will not n only ben nefit those you y serve – your y commuunity will bennefit and so will you. No ow is the time to join the national n youth service movement. m W We know that you are bbusy; we remembeer what it was w like in middle and higgh school. Beetween sporrts, clubs, baand, homewo ork, friends, family fa and reeligious obliggations, life can c be prettyy hectic. Wee’re not asking you to drrop everythin ng in your liffe, we’re askking you to take t a little ttime to makee a big differrence! Volunteeering can be fun. This guide was desiigned to helpp you find ann opportunitty that is rigght for you. The T guide is presented alphabeticall a y by agency name. We ssuggest that you read all of the entries, though – you never know what new interessts you mightt discover! Volunteeering is someething anyon ne can do. Evvery person has skills annd abilities thhat they can share witth non-profit organizatio ons. When you y find an o opportunity that looks innteresting, contact the t agency directly. d If yo ou have trouble finding s omething thhat interests you, please feel free to caall us at the Volunteer Center C for additional sugggestions orr updates. We challlenge you to o try someth hing new, do something unfamiliar, ddiscover a neew skill or a career th hat you migh ht want to pu ursue, meet new peoplee, learn abouut yourself and others, hhave fun and change c lives! Sincerelyy,
The Volunteeer Center Servving Howard Couunty Staff
Show your su upport of the Volun nteer Center by visiting our page on n Facebook and cli cking on "Like" orr following us on Twitter!
Volunteerr Opportunity Updates: y volunteer opportunities th hat we receive aafter our deadliine! Don’t misss out on great youth
Visit ourr website at www.volunteerh w howard.org and d click on thee calendar too learn aboutt additional oonetime or ongoing o volu unteer opporttunities, check the key w word search, or visit the Y Youth page for updated information. i . Thank you for your inteerest in makking a differeence.
Youth Volunteers Why Volunteer? Meet new people Ð Learn new skills and gain experience Ð Develop and share skills that you already have Ð Learn about local social issues Ð Help make a difference in your community Ð Enhance job and college applications Ð Include experiences on academic or professional resumes Getting started
Pick an issue – what interests you? What changes would you like to see in your community? What are your skills? What would you like to learn? What makes you think, “That’s not fair!”? Participate in a volunteer opportunity offered through a local agency
Create a project • Learn to listen to the community – what is the need? • Learn about what is already available in the community – work in partnership with existing programs so that you don’t duplicate efforts. • Locate an agency with which to partner using resources available through the Volunteer Center such as the Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Guide or online listings of local agencies. • Plan your project using resources available through your school, group and/or the Volunteer Center. • Implement the project. • Reflect on the experience (What? So what? Now what?). • Evaluate the experience (What worked? What didn’t?).
• Locate an agency or project using resources available through the volunteer center, which you can access by registering, using the calendar or search box on the website, viewing the Volunteer Opportunities for Youth Guide, or visiting the Youth Page (ex: National Youth Service Day). • Contact the agency directly. • Request an orientation to the issue when you go to volunteer. • Request training as needed. • Reflect on your experience (What? So what? Now what?). • Evaluate the experience. (What worked? What didn’t?).
Frequently Asked Questions I can’t find any volunteer opportunities for young people in Howard County! The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County provides resources to help young people find volunteer opportunities in our community. The Volunteer Opportunities for Teens guide is updated 3 times a year and includes close to 40 local non-profit and governmental agencies seeking young volunteers. The guide includes minimum age requirements, contact information, and descriptions of available opportunities. It is available online at www.volunteerhoward.org or you can contact the center for a free copy. There is also an online calendar and a search box on the website where young people can search for one-time or ongoing opportunities, as well as a youth page that spotlights recognition opportunities and opportunities related specifically to young volunteers. I’ve found an opportunity/agency - what do I do next? Contact the agency directly to determine what volunteer opportunities are available, to ask questions, and to find out when and how you can get started as a volunteer. We’ve included a sample script on the other side of this sheet. You and your parent/guardian should feel comfortable with the agency that you select, so do not be afraid to ask questions or for your parents/guardians to ask questions. For younger volunteers, there may be opportunities for you to volunteer at a local agency with your parent/guardian. I’ve found some opportunities but none of them appeal to me. You may need to come up with a project idea on your own to “pitch” to local agencies. For example, are you an artist? Do you like music? Are you great with computers? Do you enjoy building? Create a project idea and contact local agencies that appeal to you, or learn a little about local agencies and try to work with them to develop a project that you like.
