5 Ways to use Volunteer Experience to get a Job

This can work for ANYONE looking for a job, not just college grads.

Forbes recently pulled together 15 career experts and asked them to share interview tips for college grads. According to one career expert from LinkedIn, 42% of hiring managers say, “they view volunteer experience equivalent to formal work experience.” (So feel free to breathe a huge sigh of relief if you, like me, can’t afford the path of unpaid internships to build your resume after college.)

But this news is a huge win for Millennial job seekers! As a generation, we’re already civic-minded, which apparently sets us on a great path to landing a future job. But it isn’t as easy as “I volunteered in college – I’ll take one job, please!” So how can you use your experience wisely?

1. Numbers, stats and specificity will impress more than vague references.
While employers love the idea of hiring altruistic and kind people, it isn’t enough to set a candidate apart from the rest of the pack. So on your resume, list out specific actions you took that yielded specific results for your cause, along with exact numbers for the inputs (what you put into the project), outputs (what came out of your activity), and a description of the outcomes (the change in condition felt by the people or community you served). Be ready to expand on those numbers during your interview.

2. Use examples that show you can do THIS job well.

If you’re telling the same story the same way in every job interview, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Identify the core competencies the employer wants to see from an applicant and talk up those aspects of a volunteer project. Let’s say you helped execute a massive fundraising campaign on your campus. At times, you probably had to coordinate a lot of moving pieces for events. At other times, you may have had to use your communication skills to persuade people to take a certain kind of action (which is an actual prompt I have used in behavioral interviews, by the way). Figure out what skills the interviewer wants to hear about and focus your answer on those skills.

3. Seek out employers who will value your experience.

Service corps like Americorps and Teach for America, government agencies, issue campaigns, and nonprofits like us here at United Way are extremely interested in hiring applicants with relevant volunteer experience. And for-profit companies value volunteer experience, too. Every year Deloitte hosts an Alternative Spring Break with United Way where high-performing underclassmen spend a week volunteering alongside Deloitte’s young professionals and partners. Deloitte gets to see how students perform working in teams to improve lives. And students—who we know want to work for a socially responsible employer—get a chance to peek inside Deloitte’s awesome, community-focused culture. It’s a win-win, especially considering so many students from this ASB program now work for Deloitte.

4. Use your volunteer opportunities as a chance to network.

It’s a fact of life: landing your dream job can sometimes boil down to who you know. Hiring managers are pressed for time, often reviewing hundreds of resumes. So when you meet people, leave a positive lasting impression on them. It may help ensure your resume gets a second look and may lead to a foot in the door. So next time you’re volunteering, get to know the staff. See if you can interact with their executive director. Tell them you’re looking for jobs and ask if they know anyone at X, Y and Z employers. Some of the most powerful people in your community sit on the boards of local nonprofits. By volunteering, you could be stepping into a very influential network. Leverage it!

5.  Make your volunteering count.

No one will hire you if you describe your volunteering experience as, “I sat at the front desk and answered the phone one day.” With every volunteer opportunity, you have the chance to support a cause you’re passionate about, change someone’s life, grow as a leader and refine your skills. Take it seriously and give it your all!

Happy job hunting!

Article originally posted at www.UnitedWay.org

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Baby, I'm Watching Over You

During our Days of Action Children's Literacy Event we not only gave out 450 backpacks and over 3000 books but we also read stories to the kids and did activities with them.  One of the stories that we read was Baby, I'm Watching Over You, by Carol Casey.  The book is about men and women who are serving our country overseas and their bond with their children.  It illustrates that no matter where they are, they are always watching over and protecting their children.

After listening to the story we asked the kids if they would like to write a letter to a soldier or draw a picture that we could send to them. Nothing is better than the innocent words of a child, the letters were short and heartfelt and covered with colorful stickers and pictures that they drew.  

All of the letters will be sent to a group called Operation Gratitude and they will make sure they get sent to our troops.  Below is a sample of a couple of the letters, if you would like to see all of the letters please visit our website.

