Habitat for Humanity of Island County
How did you get involved?
For my final field experience I wanted to challenge myself and work locally in my hometown. I did several informational interviews with various organization, but I was not as enthusiastic as I was about interning for Habitat for Humanity of Island County {for more info} which challenged me to work directly with volunteers. What interested me the most was their upcoming Collegiate Challenge program {for more info}; an alternative spring break for college students to contribute back to communities locally and/or nationally. At the end of the quarter, I continued to be an office volunteer. I have been maintaining and updating volunteer information as well as collaborating with staff for Women Build {for more info}; one of their many theme builds that celebrated women empowerment and catered only to women.
Mission Statement for Habitat International
"Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends" {for more info}.
Vision
"Habitat for Humanity Island County’s goal is to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness and to make affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action throughout Island County" {for more info}.
Volunteer Outreach Intern: January - May 2011
Principle Responsibilities:
1.Performing basic clerical tasks, including filing, copying, and data verification
2. Answering phone calls or direct calls to appropriate staff members
3. Assisting with other departmental clerical tasks as necessary
4. Maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, other volunteers, supervisors, and the general public
5. Assisting with coordinating Collegiate Challenge with Program Services Coordinator
6. Maintain and update Volunteer Up! database; including logging hours and filing waivers
7. Maintain and update PowerPoint presentations for Volunteer Orientation, Collegiate Challenge Orientation, and Family Selection Informational Public Meeting Orientation
8. Maintain and update Informational Handouts for Volunteer Outreach Opportunities
Preparation, Experience, and Skills Desired:
1. Dynamic and energetic
2. Highly motivated to interact with the community on the professional and direct service level.
3. Requires excellent organizational and communication skills and basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and general office machines.
4. Able to provide prompt and courteous customer service.
5. Ability to be sensitive and responsive to diversity.
1.Performing basic clerical tasks, including filing, copying, and data verification
2. Answering phone calls or direct calls to appropriate staff members
3. Assisting with other departmental clerical tasks as necessary
4. Maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, other volunteers, supervisors, and the general public
5. Assisting with coordinating Collegiate Challenge with Program Services Coordinator
6. Maintain and update Volunteer Up! database; including logging hours and filing waivers
7. Maintain and update PowerPoint presentations for Volunteer Orientation, Collegiate Challenge Orientation, and Family Selection Informational Public Meeting Orientation
8. Maintain and update Informational Handouts for Volunteer Outreach Opportunities
Preparation, Experience, and Skills Desired:
1. Dynamic and energetic
2. Highly motivated to interact with the community on the professional and direct service level.
3. Requires excellent organizational and communication skills and basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and general office machines.
4. Able to provide prompt and courteous customer service.
5. Ability to be sensitive and responsive to diversity.
Collegiate Challenge
I collaborated with the Program Services Coordinator in organizing and confirming services within the community to cater to the three college groups participating with Collegiate Challenge {for more info}; University of Montana, Minnesota State, and Seattle University. I created a spreadsheet containing a detailed schedule for each day, the entire week in regards to meals, and local attractions/services they may need while participating.
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Women Build
I collaborated with the Program Services Coordinator, Resource Development Coordinator, and Construction Manager in organizing supplies, waivers, and lunch for Women Build {for more info}. We about 60 female volunteers that participated for the two day event. They were able to frame the bottom floor of the two-story home. It was an amazing and eventful two days of women empowerment.
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Family Selection
When the Habitat chapter acquires a new housing plot, the Program Services Coordinators form a Family Selection committee to select a future Habitat Family in accordance to the Habitat policies and procedures. Their responsibility may include advertising, presenting at public informational meetings, advising potential families, and presenting to the Board of Directors. The process takes place approximately over a two month time span, unless any complications may arise with qualified applicants.
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