There was a great piece on CNN.com today about Selena Gomes and the work she's doing as a young ambassador with UNICEF. She explains how she got involved with the organization and how this work has turned in to a passion. Yes, she's 18, and many people feel youth don't know how to give back. But look at the national volunteer rates - the youth age range is among the fastest growing population of volunteers around the country - even in Rhode Island!
This piece is moving and heartfelt, albeit short and sweet. It's a nice piece to read or watch the video of with your teen and encourage them to find a project or area that interests them there where they can make a difference.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Can Peer Pressure Help us Eliminate the Paper or Plastic?
Great article from WSJ about DC imposing a tax on paper and plastic bags and the peer pressure that got people to make the transition to re-useable bags. The article also looks at other incentive and peer programs to change environmental behaviors and actions around the world. Take a moment to read this - you won't be sorry!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Would you volunteer on your honeymoon?
I just read a great article on CNN about honeyteers - honeymooners who volunteer on their honeymoon, or a portion of their honeymoon. It gives them the chance to learn more about the culture of where they are visiting and then take some time to tour the areas with a greater understanding for the region.
I've heard more and more about people volunteering on their honeymoons lately - we even had a staff member a few years ago who he and his new wife used their honeymoon time to volunteer overseas.
For the age group now getting married, where we see the largest rates of volunteering nationally, I guess this trend does make sense. But would you volunteer on your honeymoon?
I've heard more and more about people volunteering on their honeymoons lately - we even had a staff member a few years ago who he and his new wife used their honeymoon time to volunteer overseas.
For the age group now getting married, where we see the largest rates of volunteering nationally, I guess this trend does make sense. But would you volunteer on your honeymoon?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eco Friendly Volunteer Vacations
When I first started in volunteer management, the idea of going on vacation to volunteer was just something I couldn't grasp. Most likely because I'm surrounded with all things volunteering just about 6 days of the week.
However, in the field, there has been a great increase in the interest of Voluntourism (aka, Volunteering While You Vacation). I guess over time, the idea is growing on me, although let's be honest, I'm probably not the first to book this type of vacation with my family since I enjoy site seeing, laying on a beach and well just being lazy when I travel. It is vacation after all!
But this article on The Daily Green was a great piece and really inspired me to possibly think outside the box when planning my next vacation and looking in to some Eco-Volunteering options. I'm particularly fond of going to help an organic farmer! (Side note, my husband has a co-worker who has done this up in Canada. They stay for free in exchange for helping on the farm and they get to take some of the produce home with them. Pretty cool!)
Take a look at the piece and see what interests you - it's quite incredible the ways travelers can be helping today!
However, in the field, there has been a great increase in the interest of Voluntourism (aka, Volunteering While You Vacation). I guess over time, the idea is growing on me, although let's be honest, I'm probably not the first to book this type of vacation with my family since I enjoy site seeing, laying on a beach and well just being lazy when I travel. It is vacation after all!
But this article on The Daily Green was a great piece and really inspired me to possibly think outside the box when planning my next vacation and looking in to some Eco-Volunteering options. I'm particularly fond of going to help an organic farmer! (Side note, my husband has a co-worker who has done this up in Canada. They stay for free in exchange for helping on the farm and they get to take some of the produce home with them. Pretty cool!)
Take a look at the piece and see what interests you - it's quite incredible the ways travelers can be helping today!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Calling Those Passionate About Clean Beaches!
We Need You!
Now is your chance to be trained as a cleanup leader! Leaders are trained in organizing cleanups and cleanup safety and they help lead upwards of 30 cleanups each season for Save The Bay.
Join us in October for our next round of leader training!
Now is your chance to be trained as a cleanup leader! Leaders are trained in organizing cleanups and cleanup safety and they help lead upwards of 30 cleanups each season for Save The Bay.
Join us in October for our next round of leader training!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
An Overview of 2009 Volunteering in Rhode Island
The new data is out from the Corporation for National and Community Service on Volunteering in America. Nationally, more people are volunteering but overall are not giving any more hours to organizations - hours remained flat.