 

5 Steps To Being A Great Volunteer

What are you doing this summer? If it's your first year as a summer volunteer, you may have a lot to learn. A good volunteer can make a real difference in the community. To do a good job and make a great impression, follow these tips.

Always Arrive On Time (or Early)

When you volunteer, other people depend on you. If you're late, it could be detrimental to everyone's day. Always arrive early or on-time for your volunteer assignment. If you have to be late or miss a day, call ahead to let your supervisor know.

Dress Appropriately for Your Job

Summer volunteer jobs vary in their clothing requirements. Before you start, ask your supervisor what you should wear. Office jobs need different types of clothing than outdoor jobs. You'll dress differently for an active assignment than for a day at a desk. Keep in mind that you may need different clothes for different parts of your summer volunteer work. Always dress neatly. Remember, you represent the organization.

Be Helpful and Cheerful

Summer volunteer work can be hard, and you may feel tired and cranky some days. Try to stay positive and cheerful when you're on the job. The people you help will value your friendly face and caring attitude. Sometimes, a smile is all it takes to make the world a better place.

Ask Questions

If you don't understand what you're supposed to be doing, ask for help. Don't be embarrassed if you need advice. It's more important to do things correctly by getting help from others.

Have Fun!

Summer volunteer work is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Work hard, but have fun while you're doing it. Your great attitude about your work will help other people see how important your charity is.

United Way of NWMI gives 3000+ books to 457 area children!

Day of Action is a United Way Worldwide event every June focused on Children’s Literacy. Our Days of Action Childrens Literacy Event helps to prevent summer learning loss by providing children with reading materials to keep them reading throughout the summer months. Through community support, United Way of Northwest Michigan was able collect more than 3000 new and used books through book drives and distributed them to 450+ youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties.  If you’d like to be a part of Days of Action summer 2015, contact Michelle Gallagher

This event would not have been possible without the sponsorship of UPS.  They gave us the money we needed to be able to have the impact that we did.  They also delivered the books to each event in their really cool UPS truck with the flames on it, the kids LOVED the truck!

We also have to thank Chase Bank and Traverse City Area Public Schools for helping with the book drive.  With their support we were able to collect over 3000 books that we distributed to children in the five counties that we serve; Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. 

Last but certainly not least are the local libraries and parks that let us come in with all of our books, backpacks and activities.  Kingsley Public Library, Benzie Shores District Library, Suttons Bay Bingham Library, and two community parks; Kalkaska Children's Garden and the Elk Rapids Rotary Park.   

To see pictures of this event visit our Facebook page or you can view them on our Flickr page.

  

New Executive Director Named

It is with great excitement that United Way of Northwest Michigan welcomes Ranae McCauley as its new Executive Director.  Ranae comes to the organization from the Michigan State University Extension program, where she was previously the Coordinator of the Community Collaboratives in Antrim and Kalkaska Counties. 

“We are so excited to be able to obtain someone as qualified and respected in the community as Ranae McCauley.” said local United Way Board President Matt Classens.  “Ranae’s dedication to helping those in need is exemplary.  As a former citizen of the Year in Kalkaska County and as the 2012 Traverse Area Athena award winner, she epitomizes what ‘Living United’ is all about.”  

McCauley has spent the past 17 years working at the MSU Extension on collaborative efforts in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska Counties.  She is active in many regional projects including housing matters, the local 211 call in center, child advocacy and farm to school programs.  She is a founding member of the local Poverty Reduction Initiative, and current Vice-President of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Board.   

“I look forward to working with agencies to improve the quality of life in our region.   We are blessed to have an amazing network of donors and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact for our most fragile and vulnerable citizens.” Ranae McCauley.

Ranae was selected out of over 40 candidates who applied for the position.  The search team conducted six initial interviews, and conducted a final round interview with the finalist.  It is anticipated that she will assume her new role on or around August 19, 2013.      

Please join us in welcoming Ranae McCauley to United Way of Northwest Michigan.

