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.

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.

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.

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!

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival

Days are a bit longer, birds are chirping and rustling around, and little hints of spring are already starting to show new colors. We’re all anxious to get outside and enjoy some warmer temperatures. While it’s only February, we know March is just around the corner waiting to greet us with new spring blossoms and beautiful flowers.

Volunteers hand out shirts and greet visitors at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Japan-America Society of Tennessee embraces this time of year by using the positive spirits and beautiful backdrop to celebrate spring and the friendship between Japan and America. by hosting the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s event will take place on March 23, so be sure to mark your calendars!

The festival began in 2009 as a vision of the first Consul General of Japan in Nashville. Consul General Sato proposed the ambitious mission to plant 100 cherry trees each year over the course of ten years. Cherry blossoms, or Sakura, have been the symbol of friendship between the United States and Japan since the Mayor of Tokyo sent 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. in 1912 as gifts honoring the lasting friendship between our two countries.

This year marks the halfway point in the decade-long mission to plant 1,000 Japanese cherry trees in Nashville. The goal each year is to secure corporate funding and individual donations sufficient to purchase 100 cherry trees and to produce a family-friendly, free-to-the-public festival. The cherry trees beautify the landscape of our city and serve as a backdrop for the Festival.

The Japan-America Society of Tennessee embraces this time of year by using the positive spirits and beautiful backdrop to celebrate spring and the friendship between Japan and America.

Like most public events, the Festival would not be possible without amazing volunteers. Volunteer Sarah Case says that there are so many fulfilling aspects to serving as a NCBF volunteer. “You get hands-on learning about Japanese culture and the strong Japanese-American community in Tennessee, while you spread that knowledge to the 10,000-plus attendees expected this year,” says Sarah. “I’ve personally had the opportunity to learn about the Japanese tea ceremony, interact with children playing Japanese festival games, and perform many other meaningful volunteer opportunities. I learn something new about our diverse and wonderful community every year. The festival organizers are the loveliest people and work hard to give us all an enriching experience. They pride themselves in making volunteering smooth, fun and thoroughly enjoyable!”

Children play Japanese festival games and have a blast learning Japanese culture.

All sorts of volunteer opportunities are available. Greeters in all of the Festival areas make the whole Festival incredibly fun. They answer questions, hand out programs and maps, and help visitors find their way to the Martial Arts stage or J-Pop Land. This year, there will even be food trucks and special food truck greeters are needed to point visitors in the right direction. The Performance Art Stage manager will need an assistant, and if you are interested in learning about Japanese culture, you can help with activities like a traditional tea ceremony at the Consulate-General of Japan tent. And if you’re bilingual, sign up to help answer questions in both English and Japanese.

Interested in helping out at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival?
> Click here to view all opportunities and sign up. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ginger Byrn at gbyrn@jastn.com or info@nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Dismas House

Volunteers encourage former prisoners as they transition into society. Here, a group hangs out on the Dismas House front porch.

This time of year, we’re still holding on to those – dare we say it – New Year’s resolutions. We’d like to believe that beyond all those little missteps we’ve made in the past, we can be better. Whether it’s making better choices with food, being more thoughtful about the community, or just finishing that last semester to get a degree, we all have goals to improve our sense of selves. We want a better way of life.

For most of us, this means more discipline and a new goal or two. But what about those who have had a rough beginning? Dwain Adkins, who served six years in prison for aggravated assault, may not be the norm, but just like everyone else, Dwain yearns to start anew and aim for something better.

Dismas House is helping people like Dwain take steps toward reaching their goals. A local nonprofit helping to facilitate the reconciliation of former prisoners to society by developing supportive communities, Dismas House is helping Adkins’s, and others like him transition back into society. As it does for most of us, having some cheerleaders rallying and supporting these former prisoners on their paths to a fresh start increases their chances of success. (Check out this recent article in The Tennessean featuring Dwain and Dismas House.) 

Dinner at Dismas House is a popular volunteer opportunity where people help cook dinner for the Dismas community and exchange uplifting words.

Volunteers are a powerful force in helping Adkins and other folks like him. Scott Pieper, executive director at Dismas House, comments, “Since I’ve been here, many residents have described experiencing anxiety in settings, especially immediately following release – they find themselves believing that others are starting to make judgments about them.” He goes on to say, “When volunteers come to the house, where our residents are most comfortable, there is an opportunity for positive interaction with the residents and our residents get to see for themselves that there are nonjudgmental, supportive people who are excited to welcome them back to society.”

Here are some great opportunities at Dismas house where you can help.

Dinner at Dismas House
April 1, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
> Read more & sign up.

Administrative Assistant
> Read more & sign up.

Volunteers are all smiles at the Dismas House Garden party.

Computer Technician
> Read more & sign up.

Grocery Assistant
> Read more & sign up.

Social Media Manager.
> Read more & sign up.

> See ALL volunteer opportunities at Dismas House.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Metropolitan Homelessness Commission

It’s a new year with new possibilities for anyone seeking employment. But before beginning the search, job seekers must have all their ducks in a row. This includes legal proof of identification, an appearance of good health and hygiene, showing the physical ability to follow through with job requirements, and, of course, confidence in acquiring the job. For the homeless population, these aren’t merely ducks… they are elephants. And reining them in without help or resources can prove to be a daunting task.

Volunteer to help guide the Project Homeless Connect attendees on February 13.

Thank goodness for Nashville’s largest homeless service provider event, Project Homeless Connect. The Metropolitan Homelessness Commission is recruiting 500 volunteers to assist individuals and families in need at this important event, which takes place on Wednesday, February 13.

This is a one-day, one-stop event providing individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, or on the brink of homelessness, with access to a broad range of services including housing and employment assistance, medical checkups, eye screenings, foot care, legal services, employment assistance, pet care, food, toiletries, and more. The goal of Project Homeless Connect is to remove barriers to housing and employment. This is a true collaborative effort in which more than 70 agencies and hundreds of volunteers come together to provide thousands of services to an expected 1,000 to 1,500 guests.

With such a large event, your hands are certainly needed. Volunteer Vette Hughes, a Bank of America employee, said volunteering at Project Homeless Connect was a great experience for her. “The best part is to be able to help people. I love being able to give time. It has made me see that I can do more about homelessness. I am more aware - homeless people are just people like you and me. Everybody needs help sometime.”

Jason Vanover, of Reliant Bank, volunteered for the second year and said he felt like the day really made a difference to a lot of the guests. “Navigating the ID system is not an easy task. And having the right ID is the lynchpin for so many things. And the people are so appreciative.“

If you’re interested in getting involved, volunteers are needed to help with registration, crowd management, check out, guidance, setup/cleanup, and other duties. One of the main needs is for volunteer guides to pair up with the guests. As a volunteer guide, you will ensure that your assigned guest receives the proper services and respect as they navigate the event. Because so many people in our community come together and care, life is more navigable for our homeless population. You, in addition to the 500 other volunteers and 70 agencies, will help move Nashvillians who are experiencing homelessness one step forward. Read below and see how to be a part of this amazing day.

How to volunteer for Project Homeless Connect on Wednesday, February 13:
> Click here to see volunteer opportunities.
> View Project Homeless Connect’s Website.

Still have questions? Email Tojuana Jordan at Tojuana.Jordan@nashville.gov or call her at 615-880-2773.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: NALC

Remember that time you spelled “rhinoceros” wrong in the first grade? It was supposed to be your shining moment, a spelling bee stud kind-of-moment, yet you stood there with the blank stare, and showed everyone what you didn’t know. Imagine if everyday felt that way even though your spelling bee days were long past. The truth is, over 1,500 Nashville adults struggle with literacy, yet most of us don’t know it.

Thankfully, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) has recognized the need for volunteer tutors to help teach reading to U.S.-born adults and guide adult immigrants in learning English skills. NALC serves over 1,500 adults annually, with the help of 500 volunteer tutors and 33 classes. NALC’s vision is for all to learn and for all to help build a community of adults empowered through literacy.

James Morehead, 2012 NALC Literacy Learner of the Year, comments, “When I was young, I always had a hard time reading and writing. I could not do things like make a grocery list. I had to draw pictures of the food when I went to the store. It was also hard to do things like fill out job applications to see if I could get a job. For a long time, I could not drive because I could not pass the driver’s test,” says James.

“Now, I can do things like write ‘Happy Birthday’ and read the newspaper. Most importantly, I can write a letter to my wife to show her how much I love her.”

James has the confidence he needs to flourish in the world today because of people like you who volunteer their time to teach him to read. The NALC would not exist if it weren’t for the people who share their knowledge, patience, and encouragement. Annually, over 500 volunteer tutors dedicate thousands of hours to teaching their fellow adults to read and write, and speak English. Volunteers from all backgrounds and occupations tutor with NALC. No teaching experience is necessary! If you can read, you can help.

Aside from volunteering with the Start Now Program and One-on-One Tutoring Program, creative and devoted volunteers help NALC with events, office work, speaking engagements and community outreach, teaching classes, and facilitating extra-curricular activities for learners.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Nashville Adult Literacy Council holds volunteer trainings once or twice per month for both the Start Now and One-on-One Tutoring programs. Currently, there are 100 learners on NALC’s waiting list waiting for a one-on-one tutor.

One-on-One Tutoring Program
The One-on-One Tutoring Program is Nashville Adult Literacy Council’s primary mission. In this program, NALC matches one adult learner with one volunteer tutor based on schedule and location preference. Tutors are asked to commit to a minimum of six months with their learner, meeting between two and three hours per week.

Upcoming trainings for the One-on-One Tutoring Program are:
> Friday, January 11th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
> Saturday, January 26th, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Start Now Program
Due to NALC’s growth and success, immediate accommodation for every learner is difficult. In fact, it can take six months or longer for a learner to be matched with a volunteer tutor. The Start Now Program allows learners to get immediate service while waiting to be matched with a long-term volunteer tutor. It also allows volunteer tutors greater scheduling flexibility than the One-on-One Tutoring Program. Tutors sign up for hour-long appointments as often or as little as their schedule permits, and meet with a new learner each visit.

Upcoming Trainings for the Start Now Program are:
> Wednesday, January 30th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
> Tuesday, February 26th, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monthly training dates are always listed on NALC’s website.

GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in volunteering with the Nashville Adult Literacy Council, please email info@nashvilleliteracy.org or call 615-298-8060. For more information, visit the website at Nashvilleliteracy.org.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Nashville Humane Association

They eat your homework, snuggle with you when it’s cold outside, burrow in spaces you didn’t think possible, make you giggle, accompany you on that morning run, and follow you around like you’re better than bacon. They don’t have much of a voice, but could certainly use your support. Feeling the nudge to help out these lovable, loyal, and sometimes silly, tail-wagging friends?

 

Betsy Warren and Emily Warren pose with Critter Campers.

The Nashville Humane Association (NHA) could use your assistance. Committed to finding responsible homes, controlling pet overpopulation, and promoting the humane treatment of animals, NHA makes the animal world a bit brighter.

Of course, volunteers play a key role in helping NHA fulfill its mission, from hands-on work with the shelter residents to keep them happy, healthy, and adoptable, to clerical assistance. NHA volunteers serve as ambassadors in the community and fill various roles during special events. Volunteer roles include staffing Teddy’s Wagon mobile adoption unit, promoting the healthy people-pet connection via Pet Visitation at various facilities, operating the Community Pet Food Bank for pet owners in need, and much more. Callie Jennings, a current NHA volunteer comments, “NHA is the purest form of service. Though animals can only show you love, the volunteer usually leaves feeling richer from giving one hour than taking a day’s pay.”

Jennifer Ford pets this furry friend at 12 South Farmers Market.

Jennifer Ford, another NHA volunteer says, “Deciding to volunteer at NHA has been one of the best decisions I made in my life. It is such a joy to work with the animals, staff, and other volunteers. I am happy to make a difference.”

Here are some upcoming opportunities for you to join in and make a difference:

Critter Care
Come help out on a Sunday morning (8:30-11 a.m.) and encourage animal socialization and do some deep cleaning prior to the shelter opening to the public.
> Learn more and sign up.

Drive NHA’s Mobile Adoption Unit
One Saturday each month, drive large vehicles, work with customers, and handle dogs. This is a To-Be-Scheduled opportunity (offering more scheduling flexibility), until filled.
> Learn more and sign up.

> See all opportunities with NHA.