Locally, we are ranked 42nd in the country on the percentage of people that volunteer. In 2009, approximately 196,000 people volunteered in RIgiving 26.5 million hours of service to charities around the state. On average, Rhode Islanders who volunteer contribute about 31 hours a year to volunteering.
The full report for RI can be found here.
I always look forward to this report being released. I like to see where RI ranks among the other states, and I like to see nationally where we are at. I'm pleased to see more people are volunteering but it's interesting that they aren't necessarily giving more time.
From a STB perspective I can understand that. As our fiscal year comes to a close in a few weeks, I'm noticing on our early reports that we have a lot more people who volunteered this year than in the past, but overall our hours aren't really any different than in the past. One thing I have noticed since starting at STB over 4 years ago is that our volunteers really tend to stick to the projects they like and just give time in those areas - which is great - but I can see how that doesn't allow for growth of hours at the organization. So it makes me realize that maybe I'm not alone in this feeling - that other nonprofits have the same situation.
I really was anticipating that the number of volunteers and hours was going to increase this time around because of the recession. I know we've seen an increase in volunteers who are looking to give time since they aren't working right now. But perhaps people are still just coming out one or two times to participate and not giving more hours during the work day to organizations.
I'll be curious to hear from volunteers: do you think you give 31 hours a year on average to organizations you volunteer for combined?
And from nonprofit organizations: did you see your hours increase or just your numbers?
Locally, we are ranked 42nd in the country on the percentage of people that volunteer. In 2009, approximately 196,000 people volunteered in RIgiving 26.5 million hours of service to charities around the state. On average, Rhode Islanders who volunteer contribute about 31 hours a year to volunteering.
The full report for RI can be found here.
I always look forward to this report being released. I like to see where RI ranks among the other states, and I like to see nationally where we are at. I'm pleased to see more people are volunteering but it's interesting that they aren't necessarily giving more time.
From a STB perspective I can understand that. As our fiscal year comes to a close in a few weeks, I'm noticing on our early reports that we have a lot more people who volunteered this year than in the past, but overall our hours aren't really any different than in the past. One thing I have noticed since starting at STB over 4 years ago is that our volunteers really tend to stick to the projects they like and just give time in those areas - which is great - but I can see how that doesn't allow for growth of hours at the organization. So it makes me realize that maybe I'm not alone in this feeling - that other nonprofits have the same situation.
I really was anticipating that the number of volunteers and hours was going to increase this time around because of the recession. I know we've seen an increase in volunteers who are looking to give time since they aren't working right now. But perhaps people are still just coming out one or two times to participate and not giving more hours during the work day to organizations.
I'll be curious to hear from volunteers: do you think you give 31 hours a year on average to organizations you volunteer for combined?
And from nonprofit organizations: did you see your hours increase or just your numbers?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Happy World Oceans Day
Ok so I may be a day late, but none the less - really shouldn't every day be World Oceans Day? Just like every day should be Earth Day?
I think the oceans and other bodies of water are things that have been on people's mind lately with the oil spill in the Gulf. We're seeing the oiled birds and fish, the loss of precious habitat, it's heartbreaking for any water lover.
So this WOD really should make us all reflect on the importance of our oceans and what they do for us. They help provide us with the oxygen we breathe, generate food, provide recreation and income for millions, medicines, you name it!
Take a little bit to read this piece on The Daily Green about what you can do to help the oceans - better yet, locally, come join us for a Shoreline Cleanup, and Eelgrass Restoration or other events!
I think the oceans and other bodies of water are things that have been on people's mind lately with the oil spill in the Gulf. We're seeing the oiled birds and fish, the loss of precious habitat, it's heartbreaking for any water lover.
So this WOD really should make us all reflect on the importance of our oceans and what they do for us. They help provide us with the oxygen we breathe, generate food, provide recreation and income for millions, medicines, you name it!
Take a little bit to read this piece on The Daily Green about what you can do to help the oceans - better yet, locally, come join us for a Shoreline Cleanup, and Eelgrass Restoration or other events!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
FACEBOOK!!!
