Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville International Puppet Festival & Nashville Public Library

For three days in June, the Nashville Downtown Library and Church Street Park will be transformed into a magical and mesmerizing land of storytelling and puppetry as the Nashville International Puppet Festival descends upon our city. No matter what your age, your imagination is sure to be flexed at this wonderful family-friendly event!

Hosted by the Nashville Public Library Foundation, the Nashville International Puppet Festival will bring performers from around the globe together to celebrate storytelling through puppetry arts.  From June 21 through 23, this vibrant carnival will include dozens of international and domestic puppet performances, a puppet parade, live music, and an outdoor street fair.

Puppet Festival participants enjoy the festivities at Church Street Park.

This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever, and volunteers will play a critical role in this incredible event. This volunteer experience is extremely rewarding and fun. As one volunteer remarked after the 2011 Puppet Festival, “I had such fun!!! Thank you for the awesome opportunity.”

The library needs hundreds of volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks throughout the three-day festival. And this volunteer gig doesn’t come without awesome perks! Volunteers will receive:

• a souvenir t-shirt to wear during their shift and to take home;
• snacks and beverages;
• free parking is free, and a complimentary shuttle; and
• a souvenir “Monster Button” for volunteers ages 13 to 17 as part of the regular Teen Volunteer Monster Button program at the library.

Check out Minnie Pearl! The Nashville Public Library is partnering with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to create a puppet show about the history of Country Music… this show will premiere on June 20 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to launch the International Puppet Festival.

So, what are all the fun things that Puppet Festival volunteers get to help with? Here’s the rundown:

Information Booth Assistant: Sit or stand at one of the designated information kiosks and help guests find information about puppet shows, assist with ticketing information, help guests with directions, and provide general assistance.

Information Floater: Roam throughout the library and Church Street Park and help guests find information about puppet shows, assist with ticketing information, help guests with directions, and provide general assistance.

Puppet Show Host: Collect tickets from guests who have pre-purchased their tickets, keep a count of guests entering the venue, and allow standby guests to enter the venue. Hand guests surveys as they exit venues following the shows.

Ticket Booth Assistant: Print and distribute tickets upon guest requests for upcoming shows. No money handling involved. The library will be using the Tickets Nashville system and training will be provided on site.

Hospitality Room Assistant: Help to manage the hospitality room for the International Puppet Festival performers.

Volunteer Services Assistant: Assist the volunteer department with checking in and checking out volunteers for their shifts at the Festival. Help to keep volunteer snacks and beverages stocked and in good appearance.

> Sign up to volunteer for the Puppet Festival! 

The Nashville Public Library also has other ongoing volunteer needs, from shelving and checking in library books to serving as library archives volunteer. If you are a book worm and value our library system’s efforts to extend lifelong learning and discovery to all people, we encourage you to check out these opportunities to support the library throughout the year!

> Sign up to volunteer to support the Nashville Public Library in its ongoing needs throughout the year. 

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT)

“We took every step we could to prepare for our special angel, but no matter how many books you read or websites you visit, nothing beat the testimonials and advice of people who have walked this journey a few steps ahead of you.”

April Booten knew that having a community of supporters around her would make a huge difference as she stepped into unknown territory. At 12 weeks into pregnancy, her baby was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She was so glad there was already an organization filled with people who were willing to be by her side. “I knew we were joining a wonderful family,” she comments as she remembers the director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT) visiting her in the hospital the day her son was born.

DSAMT works to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. DSAMT provides support, information, and education to everyone who is touched by Down syndrome within the Tennessee area. Like many other parentswho are part of this organization, April believes that the supportive services offered through DSAMT can help her son be an engaged and welcomed member of our community.

When volunteers participate in DSAMT gatherings, they provide more ways for individuals with Down syndrome to interact with peers and be a part of their communities in a meaningful way. From exercise and creative games to cooking, there are all sorts of ways to be involved. Most importantly, volunteers enable the families to become stronger and help connectthem to more resources and support.

