RCPL has a great opportunity to learn how a working Web team manages the online presence of a high profile public agency. RCPL is looking for Web site developer (Web site team) Interns or Volunteers to help with various tasks in the library's Virtual Services department. The position would include various tasks such as but not limited to programming custom modules; troubleshooting existing code and templates; implementing page layouts; administration and configuration of the Drupal content management system; wire framing and using other planning mechanisms to communicate planned functionality; and reporting when necessary.

If you take pride in having an outstanding Children's Library in Columbia, you can sort, shelve and help RCPL staff maintain our exceptional children's collection at the Main Library. You will need to be able to alphabetize and organize, plus have the physical ability to stand, reach and bend in order to work with our materials. This opportunity is also open to adults and children ( grades 5 and up) who would like to serve together as a family.

Cathy Dolan
Volunteer Coordinator
1431 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC  29201
803-929-3436
cdolan@myrcpl.com
www.myrcpl.com

SC Hispanic Outreach

Acercamiento Hispano / Hispanic Outreach is the oldest Latino community based organization in South Carolina.

Our mission is to preserve the dignity, promote the well being and improve the quality of life of the Hispanic Latino community of South Carolina.

The majority of the individuals served by Acercamiento Hispano staff are from the migrant farm-worker and the low-wage factory worker population. The services Acercamiento Hispano provides are dictated by the needs of the individuals in the community. The organization has created mechanisms through which individuals can voice their concerns and needs. Acercamiento encourages community members’ visits to the office to access the services of the organization. The design and implementation of the services is directly influenced by the community in their role as staff and as volunteers.

At this time SC Hispanic Outreach needs 4 volunteers to help with grant writing and webpage. If you are interested in improving your spanish this is a great opportunity! Please contact: epardo@schispanicoutreach.org

Cocky's Reading Express

Cocky’s Reading Express is an award-winning literacy outreach program that inspires children across South Carolina to continue reading throughout their lives. USC students visit schools around the state with their friend, Cocky, and read aloud to children. All the children are given a book to take home, a reminder of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. Cocky's Reading Express is a collaboration of the University of South Carolina Student Government and the University's School of Library and Information Science.

Your help is needed! You can volunteer for a couple of hours or an entire day. It’s up to you! Share your love of reading and inspire children. Give back to your community, gain valuable experience and earn service hours.
Contact Christine Rienecker, Program Coordinator

Turning Pages

The mission of Turning Pages is to help adults reach their full potential, by helping them improve reading, math, computer, and English language skills through customized learning plans. Turning pages is a local non-profit organization serving adults in the greater Columbia area and their services are free.
If you are interested in volunteering, call 803.240.2441.

Teach for America

One in every four low-income adults in the United States is functionally illiterate, and only one in 1 out of 13 low-income students will graduate from college. This injustice is not unique to one certain area – it is common in low-income communities throughout the United States. Disparities in educational opportunities limit the life choices of the 13 million children growing up in poverty today, impacting their earning potential, voter participation, civic engagement and community involvement. These disparities disproportionately impact African American children, who are three times as likely to live in a low-income area.  This is not for lack of potential, but for lack of opportunity.  You have the power to change this.

Student leaders from around the country are electing to do something very powerful – to make an impact for 2 years immediately after graduation. Find out why 50,000 people applied to Teach For America last year.

Please join Teach For America to learn how you can make an immediate difference in the lives of your students.
www.teachforamerica.org

American Red Cross

Volunteer Positions for Spring and Summer 2012

March 2012
Fort Jackson, SC
Public Relations/Marketing
5-10 Hour committment per week
For more information: American Red Cross Public Relations Assistant

July 2012
Fort Jackson, SC
Youth Chairman
Three days per week recommended during interviewing and summer months.
For more information: American Red Cross Youth Chairman

EdVenture

Health Programs internship Spring, Summer, and/or Fall 2012
Hours flexible
Proposed responsibilities:

• Under supervision, with specified content, write newspaper and/or magazine articles and publicity material for health projects,
• Be present at as many EdCeptional Kids and Take Heart and Smile events, Oral Health Robot appearances and Germs, Germs, Germs presentations as his or her schedule permits to monitor and evaluate for future planning purposes. 
• Research topics of interest as directed – (e.g. how to contact special education teachers in area school districts and at the University of South Carolina)
• Contact program providers to confirm and manage arrangements for health events, particularly EdCeptional Kids Open Houses on January 21, 2012, March 24, 2012 and possibly September 22, 2012. 

The successful intern in this position will be able to work independently on well delineated tasks, have excellent communication skills, be able to work effectively with other staff members and enjoy interacting with children.  Having a health related background will be useful but not mandatory.

Katherine W. Williams RN, DrPH
Health Education Programs Manager
EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
PO Box 1638 (29202)
Telephone: 803 779-3100 ext 1133
FAX: 803: 779-3144
Email: kwilliams@edventure.org

 Looking to create your own service experience?

Dobson Volunteer Service Program:
The Dobson Volunteer Service Program at the University of South Carolina provides funding support for students, faculty and staff members to engage in direct service activities, both locally and abroad. Applicants for Dobson funding (up to 50 percent of approved expenses) must agree to provide on their return a personal reflection document and ten presentations sharing information about their experiences as a Dobson participant. Emphasis is placed on depth of service commitment, and the impact it might have on individual spiritual development through the service experience.
http://www.sa.sc.edu/stlife/dobson/

Applications:
Dobson Individual Application
Dobson Small Group Application

Not finding a volunteer opportunity to fit your interests and availability? Fill out a Community Service Interest Form and we will follow up with personalized suggestions.