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Volunteer Center Serving Howard County Volunteer Opportunities for Teens – September 2010 Update www.volunteerhoward.org
Can I volunteer with a friend? Yes - many agencies offer one-time opportunities that would be perfect for volunteering with a friend or a group of friends! You can learn about one-time opportunities by searching our online calendar at www.volunteerhoward.org. I’ve contacted the agency and never heard back from them. Some agencies have part-time volunteers or even Volunteer Managers, and it can sometimes take time for them to respond to your request. You may need to contact them more than once, and you may find that phone calls work better than e-mail communication for some agencies. You may also decide to try to contact several agencies to find the one that is right for you. Is it important for me to show up when I say that I will be there? After all, I’m the one helping the agency. YES. It is very important for you to show up when you say that you are going to be there. Many agencies depend on volunteers to get things done, and some make special arrangements in order to offer you a great volunteer opportunity. If you say that you will be there, do everything that you can to honor your commitment or to let the agency know in a timely manner if you are not able to make it. If you are volunteering in part because you would like to include your experiences on an application or resume, keep in mind that (just like a job) it is often more impressive to show an ongoing commitment to an agency. Being a responsible and reliable volunteer may gain you a positive referral - even more importantly, it may open up exciting opportunities not available to a casual volunteer.
Sample Phone Script for contacting a local non-profit or governmental agency 1. Who should I ask to speak with? Ask to speak with the person identified as the contact person. If that person is no longer with the agency, ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator. 2. When is the best time to call? Call the contact person during the days and times indicated in the agency directory. If you have to leave a message, leave your full name, why you are calling, your phone number and the best time to reach you (remember to speak slowly). Be persistent. If your call has not been answered within a day or two, call back. You may need to leave several messages. 3. What should I say? Hi. My name is , and I am interested in volunteering. I would like to know if you have any volunteer opportunities that would allow me to learn more about your agency and its services. (Be sure to highlight skills and experiences that might be relevant to the agency. Also, let the agency know if you have any requirements, such as completing a specific number of hours by a certain deadline for school or a group or club.) 4. What questions should I ask? What will I be doing? Where will I be volunteering? (Ask for specific directions.) How should I dress? Is there anything else I need to know before I start?
Materials modified from the Howard Community College’s Service Learning Student Handbook 2008.
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Volunteer Center Serving Howard County Volunteer Opportunities for Teens – September 2010 Update www.volunteerhoward.org
American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region
Bryant Woods Montessori Children's House
Address: 4700 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 Location of Work: Varies Contact: Terry Karloff at 800.272.0094 ext 1 or karlofft@usa.redcross.org Website: www.redcrossblood.org/gcp Mission of Agency: To provide safe, reliable, and economical blood components and services to the people of our region with organizational excellence, steadfast commitment to customers, and respect for every individual. Minimum Age: 14 Volunteer Opportunities: Blood Drive Assistant: Greeter and Refreshment Volunteers at the Columbia Donor Center and surrounding blood drives. Must have Daytime/Weekday availability and provide own transportation.
Address: 10449 Green Mountain Circle Location of Work: Columbia, MD 21044 Contact: Angela Galarza at 410.730.7525 or directorbwmch@comcast.net Website: www.bryantwoodsmontessori.org Mission of Agency: Bryant Woods Montessori Children's House is an independent, non-profit school committed to educating the 3 to 6 year old child from diverse backgrounds. Our school promotes joy in learning and positive character development as well as stimulating the intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth of the child through the implementation of the Montessori philosophy and methodology. We strive to promote the development of initiative, independence, responsibility, curiosity, and cooperation. Minimum Age: 14 Volunteer Opportunities: We are looking for one volunteer for our three week Super Summer Camp. Our camp runs from June 20 July 8 (excluding July 4) and is for three hours each weekday morning from 9am-12pm. Our campers are from ages 2.5 to 6yr. The volunteer would be expected to help with art projects, snack time, transition times, outside play, and help the camp coordinator and assistant with setting up the camp themes and inhouse field trips.
A-OK Mentoring - Tutoring, Inc. (A-OK)
Address: 10458 Waterfowl Terrace, Columbia MD 21044 Location of Work: Administration office at address above. Volunteering takes place at schools and after school programs. Contact: Chaya Kaplan at 410.730.6030 or aokmentor@gmail.com Website: Mission of Agency: The mission of A-OK is to promote the academics of identified Howard County students by providing mentoring tutoring by adult community volunteers during the school day and in after school programs sponsored by the Howard County school system. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: We are seeking a volunteer with the technology skills to help us launch a website.