Interestingly, those who start volunteering at DSAMT become part of the family and aren’t likely to leave. DSMT volunteers often talk about how they’ve had life-changing experiences after spending time working with people who have Down syndrome.

If you are interested in joining the team and helping out at DSAMT, here are a few upcoming opportunities to volunteer:

Bike Camp
iCan Bike camp is a life-changing, five-day camp for kids and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to learn to ride a conventional two-wheeled bike independently. Campers each attend a 1.5-hour session each day for five days as they learn to ride on specialized equipment, assisted by trained staff and volunteers. Volunteers will work one-on-one with a biker each day for the week.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Creative Arts Camp
DSAMT Creative Arts Camp is a week-long creative experience for teens and adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Activities include visual arts, music, creative movement, games, and hanging out with friends. This year’s camp will focus on nature and the environment and will include a field trip to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Volunteers will assist with the campers’ experience.
> Sign up here.

DSAMT Kid’s Camp
DSAMT Kids’ Camp is a new camp for DSAMT, designed and led by two behavior analysts who work with children with disabilities including Down syndrome and have extensive experience and understanding addressing goals in a group environment. Children benefit from small group instruction with one of two behavior analysts, while learning alongside age-appropriate peers. Volunteers will assist with small group activities or record data, all under the direction of the behaviorists.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 3 to 5.
> Sign up here to help with campers ages 6 to 8.

The Buddy Walk
The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome.The Nashville Buddy Walk has grown significantly over the past 15 years. Our friends with Down syndrome bring their friends, family, teachers, neighbors, legislators, celebrities, therapists, or anyone to promote the importance of understanding, acceptance, and awareness and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of those with Down syndrome. Volunteers will help plan and organize the walk in advance, and on event day will distribute t-shirts, work registration, hand out water, direct people to/from staging areas, supervise activities, and more.
> Sign up to help.
> Sign up to be on The Buddy Walk planning committee.

Mayor Dean Announces Seven Excellence in Volunteer Engagement (EVE) Recipients

57 Nashville-area Nonprofits Now Formally Recognized for High-quality Volunteer Management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Mayor Karl Dean announced that seven nonprofit organizations have been formally recognized for their high-quality volunteer management programs, and have received Excellence in Volunteer Engagement (EVE) certification. This brings the number of Middle Tennessee nonprofits that are EVE-certified to 57.

Excellence in Volunteer Engagement, the first such certification effort in the nation, was developed in 2011 by the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Hands On Nashville and the Center for Nonprofit Management. The program seeks to recognize nonprofit agencies with effective volunteer programs and to encourage other organizations to join them in improving volunteer opportunities for the community. Dean recognized the recipients at an event this morning at the Center for Nonprofit Management’s office in the Trolley Barns/Rolling Mill Hill.

Mayor Dean commends the newly EVE-certified nonprofit organizations on May 2.

“I have always been proud of the strong volunteer spirit that Nashville has,” Dean said. “I commend these nonprofits for providing the types of meaningful volunteer experiences that engage the passion of our volunteers and put their skills to the best use in serving those in need. These organizations have also been important in increasing the number of volunteers in our city, helping Nashville achieve its highest-ever volunteer ranking.”

In early 2013, it was announced that Nashville ranks No. 14 of the 51 largest cities in the United States in terms of volunteerism, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2012 report.

A Nashville Humane Association volunteer working an information booth at a local Farmers’ Market.

The seven organizations that achieved certification include Christian Community Services, Inc., Coalition for Healthy Aging at Vanderbilt, Nashville Conflict Resolution Center, Nashville Humane Association, Project C.U.R.E., Sexual Assault Center, and The Junior League of Nashville.

A panel of judges representing the community determine which agencies qualify for a two-year certification. Certified organizations showed effectiveness in specific areas of volunteer management, including a defined volunteer program with an identified, dedicated and trained manager; a screening process that aligns volunteers’ skills and abilities with appropriate tasks; orientation for all volunteers; and an evaluation process to affirm a volunteer’s impact on the community and agency.

