Get Out of Bed and Fall into the Bed Races!

Ever wanted to participate in an event where you race with a very cool object like a bed? Please join Denver's Road Home and the Center for Urban Connections, as we host our second annual Bed Races Event on February 9th,2011 from 1-3:30 pm!

The Bed Races requires a team ( of 5 people, 4 who push the bed and 1 who rides as a passenger) and a 50 dollar registration fee that supports Denver's Road Home and the Denver homeless community.

The rules for the bed race are as follows: The bed must be pushed down the driveway, where the passenger must dismount the bed, don pajamas ( and button them fully), get back on the bed, which is then pushed back to the original start line.

To learn more information about this event or PJ Day which is on February 10th, please visithttp://pjday.org/ or come into our office, The Center for Urban Connections at Tivoli 243 or call (303) 352-7129.

Thanks for reading and have a great winter break!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

A New Take on Service: Homeless Women Plans Spa Day

Have you ever taken anything for granted? One may say that such a simple question seems easy to answer, but some may not understand what it is like to not have the opportunity to be educated, live in a house or even be able to eat at one's leisure. Many do not have it all, but it is what you have made of your present situation that keeps you going throughout your life.

Paula Smith, a Colorado resident has created an event for Homeless individuals in Boulder to help her peers, feel empowered,love themselves, and be pampered for a day. Smith, went to an event at the Gathering Place in Denver that was similar to the one she is planning, where she experienced a high end salon day at the 16th Street Mall. Now Smith and Two CU Students want to re-create this experience by treating the whole person, both mind & body to a day of relaxation.

Smith wanted to give to others, a concept that may seem rare when it is coming from one who may seem like she cannot help. This new take on service, establishes a cycle of the-give back to a person, and then the give-to another philosophy, where the community in need gives to another community and/or reciprocates that need,since help has been received. This is a wonderful ethic pattern to live by, and is understood to improve the connection between non-profit organization who help people and people in need that help others like them.

Here is the link to read the whole article:http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_16841865

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Holiday Gifts That Support Local and Global Communities!

Looking for a gift that re-generates and gives back to others? Look no further than some great finds that give a percentage or a donation to a non-profit organization. These are practical and fun ways to support local and global communities, and give unique gifts to friends and family.

1) Camel Back Waterbottle- This gift was created by Water.org and actor Matt Damon. This cost is just $18.99 for this carafe and 100 percent of the profits will help provide clean water to the 1 billion people in the world who currently are without it .

2) Pottery Barn Candles- When you give friends or family this gift, Pottery Barn,will give 50 percent of the proceeds collected from sales of its lidded candle pots, priced at $29, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This percentage of funding will support research for pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases.

3) Community Supported Agriculture Membership- Support local farmers and spread the sustainability word by purchasing a Community-Supported Agriculture membership for friends and family. Visit Local Harvest (http://www.localharvest.org/ ) to find a local farmer to deliver seasonal produce to your door weekly.

4) Ugandan Organic Wax Cloth Yoga Bag- Give your yogi friends a women-made, eco-friendly yoga bag from Global Girlfriend, a nonprofit that sells apparel to finance grants for women in rural Africa. The $36 zen-inducing purchase will help extend the power of women’s rights around the globe.

5) Dancing Deer Sweet Home Pick- Proceeds for this gift go to helping homeless mothers and children find jobs and homes. Dancing Deer Baking Co.’s Sweet Home Pick for $35.95 includes cookies and a dark gingerbread cake, and 35 percent of the price will help people who need a sweet lift.

6) Tom's Shoes- For every pair of shoes that is purchased from Tom's Shoes, another pair will be matched to give to a child in need!

7) Humane Society- Donate 20 dollars in honor of a family member or friend to your local Humane Society, and name a pet & support animal rights!

8) Donate to Heifer Internation and purchase a Basket of Hope for 50 dollars, which helps to give a family farm, chickens and rabbits.

9) Multi-Languge Cards- Support UNICEF and cultural awareness by helping children internationally. These lovely cards are offered in six different languages, offered at a resonable price of $7.99.