Don't forget to check out the Save The Bay Volunteers Page on Facebook! Find photos, opportunities, information and more!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
What are some of your favorite sites
Since I sit at a computer most of the day for work, I find when I have a quick break that I enjoy reading up on some of my favorite environmental websites and blogs. But I'm always looking for new ones to enjoy as well! What are some of your favorites that you enjoy?
For me, my frequent pit stops include:
The Daily Green
E-Magazine
Care-2
Live Science
Green Business
For me, my frequent pit stops include:
The Daily Green
E-Magazine
Care-2
Live Science
Green Business
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy 40th Earth Day
40 years ago this year, something else great happened - Save The Bay was formed.
Yes, that's right - It's the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 40th Anniversary of Save The Bay.
How are you celebrating Earth Day this year? Are you participating in a cleanup, restoring a park, or planting trees or a garden? There are so many activities at Earth Day that people can take advantage of with groups world wide.
And while so many focus their energy on giving back to the planet this one day/week/weekend - what happens the rest of the year? Shouldn't every day be Earth Day?
At Save The Bay, our favorite slogan is Every Day is Earth Day. Because really, it is! We should care about our planet 7 days a week, 365 days a year - not just one day or week in April because the calendar and news tells us to care about the planet this day. If we don't all step up and take action for our planet what will our kids and their kids enjoy (or not get to enjoy is a better way to look at it).
So make a pledge this Earth Day and every Earth Day about a new environmental change you would like to make. What will you pledge to do?
eat local and sustainable foods
stop using fertilizers on my lawn
volunteer for an organization that helps the planet
start composting
buy a more fuel efficient car
carpool
ride my bike
recycle
switch to energy efficient appliances
try out eco friendly paints
turn off the lights
turn off the water
sign up to be taken off of junk mail lists
use natural cleaners
buy low flow faucets and toilets
plant a garden
properly dispose of old electronics
reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill
And many more!
Check out some of these Earth Day Freebies too I found!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Rise Above Plastics
Have you heard about this site http://www.riseaboveplastics.org/
When you visit the site, have your speakers on, there's some great music as well!
I was first turned on to their site by this clip posted by Surfrider on Facebook.
I just love how moving this piece is and at the incredible message it gets across in just 30 seconds. I think every single person across the world should be required to see this clip to understand the impact we all have on water - wheter ocean, lake, stream, river, pond or other local bodies. What a way to hit home the impact plastics have on our oceans!
I watched this like 4-5 times just sitting at my desk, I couldn't get enough of it. But inside, it also got me thinking how Shoreline Cleanup season is around the corner and how much plastic we find during cleanups. I hate all of the plastics we find during cleanups - it's so aggrivating. I just always feel that if I was raised with enough sense to take home all of my trash and properly dispose of it when I'm at a public place, how did so many other people miss this lesson?
I pledge to reduce my plastic use at home and encourage others to take their trash out with them and properly recycle or dispose of it at home and not on our coastlines! I also pledge to share this clip with as many people as I can!
When you visit the site, have your speakers on, there's some great music as well!
I was first turned on to their site by this clip posted by Surfrider on Facebook.
I just love how moving this piece is and at the incredible message it gets across in just 30 seconds. I think every single person across the world should be required to see this clip to understand the impact we all have on water - wheter ocean, lake, stream, river, pond or other local bodies. What a way to hit home the impact plastics have on our oceans!
I watched this like 4-5 times just sitting at my desk, I couldn't get enough of it. But inside, it also got me thinking how Shoreline Cleanup season is around the corner and how much plastic we find during cleanups. I hate all of the plastics we find during cleanups - it's so aggrivating. I just always feel that if I was raised with enough sense to take home all of my trash and properly dispose of it when I'm at a public place, how did so many other people miss this lesson?
I pledge to reduce my plastic use at home and encourage others to take their trash out with them and properly recycle or dispose of it at home and not on our coastlines! I also pledge to share this clip with as many people as I can!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rise Above Plastics
You have to check out this incredible campaign by Rhode Island Chapter of Surfrider Foundation You can find them on Facebook too!
Rise Above Plastics is a series of ice sculptures that are going to be around the Providence area to focus attention on the issue of plastics in the Bay and on our coastlines. Trash was frozen in to each of the blocks of ice for people to see how our use of plastics effects the animals as well as the Bay and Beaches.