Application is open to all nonprofit agencies in Davidson County with no restrictions on the size or budget of the organization and no application fee. EVE applications are accepted twice a year, and the next application period will begin June 4 with certifications being awarded in August 2013. Applications can be found on the Center for Nonprofit Management’s website, www.cnm.org, or Hands On Nashville’s website, www.HON.org.

Excellence in Volunteer Engagement is part of the Mayor’s Office “Impact Nashville” initiative, which Dean launched on Sept. 30, 2010, as part of the national Cities of Service movement. Impact Nashville directs volunteerism toward two top priorities, public education and the environment. Aligned with the goals of the Cities of Service national coalition, Impact Nashville strives to improve the impact of volunteerism across our city in four areas: the impact for those being served, the impact for the volunteer, the impact on the agency’s mission and the impact on our community.

About Hands On Nashville

Hands On Nashville’s mission is to meet community needs through volunteerism. For more than 20 years, Hands On Nashville (HON) volunteers have been addressing critical issues facing the Middle Tennessee community such as hunger, homelessness and environmental protection. In 2012, HON connected or referred more than 117,000 volunteers to service opportunities, making it one of the largest volunteer resource centers of its kind in the world. Offering more than 400 volunteer opportunities to the community each month at HON.org, Hands On Nashville challenges everyone to find a way to give back and to … Be the Change. Volunteer. For more information, visit www.HON.org or call (615) 298-1108.

Media Contact: 
Becca Wilson, Hands On Nashville
(615) 298-1108 Ext. 406, becca@hon.org

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Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Sports 4 All Foundation

Adam getting ready for an aerobics class to begin.

It’s a little past 9 a.m. and Adam Holland is already jumping around, anxiously awaiting a dip in the pool. He’s learned that combining a strong kick with some hand pulls can really get him ahead of the crowd, and he can do it on his own. Swim class starts in an hour and and he’s proud to be a leader among over 20 of his peers. Adam is 28 years old and lives with Down syndrome, a disorder resulting in developmental disabilities that typically deter him from participating in activities similar to others his age. Thanks to Sports 4 All Foundation, he has no problem participating in sports and activities. Twice a week, Adam joins 20 to 50 of his peers, all people with various disabilities, in group exercise ranging from yoga to aerobics to swimming. He’s one of the most flexible people in the room and continues to motivate others with his character and excitement.

The aerobics class at Project Health brings over 30 participants each week.

Sports 4 All Foundation works to improve the lives of those with disabilities by providing equipment, programming, and education to enable full participation in sports and activities. But, of course, the organization would not be nearly as successful without the help of volunteers. Three to four volunteers often accompany a room of Project Health participants like Adam’s class mentioned above, having fun cheering them on and sharing new skills. Volunteers are also involved in planning events, working at events, and sharing information about Sports 4 All Foundation.

Austin Griffin, a Sports 4 All Foundation work study volunteer, comments, “I didn’t know exactly how to act or how to treat them, but I thought to myself ‘They are people just like me. We all have a disability of some sort. Whether that is not being talented at sports or not being able to sing any song on key. So just treat them as you would anyone.’

“So, that’s what I did. I was timid at first, but as time went on, I became more and more comfortable. I moved from just taking pictures and videos to leading parts of the class. Now every time I go to that class, people come up to give me hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Each person has their own unique personality, and it is a pleasure to see that every week.”

If you’re interested in getting involved, check out the Sports 4 All upcoming volunteer opportunities mentioned below.

> Hoops 4 Health 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: April 27, 2013 

> Foam Fest: May 4, 2013 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:
> Project HEALTH Coach

> Equipment Endowment Assistant

If you have any questions, please contact the Sports 4 All Volunteer Coordinator, Anna Dannibale at anna@s4af.org.

> Learn more about Sports 4 All here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Josh Angel

Josh Angel has a quirky sense of humor, is a big Green Bay Packers fan (he’s originally from Wisconsin), is a practicing Muslim, and spends his free time volunteering in the community with Hands On Nashville.