For more information on these gifts and links to the Give Back Gifts, please go to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/02/christmas-gifts-2010-9-gi_n_791413.html#s197866

More Organizations and Businesses that Give Profits to Local/ Global Causes: Womens Bean Project, The Gathering Place, Bead for Life, BMOCA ( Boulder Musuem of Contemporary Art) The Other Side Arts, 10,000 Villages and Momentum.

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity!

Interested in volunteering over the holidays? National Sports Center for the Disabled is looking for volunteers to help them with their gift wrapping fundraiser for the pre-holiday season until Christmas Eve. They are looking for festive and fun volunteers who love to gift wrap for a cause! Volunteers who sign up for two or more shifts that receive a 10 dollar gift card to participating stores at the Colorado Mills Outlet Mall.

The times that are still needed for volunteers are:

Friday December 10

12pm-4pm

4pm-8pm

Saturday December 11

3pm-8pm

Friday December 17

12pm-4pm

4pm-8pm

Sunday December 19

4pm-8pm

Monday December 20

10am-2pm

2pm-6pm

6pm-10pm

Tuesday December 20

10am-2pm

2pm-6pm

6pm-10pm

Wednesday December 20

10am-2pm

2pm-6pm

6pm-10pm

Thursday December 20

10am-2pm

2pm-6pm

6pm-10pm

Friday December 24 (Christmas Eve)

8am-1pm

1pm-5pm

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity please contact Ashley Hinkle at ahinkle@nscd.org or 303-293-5315.

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle Lansky

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Apply to the Denver Foundation's Non-Profit Summer Internship Program!

Hello All!

I just wanted to let you know of a great opportunity happening this summer through the Denver Foundation. The Denver Foundation is Colorado's largest community foundation and its mission is to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.

This summer, the Denver Foundation is offering their Non-Profit Summer Internship for all undergraduate Metro students. The Internship started in 2007 and is one of few that is paid and provides an opportunity to learn about yourself and non-profit organizations in the Denver community. There have been six Metro State students who received this internship out of 43 interns since 2007. This program works to provide opportunities to individuals who come from subordinate or under-represented communities. Individuals come out of this program acquiring more knowledge about: leadership skills , real work experience and skills, and a vast understanding of non-profit community issues.

In conjunction with the Summer Internship Program, Non-Profit Organizations that received funding from the Denver Foundation, have a chance to apply to receive an intern for their non-profit, and get another grant for their organization.

This internship is for all majors and a variety of unique non-profits such as: Platte Forum, Growing Home, Doctors Care and the African Community Center.

This year, the Denver Foundation is offering 12 spots for non-profit organization interns, two spots for the Denver Foundation interns, and 1 intern for the Womens Foundation.

If you would like to know more about this opportunity, and program logistics, please go to: http://www.denverfoundation.org/community/page/nonprofit-internship-program

Organizations that will participate in the 2011 Summer Internship Program will be posted on December 17th,2010!

The deadline for the opportunity is Monday January 14th,2011 at 5pm Mountain Time.

This looks wonderful on a resume and is a great expierence to have as a Metro Student!

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Support The Root Sellers & Come to Their Artisan Holiday Market!

Are you interested in local food and crafts?

Come to The Root Sellers Holiday Fair! The Root Sellers, is a club that was inspired by people wanting homemade jams and local products from neighbors and individuals who are passionate about all things local. Each season, The Root Sellers has a artisan fair. The next local food and craft fair is on Saturday, December 11th, from 10:00 am - 2:00pm at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot, Colorado, a mere 15 minutes away from Boulder. There will be a variety of homemade foods, holiday crafts and an array of local goodies that are wonderful holiday presents for all!

The Root Sellers is also looking for vendors to be at this event! If you have homemade foods or crafts go to their website for more information. This event is free and open to everyone! For more information about this event go to The Root Sellers Website, http://www.therootsellers.com/.

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Impact in the Community: One Family That Has Received Help Takes A Reciprocal Approach to Giving

Many individuals appreciate when someone gives their time or funds to help out an un-met need that they have, but few give back to their community to show that they are thankful for their time, energy and support. The Johnson family decided to not only give reciprocally, but open a thrift store to raise money and awareness. All of the money that is raised for this cause, is given to other children who are sick and need assistance. Uplifted and supported by the community, and carload after carload, this family has received tons of donations, in a very short period of existing.