And yes, they will be cleaning up the trash when the sculptures melt so it doesn't blow freely around the city.
Check out some great information here on the campaign and see the first sculpture that went up today at Grants Block on the corner of Westminster and Union St, downtown Providence.
Rise Above Plastics is a series of ice sculptures that are going to be around the Providence area to focus attention on the issue of plastics in the Bay and on our coastlines. Trash was frozen in to each of the blocks of ice for people to see how our use of plastics effects the animals as well as the Bay and Beaches.
And yes, they will be cleaning up the trash when the sculptures melt so it doesn't blow freely around the city.
Check out some great information here on the campaign and see the first sculpture that went up today at Grants Block on the corner of Westminster and Union St, downtown Providence.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Toxic: Garbage Island
I stumbled upon this today - CNN had a nice short piece and video up - but then I found the full film online at VBS.TV. In it's entirity with all 3 episodes it's a little over 1 hour. The page with Garbage Island can be found here.
I can tell you, it is 1 hour of your time very well spent. If you only have the chance to watch 20 minutes - watch the last piece - segment 3 - it by far has the most impact for seeing what's in the oceans.
The short film follows the journey of a research boat and 3 members of VBS TV on a 21 day trip to the garbage patch in the pacific. They are out to see what types of plastics are in the water and test water samples to see if the plastic toxins are in the water itself that the fish and marine animals are ingesting - and thus - we are ingesting.
There are some great statistics in here, some great data, and some great illustrations of how industrial chemicals are impacting animals and humans.
I will tell you - it's not meant for young children - there are times where there is profanity used. There are also some points where you see them fishing and opening the fish up that can be graphic for people.
The website also has some links to blogs and other pieces that are about plastics in the worlds oceans.
As the staff memeber at STB who heads up the cleanup program, I can honestly say that at every cleanup we do I'm always amazed by how many pieces of plastic we find that I know will never biodegrade.
So take a watch to learn about Garbage Island.
I can tell you, it is 1 hour of your time very well spent. If you only have the chance to watch 20 minutes - watch the last piece - segment 3 - it by far has the most impact for seeing what's in the oceans.
The short film follows the journey of a research boat and 3 members of VBS TV on a 21 day trip to the garbage patch in the pacific. They are out to see what types of plastics are in the water and test water samples to see if the plastic toxins are in the water itself that the fish and marine animals are ingesting - and thus - we are ingesting.
There are some great statistics in here, some great data, and some great illustrations of how industrial chemicals are impacting animals and humans.
I will tell you - it's not meant for young children - there are times where there is profanity used. There are also some points where you see them fishing and opening the fish up that can be graphic for people.
The website also has some links to blogs and other pieces that are about plastics in the worlds oceans.
As the staff memeber at STB who heads up the cleanup program, I can honestly say that at every cleanup we do I'm always amazed by how many pieces of plastic we find that I know will never biodegrade.
So take a watch to learn about Garbage Island.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Yes, Even STB Staff Volunteer!
It's true! Even STB Staff Members get out in their communities and volunteer in a variety of capacities around the state.
I'm a large proponent of volunteering, for any organization, in any capacity. I think volunteering is good for our personal well being and of course for the well being of others. It's a way to try new things, build cofidence about your own skills and abilities, have fun, meet new people, and learn more about organizations in your area and how they help others.
RI Chapter of Surfrider Foundation
Ronald McDonald House
I'm a large proponent of volunteering, for any organization, in any capacity. I think volunteering is good for our personal well being and of course for the well being of others. It's a way to try new things, build cofidence about your own skills and abilities, have fun, meet new people, and learn more about organizations in your area and how they help others.
A couple of our Explore The Bay Education Staffers recently volutneered at Mystic Aquarium to help with Inuk, the Beluga Whale who has been ill. Our educators are all trained Marine Mammal First Responders from Mystic Aquarium, so they were more than happy to head down (very early I might add) on a Sunday morning to be of service to the husbandry staff at the aquarium. (I made sure to think about them and their compassion for Inuk and service to the staff as I was rolling out of bed and lounging in my PJS with my hot tea!! That's how early it was!)