Josh with his daughter, Jailyn. They are all smiles! “We as individuals can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” says Josh.

Since he first got involved with Hands On Nashville one year ago, he’s racked up an impressive 60 hours of service, helping out the community at volunteer opportunities ranging from Helping the Hungry and Thriftsmart Assistant to Home Energy Savings projects.

“My first volunteer opportunity ever was serving dinner at the Safe Haven Family Shelter,” explains Josh. “A co-worker of mine at Asurion encouraged me to try it out, and I had such an incredible experience that I just haven’t been able to stop. Volunteering is kinda like Lays Potato Chips, you can’t have just one!” (See what we mean about the sense of humor?)

Josh has a big heart for helping others. In his spare time, he also likes to read The Qur’an, spend time with his daughter and his family, and try to live an honest, humble, and wholesome life.

When it comes to advice about getting involved and helping others, Josh encourages people who may be timid about jumping in to “just try and experience new things. Get involved with your community. Especially youth – they have such a powerful influence these days… So just get out there, and lend a helping hand wherever you can, because we as individuals can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

Josh says the best part about volunteering is the pay. (Ha! We love Josh’s jokes.) “In all seriousness,” says Josh, “the best part of volunteering is just feeling as if in some small way you’ve impacted someone’s life for the better. You’ve shown that there are still people in this world who care, who are concerned. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a warm embrace, or a hot meal.”

We would like to thank Josh and all of those who are so giving of their time, compassion, and willingness to help others. What an amazing community this is!

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Film Festival

No need to fret about the rain because a flood of creatives will be infusing this town with new talent and interesting stories to share. Join them to celebrate the diversity of the human spirit expressed through the art of film. Watch out – the Green Hills megaplex will host the annual Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) from April 18 to 25, bringing together regional, foreign, and international filmmakers, actors, media critics, photographers, and film enthusiasts.

Founded in 1969 by Mary Jane Coleman, NaFF was originally known as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Most recently, in 2003, it was renamed The Nashville Film Festival and has been named one of the Top 5 Film Festivals in the U.S. by the Brooks Institute. Over 25,000 visitors attended last year’s event, and another awesome crowd is expected again this year. While last year’s event was saturated with nominations from Middle Tennesseans, this year’s adds on a new twist, welcoming more female directors than ever before. Four of the 13 films so far in the narrative competition are created by women. Nice work, ladies. According to the Nashville Scene, that’s four more than Cannes had in it’s 2012 lineup. Groups like Sundance labs and additional outreach programs have incubated a great era of female filmmakers.

Gypsy Caravan refers to the NaFF as “a mythical place” and comments that it contains “a rich selection of top-quality films, lively audiences from early morning to late at night, and really friendly festival staff making everything flow quite smoothly.”

Never experienced the thrill of engaging in these independent films? Maybe you just want to support talented women making a big statement in the filmmaking business? If you’re inclined to see a few films, why not take the time to volunteer, get a free ticket, and scope the scene (no pun intended)? NaFF has a reputation of being one of the friendliest festivals on the circuit, and that would not happen without the volunteers. The volunteers help guide people to the right places, assist guests into and out of theaters, make sure the grounds are tidy, answer questions about the facility, and much more.

While the list below is not all-inclusive, here are a few areas NaFF could use your help:

Scan Ushers – Collect tickets upon entry, hand out ballots and balloting instructions, collect ballots as patrons exit the theater, direct patrons to correct theaters, and help clean up theaters between films.

Volunteer Booth – Assist with check-in and check-out of volunteers, point people in the right direction, and assist Volunteer Coordinator.

Box Office – Organize will-call tickets, assist patrons with scheduling questions, and check on ticket availability.

Logistics/Facilities – Assist the Facilities Manager with various areas of responsibility including area transitions, fleet vehicle parking and clean-up, extra seating needs, and whatever else is needed.

Floaters – Help out in ‘hot-spots’ when extra help is needed in any of the above areas – usually crowd control and ushering with the large theater seatings.