There are a couple thrift stores in our community that are non-profit organizations, who give a percentage of their budget to other community organizations and create an engaging body of giving. These thrift stores are:

Treasure Trunk

Safari Seconds

Goodwill

Buffalo Exchange

Salvation Army

Go out and support these great businesses that give back and donate to the Denver community! For the link to this article please copy and paste this link onto your browser.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/29/family-opens-thrift-store_n_789180.html

Have a great day!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Cold Frame Your Vegetables This Winter!

Just because it is winter does not mean you can grow your vegetables and eat them too. Earth Links, a local non-profit that connects and sustains the urban poor and the planet is helping to promote local sustainability by using cold frames. This is a great non-profit who has a lot of volunteer opportunities with nature, such as working in their garden, selling products made by clients at EarthLinks,going along with clients on Nature trips and their GreenFingers project. Please click and read their article and watch their how-to YouTube of how to Cold frame vegetables in the wintertime!

http://earthlinks-colorado.org/cold-frame-gardening

Thanks for reading and Have a Great Break!

Rachelle

Media/Events

Center for Urban Connections

http://earthlinks-colorado.org/cold-frame-gardening

Spotlight on Urban Peak

Hi All!

Recently there has been a rise in homeless youth populations, contrary to the belief that all homeless individuals are 30+ . It is important, especially for youth to improve and build empowerment skills such as becoming self sufficient and overcome the challenges that come with growing up. It is easier said then done to teach youth these skills, and a non-profit Urban Peak, has brought awareness to this issue by providing safety and many services to youth. This non-profit has collaborated with other community partners in the Denver and Colorado Springs area, to provide all that this organization does. Some of their programs include a overnight shelter, 24 hour drop-in center and educational planning & counseling. This organization is very active on social media sites, such as Facebook and continues to encourage education,employment and success for youth in Denver and Colorado Springs. For volunteer opportunities at Urban Peak, please go to this website: http://www.urbanpeak.org/volunteer.html and for more information about their non-profit and programs visit their main page, http://www.urbanpeak.org and fill out an application!

Thanks for reading and please check out this wonderful organization!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Attend the Non-Profit Fair!

Hello Metro State Students, Faculty & Staff-

Two weeks from today, there will be a Non-Profit Fair in St. Cajetans on November 29th,2010 from 10-4pm. Individuals can talk with Non-Profits and find out more information about volunteer opportunities, building your resume and potentially gain credit for one of your classes. There will be an assortment of Non-Profits ranging from Mile High Youth Corps to the Denver Zoo and Denver Urban Gardens. There are opportunities for every major, so please come down to St. Cajetans located by the Kings Center, the Monday after we get back from Fall Break. Free Pizza will be provided, so make sure to not miss this great opportunity to give back to the community and learn more about local non-profit organizations!

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

The Impact of Service In Communities

The U-CAN Serve program, out of our office is one of many service learning programs that one can do to connect to their community. A very interesting article from Good Magazine, lets a member of the program City Year, explain her experience in the program. It focuses on her volunteer experience at a intercity school in New York City. The program enforces a dense list of goals within a year. Sometimes she said she felt lost in between the mission and the to-do list at her placement. I think its is important that she realized that concept, because non-profits and those who are mission-minded tend to serve the ultimate population needed. If any U-CAN Serve Members are reading, please feel free to e-mail me or our office your experience during the U-CAN Serve program. We would love to display experiences on our blog for others to read and know about! Please e-mail your stories to us at: Mscd-urbanconnect@mscd.edu or come in and submit them to my mailbox!

Here is the link about City Year from Good Magazine: http://www.good.is/post/city-year-remembering-why-we-serve/

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Annual MLK Peace Breakfast Nominations!

Hi All!