The year's Top 5

Each year, hundreds of local companies and volunteers support United Way during a workplace campaign. Workplace campaigns are the very core of United Way's fundraising activities. We would like to salute our Top 5 for their ongoing support and generosity. Together the Top 5 raised $192,000 for our community.  Top 5 Workplace Campaigns ITW Coding Products Fifth Third Bank Hillshire Brands Forkardt an ITW Workholding Company Meijer  *Our rankings are formulated by the combined total of amount raised and the employee participation rate.

We Need YOU!

United Way's Employee Campaign in local workplaces is about bringing people together to tackle our community's most difficult issues because no one person or organization can do it alone. Whether you're a small business, major corporation, or even a nonprofit we can get you started today. Every workplace campaign is different and can be shaped around your organization's culture. Setting up and running a campaign is simple and we can help you every step of the way. Employees can contribute through payroll deductions or easy-to-use online tools. Many companies double their impact by matching their employees' giving dollar for dollar. The money raised supports vital human services that help people right here in our community.   If you are interested in learning more about the workplace campaign and joining other local business leaders in workplace giving, please contact Michelle Krumm at 231-947-3200 Ext. 204.

Ice Cream Social and Family Fun Day!

On June 8 from noon to 6 pm Buchan's Blueberry Hill and the Traverse City Parrothead Club will be hosting an ice cream social and family fun day at Buchan's farm, 1472 Nelson Road.  Come out and enjoy Buchan's homemade ice cream, bring the kids so they can hang out in the Kids Zone where they can play games, do crafts, pet the animals, and enjoy a hot dog lunch.  Cost to enter the Kids Zone is just $5 per person and all proceeds benefit United Way of Northwest Michigan.

Catholic Heart Work Camp is here to VOLUNTEER!

Do you represent an organization in need of volunteers this summer? 

In mid-July, Traverse City will play host to the Catholic Heart Work Camp - a group of visiting adults and students (ages 14 - 20). Their main purpose while here in TC is to volunteer -  and they need projects to do! 

We'd love to provide you with volunteers, so let us know if you can accommodate one or more teams of 6 volunteers (5 kids/1 adult) for work from 8:30am-3pm during the week of July 17-20. Think big! These volunteers will be ready to work on projects big or small. Keep in mind that it is just fine if you have an age limit for volunteerism - just make sure you let us know so we can have volunteers of the right age come to your project. Also - these volunteers have transportation and are willing to travel 30 - 40 minutes outside of TC - you don't have to be in TC to take advantage of their volunteer efforts!

Please contact Amanda Hilt (231-947-3200x206,amanda@unitedwaynwmi.org) at the Volunteer Center with project ideas. 

Days of Action Book Drive

United Way of Northwest Michigan Volunteer Center is putting out a call for gently used or new children’s books during its annual book drive, scheduled for the week of May 13 through 17, 2013.

The books will be used during the Volunteer Center’s second annual Days of Action, literacy celebration events scheduled in four surrounding counties in June. All collected books will be supplied to children who attend the free-of-charge events in order to help encourage continued reading engagement by families throughout the summer months.

“Our Day of Action events provide families with free literacy activities to engage their children with over the summer.” Said Amanda Hilt, Youth and Family Volunteer Coordinator at United Way of Northwest Michigan. “In addition to providing literacy activities, gently used books are available for children and parents to take home and keep. Reading is incredibly important to continue over the summer. Many families may not have easy access to libraries and having books to keep at home, free of restrictions is wonderful.”

To donate, please drop off your gently used or new books to the local TCAPS elementary school nearest you, or to the United Way of Northwest Michigan offices at 521 S. Union, Traverse City. 

Why We Do What We Do...

This is the story of Cassandra S., on our first day in New Orleans we gutted the interior of her home, the first step in rebuilding.

Cassandra represents the true spirit of New Orleans.  Cassandra's home was built by Habitat for Humanity in 2001; before Hurricane Katrina she was living there with her five children, her two brothers, husband, and three step-children.  In Cassandra's words, "I have a big family and my house has always been the house where everybody goes."  It was a home full of people, love, and Cassandra's exceptional cooking.  As well as caring for her large family, Cassandra owned her own small business called Scotts Catering Service which catered various events - especially with her famous gumbo.