Community Action Council of Howard County
Address: 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 Location of Work: Varies based on opportunity Contact: Melinda Spivey at 410.313.6440 or mspivey@cac-hc.org Website: www.cac-hc.org Mission of Agency: To provide programs and services to low-income residents of Howard County in order to alleviate the effects of poverty; to promote self-sufficiency as a means of interrupting the cycle of poverty; and to stimulate increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the needs of the low-income population on the part of the larger community. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Howard County Food Bank: Volunteers will help sort, organize and stock food products. Food Bank is open daily from 8:30am-4:30pm. Location: 8920 Route 108, Suite A, Columbia, MD Dasher Green Head Start Center: Volunteers will help provide lunch to children and their families. Summer Food Program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, on July 19, 21, 26, 28 and August 2, 4, 9, and 11 from 10:30am-12:30pm. We'll be offering parents and children exercise activities and cooking classes. Parents and children will prepare their lunches together. The University of Maryland Extension Nutrition, Health and Wellness Educator will provide the food and guidance for the program. Volunteers can sign up to help on all or any of the days listed above. Location: 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD CAC Community Garden: Volunteers will help with "hands-on gardening" such as building beds as well as planting and maintaining the gardens. The program provides all of the tools and garden equipment needed for each project. Location: Across from Long Reach High School Summer Food Program at Community Homes: Volunteers will help distribute lunches, complete report forms at the time of distribution (how many lunches were served) and supervise the children during the lunch period. June 27 - August 5 from 11:00am-1:00pm. Locations: Columbia Homes - Roslyn Rise, 10339 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD; Columbia Homes - Rideout Heath, 10341 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD
Athelas Institute, Inc.
Address: 9104 Red Branch Road Location of Work: Various locations in Howard County, Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County Contact: Patricia L. Owens at 410.964.1241 Ext. 128or plowens@athelasinst.org Website: www.athelasinst.org Mission of Agency: To provide a variety of quality educational rehabilitative, residential and employment options for adults with developmental disabilities in a supportive environment to maximize opportunities for individual growth. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Looking for volunteers to participate on a planning committee to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week July 11-15. A Therapeutic Recreation Committee of volunteers will plan recreation and leisure events in June with the Manager - Therapeutic Recreation. Committee meeting date in June TBA. Number of individuals needed. 10
Brooke Grove Retirement Village
Address: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy spring, MD 20860 Location of Work: same Contact: Nancy Ochsenreiter, Dir. Volunteer Services at 301.570.7081 or volunteers@bgf.org Website: www.bgf.org Mission of Agency: Brooke Grove Retirement Village is a continuing care community offering independent and assisted living, long-term nursing and Alzheimer's care, and short-term rehabilitation. Our staff provides excellence in service while offering a practical and sensitive response to people's need for physical, emotional and spiritual support. Minimum Age: 14 Volunteer Opportunities: Assist the LIFE Enrichment staff in providing scheduled activities, programs and events for the elderly residents; salon/manicure assistants; help with pet care.
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Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: MD/S. Delaware Chapter
Evercare Hospice
Address: 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Ste. 270 Location of Work: Office/ Local event in Baltimore Contact: Jaclyn Riedel at 443.276.0861 or jriedel@ccfa.org Website: www.ccfa.org/chapters/md-southde/ Mission of Agency: To cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. CCFA sponsors basic and clinical research of the highest quality. The foundation also offers a wide range of educational programs for patients and health-care professionals, and provides supportive services to help people cope with these chronic intestinal diseases. These programs are supported solely by contributions from the public. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Office: General administrative work(2-3 hours, 2 days/week) Baltimore Take Steps Walk - June 25
Address: 6095 Marshalee Drive, Elkridge, MD 21705 Location of Work: Howard, Baltimore, PG, and Montgomery Counties and the office in Elkridge Contact: Maurie Mullen at 410.379.3599 or marietta_s_mullen@uhc.com Website: www.evercare.com Mission of Agency: Evercare Hospice's mission statement is to provide compassionate individualized end of life services to patients and families. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities range from special projects in the Hospice office to seeing patients in their homes or in skilled nursing homes in the area. Volunteers must be over 18 to do patient visits. Volunteers 16 and over are eligible to assist with specialty projects, particularly data entry, creating events for patients who are veterans for the different patriotic holidays, research projects, assisting staff with coordination of events, and other projects based on the volunteer's interests and abilities. Training is required and varies from 2 hrs. for administrative volunteers to 20 hrs. for patient care volunteers.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue
Address: 1372 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797 Location of Work: Same Contact: Caroline Robertson at 301.854.5037 or volunteer@defhr.org Website: www.defhr.org Mission of Agency: To ensure the quality care and treatment of horses through rehabilitation, humane education and community outreach. Minimum Age: 12 (under 12 with a parent or legal guardian) Volunteer Opportunities: Barn chores, office help, fundraising, grant writing, PR, photography, farm maintenance and construction
HC Drugfree
Address: 10451 Twin Rivers Road, Suite 404, Columbia, MD 21044 Location of Work: same Contact: Joan Webb Scornaienchi at 443.325.0040 or info@hcdrugfree.org Website: www.hcdrugfree.org Mission of Agency: The mission of HC DrugFree is to empower the Howard County Community to raise drug-free teens. Minimum Age: 14 Volunteer Opportunities: Office and clerical assistance
Domestic Violence Center of Howard County
Address: 5457 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 310, Columbia, Maryland 21045 Location of Work: 5457 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 310, Columbia, MD 21045 Contact: Susan Ja Badra at 410.997.0304 or sjabadra@dvcenter.org Website: www.dvcenter.org Mission of Agency: The mission of the domestic violence center is to reduce the harm and effects of domestic violence while working towards its elimination in Howard County. Minimum Age: 16 with parental consent Volunteer Opportunities: Childcare Assistants: Volunteers help provide much-needed child care for the children of our clients. You can play games, read stories, and create art while supervising children during their parents counseling sessions. Volunteers are needed evenings, Monday - Thursday Special Event Assistants: Throughout the year we host and attend special events including fairs, workshops, seminars and fundraisers. Volunteers help ensure the success of these events by helping with set up/clean up, greeting participants, assisting with technology, serving as a photographer and other tasks as needed.
Howard County Arts Council
Address: 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City , MD 21043 Location of Work: Same Contact: Johaniris Rivera at 410.313.2787 or development@hocoarts.org Website: www.hocoarts.org Mission of Agency: To serve the citizens of Howard County by fostering the arts, artists and arts organizations. Minimum Age: 15 by September 1, 2011 Volunteer Opportunities: General office tasks and special events
Howard County Historical Society
Address: 8324 Court Avenue, Ellicott City Location of Work: Same Contact: Lauren McCormack at 410.750.0370 or info@hchsmd.org Website: www.hchsmd.org Mission of Agency: The Howard County Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, provide access to and public education about the history of Howard County through written records, documents, photographs, as well as three-dimensional cultural artifacts and oral history. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Assisting volunteer researcher answer research inquiries and organizing research collection. Operating an Ebay store with Paypal for HCHS to sell about 20 rare books and antiques to help the Society raise money.
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Patapsco Valley State Park
Howard County Recreation And Parks
Address: 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia Location of Work: Columbia Lake Front Contact: Ann Combs at 410.313.4624 or acombs@howardcountymd.gov Website: www.howardcountymd.gov Mission of Agency: To utilize a team approach to provide a high quality recreation and parks system that promotes opportunities for all Howard County residents to pursue safe and enjoyable leisure activities in balance with protection and conservation of natural resources. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: Fourth Of July Celebration - Energetic, enthusiastic volunteers are needed to assist at the children’s game area at the Fourth of July celebration. The schedule will be from 3-8:30pm. A volunteer t-shirt will be provided. Columbia Lakefront, Monday, July 4
Address: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 Location of Work: Avalon area: 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227 Contact: Maegan Cooper at 410.465.3287 or macooper@dnr.state.md.us Website: www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/central/patapsco.asp Mission of Agency: Patapsco Valley State Park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 14,000 acres and five developed recreational areas. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources preserves, protects, enhances and restores Maryland’s natural resources for the wise use and enjoyment of all citizens. Minimum Age: none if parent or guardian is present Volunteer Opportunities: Gardening - Come help us in the native garden this summer and see how beautiful a garden can look using native plants! Located in the Avalon area of the park, the native garden has many garden plots that need maintenance. We have everything from a blueberry patch to an aquatic garden, to a butterfly garden. This is a family friendly event so all ages are welcome. We will work from 9am-12pm on the second Sunday of each month (June 12, July 10, and August 14). To sign up, please visit the on-line volunteer registration at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/ and click on the blue tab at the top of the page titled "Volunteer".
Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Address: 200 E. Joppa Rd., Ste. 407, Towson, MD 21286 Location of Work: Hunt Valley, MD Contact: Brittanie Stuber at 410.938.8990 or bstuber@komenmd.org Website: www.komenmd.org Mission of Agency: To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Minimum Age: 16 Volunteer Opportunities: The summer is a great time to start a team and begin fundraising for the fall event. It's not to early to sign-up for 2011 Race for the Cure volunteer positions (available on our website ) happening on Sunday, October 23.
Project Linus
Address: 4967 Moonfall Way, Columbia, MD 21044 Location of Work: Volunteer’s home Contact: Arlene Kutz at 410.730.8865 or kastle4@verizon.net Website: www.projectlinus.org Mission of Agency: It is the mission of Project Linus to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers". Minimum Age: none Volunteer Opportunities: Blanketeers
Moveable Feast
Address: 901 North Milton Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205 Location of Work: same Contact: Tom Patrick at 410.327.3420 x31or tpatrick@mfeast.org Website: www.mfeast.org Mission of Agency: Help us feed a Marylander in need! Moveable Feast provides nutritious foods and other services in order to preserve quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Minimum Age: 18, 12 and up with parent/guardian (see below) Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to assist with food preparation, packaging and portioning out meals, filling grocery bags and light duties in the kitchen. Assistance is especially needed on the weekends from 10am-3pm. Opportunities are also available from Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm and Thursday evenings from 5pm-8pm. Minimum age with parent/guardian: Weekends -12 and up with parent/guardian Weekdays - 15 and up with parent/guardian
Salvation Army
Address: 9017 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD 21045 Location of Work: Same Contact: Windy Kidd at 443.656.3376 or Windy_Kidd@uss.salvationarmy.org Website: www.tsabaltimore.org Mission of Agency: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. Minimum Age: 14 with parents permission Volunteer Opportunities: Various opportunities are available throughout the year.
U.S. Dream Academy
Address: 10400 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Suite 300 Columbia, MD 21044 Location of Work: Same as above Contact: Samantha Shepherd at 410.772.7143 or sshepherd@usdreamacademy.org Website: www.usdreamacademy.org Mission of Agency: The US Dream Academy’s mission is to empower at-risk children and youth to maximize their potential by providing them with academic, social and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. The U.S. Dream Academy is an innovative afterschool and mentoring program that helps young people become dreamers who realize their dreams Minimum Age: please call Volunteer Opportunities: We are in the process of relocating our main office this summer and are seeking individuals to help us pack up our office space. Lunch will be provided to volunteers interested in helping us for the day or longer.
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Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Address: 10440 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite G-1 Columbia, MD 21044 Location of Work: Columbia, MD 21044 Contact: Kelly Lance at 410.964.0202 Ext. 105 or kelly@ulmanfund.org Website: www.ulmancancerfund.org Mission of Agency: To provide support programs, education, and resources free of charge to benefit young adults, their family and friends who are affected by cancer, and to promote the prevention and awareness of cancer. Minimum Age: 12 Volunteer Opportunities: Celebration Triathlon www.tricolumbia.org Race Packet Distribution At the Columbia Sheraton Friday, June 24: Shift 1 1:30-4:30 Shift 2 4:30-7:30 Saturday, June 25: Shift 1 9:30-2:30 Shift 2 2:30-7:00 To volunteer please email Kelly Lance at Kelly@ulmanfund.org Iron Girl Triathlon www.tricolumbia.org Race Packet Distribution At the Columbia Sheraton Friday, August 19: Shift 1 1:30-4:30 Shift 2 4:30-7:30 Saturday, August 20: Shift 1 9:30-2:30 Shift 2 2:30-7:00 To volunteer please email Kelly Lance at Kelly@ulmanfund.org 24 Hours of Booty www.24hoursofbooty.org Columbia Gateway Business Park Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 27, 2011 24 Hours of Booty Event Volunteer! 24 Hours of Booty Event Volunteers are dedicated individuals, groups and families who come together to make a difference in the fight against cancer.Volunteer as little as 3 hours or as much as 24 hours (or more). All volunteer time slots are scheduled in threehour increments. You may also choose to volunteer more than once during the event! For your efforts, you'll receive free food, drinks, a cool volunteer Tshirt, an exclusive volunteer lounge tent, AND you'll have the opportunity to rub elbows with some truly great people. To become an event volunteer, use the following link to sign up: http://www.doitsports.com/volunteer2/jobs-by-date.tcl?event_id=202951 Half Full Triathlon www.halffulltri.org Jobs Include Race Packet Pick Up, Hospitality, Course Management, Venue Management, Volunteer Check in, etc. Friday, September 30-Sunday, October 2, 2011 To volunteer please sign up through our website:
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