Our office has some upcoming events we would like you to inform you about! Metro State College of Denver is holding its 20th Annual MLK Peace Breakfast this January 14th, 2011. Please nominate great local activists, organizers, and workers for piece by turning in this nomination . Please click on the link below, to read an article about last year's MLK Peace Breakfast. Please contact our office, The Center for Urban Connections if you have any questions. The deadline to nominate individuals is November 29th, 2010.We are located in Tivoli 243 and our phone number is (303) 352-7129.

http://www.mscd.edu/~collcom/artman/publish/mlk_twv7012010.shtml

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

The Center for Urban Connections

Empower Women, Empower the Community!

I had the pleasure of going to the Women's Foundation of Colorado Luncheon last Thursday at the Colorado Convention Center. The Women's Foundation of Colorado's goal as a philanthropist in the community, is to help women and girls become economically self-sufficient. Their vision also helps with changing the lives of women and girls so that they are equal individuals. The first presenter to speak was the CEO of WFC, Louise Atkinson, she gave a huge thanks to supporters and talked about scholarship opportunity. After a couple of organizers and sponsors of the event spoke, Alfre Woodard, actress and activist and a founder of Artists for A New South Africa. The topic of the luncheon was "Empowering Girls to be Next Generation Leaders". The most interesting thing about her presentation was that I felt she was speaking to me. Since I am a young women, I liked that she focused on the impact and importance of education for young generation women, which range from ages 5-35. Using her own organization as an example,Woodard elegantly said that we must give and put our knowledge to women. This means that access to leadership roles and power in our community, is an essential thing to allow women and girls a say in the decision making. When we look at females in past generations, there has been enormous accomplishments towards an equal society. Ms. Woodard spoke of that, but she also put on the table that the women of today, still do not have equal pay. I met a lot of prominent and passionate women in Colorado that day. Networking and talking with them made me feel very strong as a young women and helped me to understand that women have grown into higher positions and power in the workforce. This luncheon was not only a day of ultimate women power, shown by the amount of intellect and business suits but also a time of reiterating that there still are inequalities between the sexes and that we need to take action! I felt empowered by the people I met, the conversations that I started and the message that was brought to attention. I was very excited to be a part of a luncheon that held truth and social justice into account. I leave you with a quote by Margaret Mead that says,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

If you would like more information about The Women's Foundation of Colorado please go to: http://www.wfco.org or to learn more about Artists for A New South Africa go to:http://www.ansafrica.org/

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Free Museum Night at Denver Arts Week!

There is nothing greater than looking at art, besides volunteering of course. A very cool event that is happening here in Denver November 5th-13th, is Arts Week! One event that caught my eye is happening this Saturday and its called Night At The Museums. This event allows participants to enjoy cultural museums in Denver with free shuttle transportation. Some of the museums that will be participating are: Black American West Museum, Byers-Evans house Museum,The Cell ,Children’s Museum of Denver ,Denver Art Museum –Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Museum of Nature & Science ,Forney Museum of Transportation, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art , Molly Brown House Museum ,Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Museum of Outdoor Arts ,Littleton Museum*, Night at the Museums in Golden.

For more information about this event or about Denver Arts Week go to: http://www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/nightatthemuseum.aspx

Stop & Serve: Everyone has 5 Minutes to Give!

Have you ever felt like you wanted to do a service project at school but there wasn't one available? Have no fear, come participate in the Stop & Serve event every month.

This month, Stop & Serve is on the 9th which is next Tuesday! Come by from 10:30 -3pm at the North Classroom Atrium. Volunteers will be helping with such projects like:

• Making "no-sew" fleece blankets for Project Linus to deliver to children in Denver hospitals
• Knitting beanies for newly-arrived refugees in care of the African Community Center
• Decorating deliverable care packages for Project Angel Heart
• Filling medical supply Kits for Kids in support of Project C.U.R.E
• Decorating personal possession chests for patients at The Children's Hospital
• Creating bookmarks for children of the Bridge Project

Be sure to check out this great event happening every month!