When the storm hit, Cassandra didn't have a working car to leave the city with. She pawned her computer in order to buy a starter for her car and drive everyone to Silver Creek, MS, where her uncle had a home.  His house was already full, so Cassandra and her children stayed outside in tents, surviving off of generators.  The family moved from Mississippi to Texas, where they spent a year with Cassandra's sister.
Cassandra returned to New Orleans East in 2007, living in two FEMA trailers outside her home.  There was not enough space for all eight children - they slept on tables and sofas.  For Cassandra, "this was one of the most miserable times of my life.  I had just lost everything and we were living in these tiny trailers - but at least I was home."

After two years in trailers, Cassandra and her family began renting a house and using their Road Home money to begin rebuilding.  It took about a year for her home to be finished, but when Cassandra went to see the completed house, she found the front door kicked in and all of the electric wiring and copper plumbing ripped out of her home.  She was devastated, but determined to return home, and began rebuilding again.  Once the home was finished a second time, she decided to elevate the house so it would be protected from future storms.  However, the elevation contractor left the door unlocked one night and thieves came in again to smash open her walls and steal everything they could carry.

Seven years after the storm, Cassandra still refuses to hang pictures in the house she is renting now.  She feels like "if I start hanging pictures it's like I'm not trying to get home anymore."  Today Cassandra lives with her children as well as her teenage niece.  Even after all this time, "being back home is the heaviest weight on my shoulders...I will feel more complete and my life can get going once again once we're home."  SBP is honored to rebuild Cassandra's house and help her turn it back into a home full of family holidays and pots of gumbo that are still missed throughout the neighborhood.

For more information on the St. Bernard Project and how you can help families like the Scott's please visit their website.

United Way of Northwest Michigan is partnering with C&J Signs, to promote your business and ours. This co-branding opportunity is an affordable way to advertise while benefiting the community you serve…and having fun doing it.  Golf course advertising has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for small businesses needing ways to stretch their advertising budget. It is one of the most affordable ways to show case your business to a targeted clientele.  

For only $300:

·         Your Choice of sign placement at: Elmbrook, Interlochen, Mistwood and Chestnut Hills

·         A superbly crafted sign displayed for 1 year

·         1 Golf Michigan Play book

·         2-18 Hole Play Passes to  your course of choice

·         365 days of recognition on United Way of Northwest Michigan’s Website

·         3 month summer awareness event (participating businesses will be highlighted in UWNWMI e-newsletter and other social and media outlets)

Please call 231.947.3200 Ext. 204 should you have any questions, need additional information or to order a sign today!  

Free Tax Preperation

Tax season is here, and we've got great news -- you may be able to get your state and federal taxes prepared and filed free through MyFreeTaxes.com, a partnership with United Way, Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute and the Walmart Foundation.

Skip the tax preparer and file online--free.  Gather all relevant documents whether you do your own taxes or pay a preparer.  If you earned $57,000 or less in 2012 use MyFreeTaxes.com to file both your federal and state taxes.  You can also get extra help (still free) and file in-person if you made less than $50,000; just visit MyFreeTaxes.com for a site near you.

Get all the tax credits and deductions you deserve.  you could get money back even if you don't owe any taxes.  one in five Americans fail to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit each year, leaving thousands of dollars on the table.  For a helpful list of tax credits and deductions you may be eligible for, visit MyFreeTaxes.com. 

In partnership with United Way, MyFreeTaxes' online and in-person tax preparation and filing services have helped 4.5 million families claim nearly $6 billion in tax credits and refunds since 2009. Working together, we can ensure more people are on a better path to financial stability.

Meet Erin!!