Press & Industry (VIP) tent – Check laminates to verify access to the VIP tent; set-up and replenish refreshments; clear tables when necessary; call any issues to the attention of the proper people. Some off-site opportunities.

Projection – Help organize films to be shown by day and time; queue and mark times, aspect ratio, and other notes on films; keep films organized on the shelf before and after their viewing times; run any errands necessary for the projection staff. This position is in the projection hall above the theaters, so low light and close quarters are to be expected.

> Click here to sign up and volunteer to be a part of this great festival.

The Bear Hug that Reminded Me Why We Do This

By Elizabeth Madsen, HON’s Director of Nonprofit and Volunteer Relations

The group serving at Hope Lodge.

I work at a volunteer resource center – which is amazing and allows me to connect people who want to help our community to other people who could use a helping hand. What it doesn’t allow me to do is spend a lot of time volunteering. Usually. One of my roles at HON is to train and manage the dedicated Volunteer Leader (VL) corps. They are the folks you usually see at projects, making sure that you have the tools that you need, getting you signed in and generally making sure that you’re having a good time AND a meaningful experience. (It’s a big job, isn’t it?) Last month, I was blessed to volunteer four times in one week. The following is an experience I had at one of the projects.

Monday – Dinner at Hope Lodge

Hands On Nashville closes on President’s Day. We run around like crazy men and women on MLK Day, making sure that everyone else’s day off can be put to good use. By mid-February, we are all ready for a little R&R. I started my day off with a workout, then showered and signed into work email to make sure everything was running as it should.

There was an email from Keitha, one of the VLs for Dinner at Hope Lodge. She was emailing to let me know that a number of people were dropping out that afternoon and that she didn’t think we would have enough food for the Hope Lodge residents. She had already called Hope Lodge to manage expectations and was writing just to let me know.

So, I emailed her back, put on my sneakers, and headed to Kroger for brownie mix and veggies to roast. Several hours later, I had made three batches of brownies and two batches of roasted veggies. It was time to head out. In the rain. On my day off.

But, we had a great time. We had enough people and plenty of food, as it turned out. I was glad I went. It’s always nice to get out from behind my desk to see the service that we help make possible come to life. And then, it happened. I first noticed this young couple when we welcomed everyone into the kitchen to serve themselves dinner. They were about my age – I’m 33. They were staying at the Hope Lodge, a free place to stay for people getting cancer treatment who don’t live near Nashville.

It didn’t seem right. People my age shouldn’t be at the Hope Lodge. I put them out of my mind and continued on, making sure everyone had what they needed, bagging up leftovers, getting closer to a little down-time with each step. After all, this was my day off. I hadn’t planned to devote most of it to work. Finally, at 7:15 we were done. Keitha thanked us all and sent us home.

And as I walked out of the kitchen, the guy my age came over, wrapped me in a bear hug, and thanked me. He had expressed his thanks all evening, but this was it for me. My coworkers can tell you that I value my personal space. But as Alex squeezed me tight, thanking me for feeding him and his companion, I fought back tears. Six hours of standing, cooking, serving and cleaning disappeared and all I felt was thankful. I am thankful for my health and thankful that at HON we make these moments possible every day.

A native Texan, Elizabeth Madsen serves as HON’s director of nonprofit and volunteer relations. She helps HON’s Nonprofit Partners think about ways to engage volunteers in meaningful service work, manages the Volunteer Leader Corps, and sends you an email every time you sign up to volunteer. (Okay, fine.  A computer does that last part.) Elizabeth is training to complete her first half marathon in June.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Hospital Hospitality House of Nashville

Kim’s granddaughter was being born three and a half months early. The panicked call from her daughter two states and five hours away left her breathless. She had to quickly make the trip from Michigan to Nashville, where daughter Lakyn was being rushed to deliver her fragile and severely premature baby. Where Kim would lay her head at night or where she would eat her meals were concerns that would have to wait. She just had to get to Nashville.