For more information contact:

Kyra Tarbell

Tivoli Room 260

Kyra.tarbell@ucdenver.edu

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

One Organization Helps To Build A Community By Providing Educational Resources

Two Individuals in the greater Denver community wanted to start a non-profit. They wanted to start development and sustainable projects in Rwanda, to give back to the global community. After the Rwanda Genocide occurred a mere 10 years before, Willy Rumenera and Carole Canale-Mayet met they decided to act for change and create a non-profit organization, Village Makeover that focuses on developing projects related to education, housing, water, agriculture and livestock, health, economic development and social opportunities. Canale-Mayet believes in the "Each One Teach One" philosophy, especially in education where her organization, Village Makeover gives opportunities to those in Rwanda to create the education to then form a network of knowledge for individuals living in various communities.

To read this article featured in Elephant Journal go to: http://tinyurl.com/2d4ecz6

To find out more information about the non-profit, Village Makeover visit: http://rwandavillagemakeover.com

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Its Fair Trade Month!

Hey All!

Check out this interesting website called Global Exchange. Global Exchange is a human rights organization that encourages activism around social, economic, and environmental justice around the world. I found a Fair Trade blog on their website and thought it was quite unique to fair trade events, talks and interesting facts about what is going on through equal world trade. Please follow the link to this blog for more information!

http://www.globalexchange.org/blogs/fairtrade/

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Student Leadership Board Update

Hi All!

Here is an update on what our Student Leadership Board is doing this upcoming month. They have set dates for Alternative Spring Break, which will be held on March 21 and 23rd. The Student Leadership Board is working hard and forming ideas for this project.

The service project for the month of November will be held at Mi Casa Resource Center. They will be doing a presentation about college resources to junior and senior high school students. The presentation includes financial aid opportunities and tips about how to succeed in college. The project is located at:

Mi Casa Resource Center
360 Acoma Street
Denver, CO 80223
Tel: (303) 539.5619
Fax: (303) 595.0422

For more information about this event or any other Student Leadership Board Project please visit Tivoli 243 or call (303) 352-7129.

Thanks for reading and Have A Great Day!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Good Magazine Provides Info Graphics About Volunteering

A co-worker showed this to me from a publication called Good Magazine. They have a section dedicated to providing interesting info graphics about various current topics in our culture. This is an interactive design showing viewers and breaking down statistical evidence that says what how many individuals in each age group volunteer for causes such as political, educational, environmental and religious issues. The percentage of volunteers both women and men who volunteer the most are in the age range of 35-64 year olds. This shows that the baby boomer generation is hands on philanthropically, whereas the age group that volunteers the least is 16-24 year olds and those who are 65 and up. Please check out this fascinating article and graph for a better understanding of current volunteer trends and how we can improve for the future of volunteering and look at an interactive graph about volunteering.

http://www.good.is/post/animated-infographic-the-volunteers/

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Project Homeless Connect and Other Volunteer Opportunities

Hi Everyone!

Here are some updates from The Center for Urban Connections. We have a project and lots of volunteer opportunities coming up this week and for the fall. A big event coming up this Friday is Project Homeless Connect. Registration is full for PHC for this fall semester, but Denver's Road Home holds this event two times a year, so please consider volunteering for PHC '10 in the Spring. Denver's Road Home, Mile High United Way and our office is hosting this event held on the Auraria Campus. There are still opportunities to volunteer for this event, so be sure to sign up to help the homeless in the Denver- Metro community. A friend from the non-profit organization, FOCUS Mentoring Program, wrote a interesting blog about the different layers of homelessness. In this post, she includes the portrayal of the homeless, as a means to make fun of during Halloween and a present initiative going on in Boulder, where homeless individuals are helping decrease the global poor by raising money by volunteering to clean up the Boulder Creek. For more information about this organization and her blog please visit: http://restoringthesoul.wordpress.com/

Here is a list of volunteer opportunities coming up this week and for November. Be sure to check out our volunteer board located in our office, Tivoli 243.

What? The Denver Rescue Mission

When? Saturday October 30^th, 2010 from 8am-4pm

Where?3501 E. 46^th Avenue. Denver, CO 80216

If you are interested in: Advocacy & Human Rights, Homeless & Housing.

Come get into the holiday spirit early by helping to register low-income families for Denver Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving Banquet-In-A-Box program. This highly rewarding opportunity is a great opportunity to become involved in the community by registering families to ensure they have a Thanksgiving to remember forever. Volunteers are needed to work our phone bank for the 30th of October from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The registration will take place at our Ministry Outreach Center located at 3501 E. 46th Ave., Denver, CO. Contact cgoodson@denrescue.org to sign up today!

Children's Speech and Reading Center needs volunteers October 31 for the Spooktacular Race, a 5K run/walk and kids' events to raise money for Children's Speech and Reading Center. Volunteers are needed for race marshals, registration, water table, food/beverage table, kids' events and more.Contact Elise Tobler at 419-0486 or elise@csrckids.org.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado needs volunteers October 30 for OcTOOLberfest. Thirty volunteers will be needed from 8am-1pm to clean, sharpen, paint and repair tools and to clean and organize for the 2011 season. Contact them at 303-715-1010 or voc@voc.org.

United Way of Larimer County needs volunteers November 20 for Family Volunteer Day, designed to celebrate the power and spirit of family volunteerism. Families will assemble and decorate fun safety kits to donate to kids during the holiday season. Shifts from 10am-2pm. Youth volunteers ages 2-12 supervised and 13+ unsupervised. Contact Andrea Bloomquist at 407-7054 orabloomquist@uwaylc.org.

Thanks for reading and we hope that you check out these volunteer opportunities coming up this month!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Keeping the Passion Through Hard Times

Project Homeless Connect, is a one day event where homeless individuals can receive resources and services that they would not be able to get on a daily basis. Finding articles or videos from Homeless perspectives, gives insight to someone who may not know or understand what it is like to be homeless. In this article, it talks about a program called the Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project. This project helps homeless individuals find jobs and have access to services, much like what will happen at Project Homeless Connect, just on a larger scale. One thing they may do is sell newspapers. This piece, found in the Huffington Post, displays a homeless man who works and sell his photography and has become motivated in these tough times to re launch his love for making art. To read more please copy/paste this link onto your browser: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/19/homeless-photographer-kee_n_768665.html

Have a Good Day!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Simple Ways For Students To Give Back To The Community

Have you ever wanted to give your time or money to an organization but felt like it was too much out of your price range or hard for you to find opportunities ? There are many resources out there such as our office, The Center for Urban Connections that will help you find Volunteering and Engagement opportunities in the Denver community. You might also be looking for ways to donate to an organization since it might be a difficult with school and work. The article that I found gives simple ways to donate designed for young individuals that are interested in social change or helping out their community. An example of one idea is to create or grow a giving circle with friends, co-workers and family. When a person combines money with others it allows them to support an organization and live within your comforts of one's means. As we approach the holiday season, it can be a challenge. As students, we may not be able to always give what we feel to an organization, but by volunteering a couple days during the holidays and/or creating a giving circle with friends it forms one into a young philanthropist who could grow and prosper a community of social change and awareness.

If you would like to read the article, 5 Ways for Young People to Give Back", please copy and paste the link below:

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/alpha-consumer/2010/10/15/5-best-ways-for-young-people-to-give-back

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Individual Gets New Outlook About Homelessness and Volunteering

Hello All!

Our current economy makes for a lot of difficulties, but non-profits offer many resources that can help individuals who are job less or without a home with the proper information and where to go to receive it. This article that I found is a true life story about a man who was laid off from his job. He now has a job and gives back by volunteering for various non-profit organizations. Many individuals today lose their jobs and as a result have become homeless. A statistic from National Alliance to End Homelessness says that 1.5 million people will be made homeless over the next few years due to the recession. This article is very fitting for the month because on October 29th, 2010, Denver's Road Home, Project Homeless Connect. It will be located our the Auraria Campus, our campus this Fall. It is not too late to sign up to volunteer or to receive services for PHC. To sign up for this event and to find out more information please go to: https://volunteer.truist.com/milehigh/user/events/one.tcl?event_id=10407973842&utime=-786045316

To read the article from the Huffington Post please visit:http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/a-new-homeless-revisited-a-new-job-and-new-hope-for-candido-g/19672647/

Thanks for reading & Volunteer for PHC '10!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Metro State Food Bank!

Running low on food? Would you like 6 items of non-perishable food for free? Go to the food bank!

The mission of the Metro State Food Bank is to fight hunger on campus by offering every student a lunch or items that can be taken home and used to prepare a meal. The Food Bank is designed to provide students nutritional food in times of need. The Food Bank aligns itself with additional services and resources on campus that promote the overall well-being of its students.

For more information about the Metro State Food Bank, visit http://www.mscd.edu/studlife/foodbank/

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

New Campaign Developed To Educate Young Girls for Social Change

The amount of women being educated in the United States today is remarkable. Most of these individuals are going to school, connected to others, and recognize their ability to encourage others in their community.In other countries around the world, women are not as educated or connected to their community. To increase education, the UN has decided to fund raise to allow American girls to raise awareness to other girls in developing countries.In this article, it says that most girls will become married when they turn 15 and a mother by 18. Please read more about this interesting topic and non-profit that is doing good things in the worldwide community. Educating youth about social and political issues makes for a society that will grow and develop in positive directions for the future. As social media peaks at popularity, it is essential for youth to use these resources for social change and for a good reason. Please read this interesting article about Girl Up and other programs the UN is providing to support this cause. Copy/Paste the link below onto your browser.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tina-wells/united-nations-foundation_b_754384.html

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Another Cool Opportunity 10/10/10 Work Party This Sunday!

What can we do to help climate change? Create a day dedicated to bringing awareness to climate change and 350.org's mission. Grow Local Colorado, Transition Denver, The GrowHaus, Wild Green Yonder, The Redirect Guide and Event Gallery 910Arts Invite You to Join Us on 10/10/10 and Let the Following Questions Inspire Us . The symposium will be held in the EventGallery 910Arts, which opens up to an open-air courtyard. In an afternoon session, we will be visioning
an edible living wall project for the 910Arts courtyard promoting artistic design,found objects, and local food. The event is located at 910 Santa Fe from 10-3pm. Please arrive at 930-945 to check in. A 10 dollar donation includes lunch from Chipotle. No one will be turned away for lack of funds for a donation. For more details or to register, contact: Emily Andrews, 720-468-1578,
communityanimator@gmail.com. Register online at AwakeningTheDreamer.org

Bill and Melinda Gates : Philanthropists That Make A Huge Difference Not Only With Donations

Hi All-

We all have heard of Bill and Melinda Gates and their foundation. What most individuals do not know about them is they are very hands on with giving. Melinda Gates makes a heartwarming and conscious effort to visit the countries that are needing assistance with the Foundation's main mission, which is US Education, but on a global scale education about HIV/AIDS, malaria, mother-child deaths. This article explains more of the philanthropy of the Gates as well as a video clip from 60 minutes. If you are interested in finding out more information about this foundation, please click on the link provided below to access the link to this article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/04/bill-melinda-gates-how-to_n_748750.html

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Volunteer at the West Energy Sweep 350 Work Party!

Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint? Would you like to educate others about the dangers of climate effects? This Saturday October 10th, Ground Work Denver is asking for volunteers to help individuals switch light bulbs on porches to energy efficient light bulbs as well as recycle and provide other energy services all free of charge. This event is a part of the 350 Work Party, held worldwide on October 10th, 2010. This event can be located at

350 is the parts per million of carbon dioxide that is the safe zone for our climate. The organization was started by Bill McKibben and other educators, activists and all individuals to create an awareness of global warming and reduce carbon emissions going into the earth. In order to make it known to all, October 10th, 2010, there will be many 350 Work Parties around the world. These parties help to let it be know about 350 and support the place we live in, our environment. For more information about 35o please visit: http://www.350.org/ and visit : http://www.350.org/groundwork-denver-neighborhood-blitz for more information about the event going on in Denver for 350

If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Danny at Groundwork Denver @ danny@groundworkdenver.org or 303-455-5600

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Its Not Too Late to Sign Up for 1 Book 1 Project 2 Transform!

Don't forget that there are still spaces available for 1 Book 1Project 2 Transform!