Erin Bernhard is the new AmeriCorps VISTA for The Grand Vision. Although paid by a federal government program she will be working with Amanda and Susan at the United Way Volunteer Center to promote Volunteer Northwest Michigan. Her main objective is to work with the schools in the region to encourage student use of the website for service learning and engagement. She is also focused on promoting the website as a volunteer clearinghouse to local volunteer-run non-profits. Erin is a 2007 alum of Traverse City West Senior High and a recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a BA in English Literature and Language. Prior to her AmeriCorps service, she worked as an intern reporter with the Leelanau Enterprise

Summer Internship

We were fortunate to have two interns this summer. Here is a short note from one of them, Caron Alpers:

In conclusion of my summer internship, I am reflecting on my placement with this social service organization.  United Way of Northwest Michigan has offered me valuable opportunities to gain a feel for what working in the social work field will be like.  I have been introduced to, and have gained an appreciation of, many professionally and personally - and have felt part of a professional team.  I state with confidence that this committed team is working to ensure equal access to resources for all people.  I grew in my understanding of the many resources available to my neighbors - many that I was previously unaware of.  I connected, in a variety of ways, to the new 2-1-1 data base and that has been enlightening.  This internship has been a valuable learning tool and a motivator to me to continue with my goal.

Community Campaign

The planning for each year's, "United Way Community Campaign," begins in recruitment and selection of Campaign Division Chairs.

We are pleased to announce that Wes and Arlene Nelson will lead our 2011 Community Campaign. Both together and individually, the couple has made "long-standing and far-reaching" contributions to the area through their work with the National Cherry Festival, Zonta, Rotary, Northwestern Michigan College Scholarship Program, Project 100, the Doula Teen program, the Cadillac Club, and the Navigator Club.

Campaign Division Chairs consists of volunteers from across the community. Each division has a leader to commit to helping raise funds and awareness during the campaign. While many volunteers are very visible, others do a lot of work behind the scenes. Campaign volunteers are critical to our success. We still have a few divisions without leadership, if you are interested in volunteering please contact Michelle Krumm at 947-3200 Ext. 204.

Grace - our summer intern

Going into my internship with United Way, I didn’t really know what it was or what it did.  But after a couple days here, I learned that it’s a huge part of how our Community thrives. It has been such a great experience  getting to know all parts that make up United Way and the awesome staff that works so hard to improve our Community. I am extremely blessed to have such a great experience at United Way. I look forward to everyday that I work and still have the rest of the summer to return!

Thank you for everything!!!

Grace Duensing

Grants awarded to local agencies

Although United Way is probably most known for raising money, the real purpose of United Way is to support area non-profits. One important way we do this is by providing grants. Earlier this month we concluded our grant making for this year. Here's what you, through your contributions, did:

•Helped fund 39 different programs

•Provided 12 programs with more than 75% of what they requested

•Funded 17 programs that had not been funded by United Way in the past

•Impacted people all across the 5-county area

•Funded programs addressing a wide range of needs including health care, housing, food, youth programs, and financial assistance

If you contributed to this year's community campaign you should feel good knowing your single gift to United Way was actually a gift to dozens of programs throughout our community. Giving through United Way is an important part of how our community responds to the needs of our neighbors.

Cherryland Humane Society Needs Your Help

Taken from a letter sent to residents asking to help keep the Cherryland Humane Society open:

"The Cherryland Humane Society (CHS) has served the area for over 54 years.  It has truly been a labor of love for thousands of individuals for over 1/2 a century.  We now find ourselves in dire financial straits.  If we are unable to raise much needed funds soon, we will be forced to close our doors by early to mid June.  For every $20,000 in donations that we are able to raise toward the $200,000 goal, we will be able to operate for an additional month.  Because we now find ourselves in a critical situation, we wish to ask for your consideration for providing a tax deductible donation for the work of the CHS on behalf of multitudes of unwanted and homeless pets.  Your contribution will impact the future of so many pets that are dependent upon each of us for their well being.  We shall be pleased to work with you concerning recognition for whatever financial help that you are willing to provide."

Contributions can be sent to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49696.  If you wish to discuss your gift or would like additional information please contact Mike Cherry, CHS Executive Director, at (231) 946-5116.

United Way of Northwest Michigan's mission is to efficiently raise and effectively distribute both financial and volunteer resources to support community - determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members.