Our Community Engagement Story
We invest our energy, time, skills, and resources to support community programming, volunteer associations, and social enterprises
Our Involvement in the Community
We identify partnerships in our city to volunteer and engage further through pro-bono efforts, donations and advisory roles as a board member
- There are many instances where we provide our skills pro-bono to strategic partners in our city. The most recent example is us working with Dr. Nelson who has a program where technologists like us teach elementary kids how to use computers
- When we are not serving our community in a ongoing basis with specific partners, we occasionally episodically volunteer with food banks, shelters, and various organizations
Grants & Scholarships
We seek to work with organizations, initiatives and programs in which our skills can complement and make a huge impact through our grants and scholarships
- We want to invest in the next generation of community social works, scholars, developers and researchers. We periodically donate and provide grants to these individuals to pursue their passions and interest
- Most AmeriCorps and Vistas in our nation do amazing work from emergency control to policy making. We want to elevate their missions and support their efforts even further during and after their service
Investing
There are many associations and conferences in which we participate and invest further our time and resources
- We want to invest in the next generation of community social works, scholars, developers and researchers. We periodically donate and provide grants to these individuals to pursue their passions and interest
- Most AmeriCorps and Vistas in our nation do amazing work from emergency control to policy making. We want to elevate their missions and support their efforts even further during and after their service
Volunteer Preparation
It's imperative that all volunteers, donors and individuals who anticipate interacting with others either physically distance themselves or ensure that they are healthy, capable and willing. Individuals who meet these health requirements can get involved now here.
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Wash Hands and Be Clean
The CDC recommends that you wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, particularly after sneezing or coughing, when caring for the sick, before, after, and during food preparation, before eating, after use of toilets, when hands are visibly dirty, and after handling animals. Washing hands often and thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) will help to prevent the spread of the virus, both to yourself and others. Avoid touching your face. If you cannot wash your hands, frequently use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer. -
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Always cover your coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow or a tissue (if into a tissue, please dispose immediately and wash your hands). Droplets can spread the virus; good respiratory hygiene helps to protect those around you from the potential spread of the virus. This is particularly true given that droplets can remain on surfaces long after you have left, leaving all those who come into contact vulnerable. -
Physical (also known as Social) Distancing
Maintaining six feet of physical distance can prevent the spread of virus, as this is how far droplets travel after a cough or a sneeze. Physical distance can protect you and those around you alike. Note: while this has been referred to as social distancing, increasingly the term physical distancing is being preferred, as social connection is of particular importance at this time.
Making a center, workspace and activity safe, clean and welcoming
It's imperative that all centers, programs and initiatives have procedures and ongoing tasks in place to protect the health and safety of volunteers, donors, clients and members of the community. Coordinators and admins who are prepared can publish or list opportunities for virtual experiences or the COVID-19 option here.
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Wipe Down Center
It is uncertain how long coronavirus can last on surfaces (for this and other information, see the WHO FAQs: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses). In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus for those in your center, wipe it down with alcohol-based disinfectants both before and after it is in use. If you are using a tablet for volunteer check-in, make sure to sanitize it regularly. If volunteers or employees are using shared computers or tools, make sure they wash their hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, and wipe down their stations before and after use as well. -
Tools & Supplies Clean-up
It is also recommended the organization ensures all tools (laptops, tablets, phones, supplies and stationary) be wiped or cleaned per usage or activity. At the same time, individuals and groups who are committed to a program or activity should double check their workspace and tools are cleaned to protect their own safety and health. -
Provide Disinfectant Wipes and Hand Sanitizing Solutions
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are almost as effective as hand-washing (although we always recommend that volunteers, employees, and clients wash their hands for at least 20 seconds as often as possible). Provide this to anyone engaging in your organization’s space to avoid transmission of the virus. In addition, provide disinfectant wipes so that any droplets containing the virus can be removed before individuals touch surfaces.