This event combines a book discussion and a service project, with the idea that we can all be transformed--and can, perhaps, transform others--by what we read and how we participate in our community. Participants will receive a free copy of Steve Lopez’ The Soloist, a book about homelessness, mental illness, and advocacy. Discussion groups, offered at various times and facilitated by various experts on homelessness and mental health, will follow. Then, on October 29, all participants will volunteer at Project Homeless Connect 10, here on the Auraria campus. Through reading, talking, and taking action, we will contribute to transforming our community.

Sign up now for this opportunity to:

• receive a free copy of the Soloist, by Steve Lopez
• participate in a discussion of the book and homelessness
• volunteer at Project Homeless Connect 10, Oct.29th,2010, here on the Auraria campus.
• make a difference in your community!

Please go to our events page by clicking on this link, http://www.mscd.edu/urbanconnect/events/

and sign up today!

Have a Great Weekend!

Rachelle

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

National Service Initiatives Help Communities Become Problem Solvers

Hi All!

In a time when it is hard to buy anything but essential needs, volunteer campaigns are are the rise in major cities. The mayor of New York City has founded a volunteer corps. He has given grants to a couple of cities, in the hopes to form a coalition focused on service and volunteer opportunities. It is most important to Bloomberg to create these coalitions, since a lot of expenses have been cut as well as beneficial services. By implementing service components into cities and providing initiatives that help individuals volunteer, community issues such as education, the environment and problems that are challenging for the city. Please read more information about these coalitions and help make Denver have a service initiative!

Another interesting article that I found was one about a math professor who is a philanthropist. He works three jobs and has given over 60,000 dollars a year, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy from his paycheck to support charities. By living minimal, he can have a lifestyle where he can give donations to the organizations that spark his passion. Think about how/when or even if you give? How does giving or volunteer affect you, as a passionate person for service?

To access these links please copy/paste it onto your browser.

http://tiny.cc/mw1os

http://tiny.cc/mw1os

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle Lansky

Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

September Student Leadership Update

Hi All-

Here is an SLB update from Joel, our Student Programming intern at the Center for Urban Connections.

Our first meeting and retreat with the past and new board members for the 2010/2011 school year, was on August 22 in Castlewood. The agenda consisted of setting goals for the year, including two major events for the fall and spring semester. For the fall, we decided to support Project Homeless Connect and this spring, we will start working on Alternative Spring Break. The board has decided to have monthly service projects where each individual on the board will have a chance to set up their own service project and the rest of the group will go to support the event. The day concluded with a team building exercise and rock repelling. We also decided to have bi- weekly meeting the first and third Friday of the month, in the conference room in Tivoli 243, from 9:30-11am.

A couple of interesting points that the board had decided to do is become a student organization on the Auraria campus. The leadership board decided to do this so that students who can only commit to a couple of hours a week can participate in service learning projects. Our first project was held this past Friday, the 24th 8am-12pm with the National Sports Center for the Disabled at Clear Creek Canyon near Golden. The board helped individuals who are blind rock climb; some of them did it for their first time. We helped them put their gear on, give directions to the location and assisted them with climbing.

Our October service project will be volunteering at the Komen Race for the Cure, at the Pepsi Center on Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. Our duties require a time commitment from 10:00am - 2:30pm. If individuals are interested in participating in this event , please register under http://www.komendenver.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rfcd_race_volunteers_overview

Once individuals have completed the registration process, please send an email to Alia Thobani at athobani@mscd.edu with your student I.D. number.

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle
Media/Events Assistant

Center for Urban Connections

Rock and Walk for Sudan!

Hi All-

Check out a benefit for Sudanese Refugees, this Saturday called Rock for Sudan! It is at the Meadowlark at 9pm. Its features local artists and is only seven dollars, so come and show your support!

This organization is also having a Walk for Sudan. The Walk for Sudan raises funds for projects supporting the people and country of Sudan to recover from 20 years of civil war. This walk symbolizes unity and coming together to help gain awareness and support for Sudan and the people of Sudan. To learn more about this event or how to be a part of it, please go to the website below and copy/paste this link:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2z4g3wj802914d1

Or Contact:

Martha Riley

mriley231@gmail.com

(303) 435-2073

Thanks for reading!

Rachelle