Once the crisis passed and the care of this new little life became the focus, a medical social worker made a referral to Hospital Hospitality House (HHH) of Nashville, giving Kim and Lakyn a home away from home during the baby’s long hospital stay. As Kim puts it:

The NAMA volunteer team serving guests one evening.

“We were safe. We could sleep and feel human and alert during visits and when doctors and nurses were giving us important information. We were rested and showered, and we felt hope. We started and ended our days sharing meals with strangers who first became friends, and then family. … Without HHH, my daughter, fresh from the hospital herself, and I would have slept in chairs and a car. We would not have had the money to eat regularly, and showers would have been few and far between. Emotionally and physically, I’m not sure how we would have survived. With HHH, we were safe and cared for. With HHH, our physical needs were met, and our emotional needs were nurtured. With HHH, we had a home, and we had a family.”

The mission of HHH of Nashville is to be a home away from home for patients and families seeking medical treatment in Nashville hospitals by providing lodging, meals and other supportive services. Founded in 1974 as the first hospital hospitality house in the nation, HHH of Nashville has provided over 425,000 nights of lodging, meals, and other supportive services to families from all 95 counties in Tennessee, from all 50 states in the U.S., and from 39 foreign countries. This home-away-from-home has grown to include 35 families each night in HHH’s Residential program as well as Day Services, Partner Hotels, Community Education Workshops, and 55 waiting rooms in hospitals and clinics throughout Davidson, Williamson, and Sumner Counties. In 2012, HHH served over 51,000 patients and families.

Tracy Prater volunteers her skills to play the piano as guests enjoy their evening.

Volunteers are vital to the work of HHH. Volunteers provide evening meals for our 35 families; assist new guest families with registration and orientation to our programs; share their talents by providing guests with special services such as massage and live music; coordinate service projects with their civic or church groups that help with maintenance, landscaping, and organization. Volunteers may also work with HHH staff on special events and fundraising efforts including the HHH Patrons’ Luncheon, the HHH Charity Golf Tournament and Rock the House and/or assist HHH staff in the important day-to-day tasks of running a facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! There is a place and an important job just waiting for you or your group!

Interested in helping out at Hospital Hospitality House?
> Click here to view opportunities and sign up.

Questions? Contact HHH Volunteer Coordinator Sherry Daniels at (615) 329-0477 or email daniels@hhhnashville.org. Learn more about HHH of Nashville at www.hhhnashville.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Celebrating Corporate Service

Emdeon and its employees believe that doing good in the community is an important part of being in business. That’s why the company remains committed to providing opportunities for employees to give back through numerous charitable organizations’ events year round.  Emdeon employees lend their time and talent to schools and many charitable organizations including Hands On Nashville, American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“Because Emdeon takes corporate service so seriously, we are honored to be a part of celebrating other company’s volunteer efforts,” said Susan Byrd, vice president of human resources at Emdeon. “We look forward to presenting the Corporate Service Project Award to one of three amazing companies: Advance Financial, Deloitte, and Schneider Electric.”

Emdeon is the Corporate Service Project Presenting Sponsor for the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards.

Caring for the Community Beyond Hospital Walls

It is only fitting that HCA/TriStar Health is the Presenting Sponsor of the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards – named for a beloved community volunteer whose life work focused on caring for others. Committed to the care of human life, HCA/TriStar Health employees not only deliver healthcare services; they also improve lives through community outreach.

Every year, HCA employees choose nonprofits to support with their time and/or money through the company’s “Caring for the Community” campaign. During the 2012 campaign, HCA employees pledged $3.1M to meet nonprofits’ needs, and served 11,838 hours during HCA Community Day.

“We want to inspire each other to make a commitment to get involved with a local nonprofit,” said Joanne Pulles, president of the HCA Foundation and Hope Fund. “It’s a natural extension of HCA’s mission. We’re dedicated to the improvement of human life both inside and beyond hospital walls, and are proud to present the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards for the fifth consecutive year.”

HCA/TriStar Health is the Presenting Sponsor for the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards.