Volunteer Bulletin May '09

Good afternoon VIRCS Volunteers!

April was an eventful month, despite the rain, and May is going to be blooming with new opportunities! I'd like to thank all of you for your continued support; we couldn't do it without you!

I'm happy to announce the successful end of our Volunteer Income Tax Clinic, thanks to our great Income Tax team. Thank you so much Patricia, Urmil, Sean, Jianping, Ye Li, Samaria, Yufang, Sophia, Mary, Irina, Jane, and Wei! Together, we filed over 80 Income tax returns; great work!

Thank you as well to Yuko, sonam and Sonia, our newly-graduated practicum students. You each did amazing work; we'll miss you!

Also, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who participated in Earth Walk last Saturday. We had double last year's number of people from VIRCS in the Earth Walk, including two of VIRCS' founders: Hereity and Carlos.

Though those events are over, we are still looking for volunteers in our continuing programs. We have had a big increase in children looking for help with schoolwork this semester, and are still looking for Homework Club (Tuesdays from 4-6pm) and One-on-one Tutors to help until the end of June.

We are also looking for volunteers for our afternoon ESL classes, which include many fun events around Victoria now that the weather has improved. This just may be the funnest and most flexible volunteer opportunity at VIRCS.

Many new projects will start this month as well. Coming up very soon, we will begin recording our Multi-Language Environmental Lifestyle Radio Tips, and will be holding an info session for voice actors and sound engineers next week, on Wednesday May 7th at 4pm at VIRCS. everyone is welcome to come and find out more.

We are also beginning VIRCS' Young Adults Program May 1st, including life skills classes, conversation clubs, ESL classes, a newsletter, and more. We will need volunteer help for many aspects of this program, so if you have a passion for working with young adults, contact me to learn more.

Also for those who have a passion for youth is our annual Strides Summer Camp. This free camp takes place over 7 days at the end of July, and involves between 15 to 25 newcomer youth from all over the world. With leadership workshops, fun outdoor events, and guest facilitation by local bands and community groups, this is an amazing experience for volunteer youth leaders and youth who attend. If you are interested in becoming a Strides youth leader, contact me for more details. Leaders must commit for the 7-day camp, plus bi-weekly planning meetings leading up to the event.

VIRCS is also having a major event May 29, part of the culmination of our HR Solutions Project. HR Solutions educates employers on how to have positive multicultural work environments, and how to avoid conflict and discrimination in the workplace. As part of this project, we are hosting an Employer's Fair on May 29th at the Central Baptist Church. This event will include over 100 people, mostly employers, and we are looking for volunteers to help at the event. I will be hosting an info session on Wednesday, May 6th at 4pm at VIRCS.

Lastly, I would like to announce the creation of our brand new Volunteer Media Team, which will plan, design, and create promotional material and media support for VIRCS' events and program activities throughout the year. This team of skilled volunteers will meet approximately once a week with me and the Coordinators for VIRCS' events, and will be a valuable experience for anyone interested graphic design, promotions, business, and communications. Anyone interested in joining the team can come to the info session on Monday, May 11th, at 4pm at VIRCS. Please let me know in advance of the info session if you would like to attend.

Thank you again for being part of the VIRCS family, and get out and enjoy that sunshine :)