Grainne & Cherisa suiting up to help the MAIFE staff take care of Inuk!
Their service got me thinking about what else our staff members do in their communities to volunteer. So I took a quick survey of our staff and was amazed by the incredible places they give their time and talents to.
To name a few:
North Kingstown Free Public Library
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Mystic Aquarium - cleaning tanks!
Weekly town and coastal cleanups in their community
Common Cause
The Highlander School
Meals on Wheels
Sustainable Harvest International
Volunteer Lacrosse Coach
Camp Ker-Anna
The Traveling TheaterRI Chapter of Surfrider Foundation
Ronald McDonald House
I was so honored to see how many of our staff also give their time to volunteer in their free time and in so many different ways.
For me, volunteering is always a choice at the top of my list. I like to find organizations that are a good fit for what I'm looking to gain and for what is important in the local area that may need my help. I've served on board committees for groups, I've done marketing and PR work for organizations, cooked, cleaned, answered phones, dressed in costumes, managed birthday parties, you name it - I'll do it. I'm one of those people that really gets more enjoyment and fulfillment in my life when I volunteer than when I just sit on my couch and watch a movie!
So where do you volunteer?? How has volunteering changed you or impacted your life?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Disney's Give a Day Get a Day
Since January 1st, I've received well over 100 emails and phone calls from people wanting to volunteer for Save The Bay to get a free ticket to Disney.
YES - Save The Bay is a participating organization.
BUT - only selected opportunities of ours will be used for the Give a Day Get a Day Program.
AND - there are age requirements to ALL of our projects at STB - so not everyone in your group/family may be able to participate in the volunteer opportunity.
AND - there will be restricitons on how many volunteers we need - so if the opportunity fills, it fills.
ALSO - our opportunities will be for specific projects for STB - not just come in and help in our office and get a ticket.
You can find out what groups in RI, CT and MA are participating in this opportunity by visiting the Disney Parks webpage and searching by zip for an opportunity.
Our current opportunity for this promotion is now filled. Keep an eye out on their site throughout the year for new projects from STB and other organizations!
YES - Save The Bay is a participating organization.
BUT - only selected opportunities of ours will be used for the Give a Day Get a Day Program.
AND - there are age requirements to ALL of our projects at STB - so not everyone in your group/family may be able to participate in the volunteer opportunity.
AND - there will be restricitons on how many volunteers we need - so if the opportunity fills, it fills.
ALSO - our opportunities will be for specific projects for STB - not just come in and help in our office and get a ticket.
You can find out what groups in RI, CT and MA are participating in this opportunity by visiting the Disney Parks webpage and searching by zip for an opportunity.
Our current opportunity for this promotion is now filled. Keep an eye out on their site throughout the year for new projects from STB and other organizations!
A Big THANK YOU!
I wanted to thank all of the volutneers and members who came out to the Hi-Hat on the 7th for the Cheers for Volunteers event to learn more about The Civic Projects (Tim & Kirsten) and volunteering in your communitites.
But a HUGE shout out and Kudos to Tim, Kirsten and the OSEEC AmeriCorps Members who spent last friday sprucing up our facility. They spent the day painting our public rooms that we rent out and our kitchen that gets frequent use from caterers on site.
The group was wonderful to work with and we can't begin to thank them enough. People are noticing the change already - staff and frequent visitors/renters to the site.
This is the blog entry on Tim and Kirsten's day at STB. You can track their whole journey on their blog - they are doing some pretty incredible things on their journey of giving - be sure to check it out and follow along!
But a HUGE shout out and Kudos to Tim, Kirsten and the OSEEC AmeriCorps Members who spent last friday sprucing up our facility. They spent the day painting our public rooms that we rent out and our kitchen that gets frequent use from caterers on site.
The group was wonderful to work with and we can't begin to thank them enough. People are noticing the change already - staff and frequent visitors/renters to the site.
This is the blog entry on Tim and Kirsten's day at STB. You can track their whole journey on their blog - they are doing some pretty incredible things on their journey of giving - be sure to check it out and follow along!
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