Greetings! Hopefully it is just as sunny and beautiful where you are as it is in Sioux Falls today!
I'm just popping in to let you know that Sioux Falls VISTAs started planning events for AmeriCorps Week last week. This year, AmeriCorps Week is May 8-15. We hope you are able to join us - stay tuned for details!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tax time
Whether you have a professional prepare your income tax return or you just do it yourself, there are a couple credits out there applicable to low-income workers.
Low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In order to qualify, a taxpayer must have had earned income from employment or self-employment. The EITC does not affect qualification for social services such as SSI, food stamps, and Medicaid. Click here to learn more about the maximum allowable incomes based on family size.
The Making Work Pay credit was incorporated as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Individuals may be eligible for a credit up to $400, while married couples may receive up to $800 back. Those who received a $250 Economic Recovery Payment will have their credit reduced by that same amount. (Social Security recipients, for example, received an Economic Recovery Payment.) Pensioners don't qualify unless they earned income last year.
Please keep these two credits in mind not only for yourselves this tax season, but for your respective service populations as well.
Also, if you do choose to prepare your own taxes, be sure to visit the IRS website first for a list of Free File online preparers who provide free services for those with an adjusted gross income less than $57,000.
Low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In order to qualify, a taxpayer must have had earned income from employment or self-employment. The EITC does not affect qualification for social services such as SSI, food stamps, and Medicaid. Click here to learn more about the maximum allowable incomes based on family size.
The Making Work Pay credit was incorporated as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Individuals may be eligible for a credit up to $400, while married couples may receive up to $800 back. Those who received a $250 Economic Recovery Payment will have their credit reduced by that same amount. (Social Security recipients, for example, received an Economic Recovery Payment.) Pensioners don't qualify unless they earned income last year.
Please keep these two credits in mind not only for yourselves this tax season, but for your respective service populations as well.
Also, if you do choose to prepare your own taxes, be sure to visit the IRS website first for a list of Free File online preparers who provide free services for those with an adjusted gross income less than $57,000.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Help our drive to support Sioux Falls Food Pantry!
Do you have an extra box of cereal or an extra toothbrush?
As part of our ongoing '40 Days of Peace' project to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., we are hosting a drive to support the Sioux Falls Food Pantry. Our third event theme, 'Add GOOD DEEDS,' was our inspiration to host a food/personal care item drive.
Bring a non-perishable food item or personal care item to Volunteers of America, Dakotas' Bowden Youth Center on 430 W. 11th Street in Sioux Falls. Come for a free meal and to listen to our speaker, John Beranek. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 13.
Not sure what to bring? Here are some ideas:
- AmeriCorpsVISTA (website)
- HELP!Line Center (website)
- Serve and Learn Student Association (SALSA) (website)
- Senior Companions of South Dakota (website)
- Siouxland Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (website)
- Volunteers of America, Dakotas (website)
-------------------------
Learn more about the Sioux Falls Pantry...
417 N. Phillips Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 335-6921
web | twitter
As part of our ongoing '40 Days of Peace' project to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., we are hosting a drive to support the Sioux Falls Food Pantry. Our third event theme, 'Add GOOD DEEDS,' was our inspiration to host a food/personal care item drive.
Bring a non-perishable food item or personal care item to Volunteers of America, Dakotas' Bowden Youth Center on 430 W. 11th Street in Sioux Falls. Come for a free meal and to listen to our speaker, John Beranek. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 13.
Not sure what to bring? Here are some ideas:
- Non-perishable food
- Cold Cereal – Bags or Boxes
- Hamburger & Tuna Helpers
- Meats & Stews – Canned
- Saltine Crackers – 16 oz boxes
- Snacks & Cookies – Packaged
- Chips – Packaged
- Grape Jelly
- Peanut Butter – 18 oz jars
- Vegetables & Fruits – Canned
- Personal Care Items
- Toothpaste & Brushes
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Skin lotion
- Hard Soap
- AmeriCorpsVISTA (website)
- HELP!Line Center (website)
- Serve and Learn Student Association (SALSA) (website)
- Senior Companions of South Dakota (website)
- Siouxland Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (website)
- Volunteers of America, Dakotas (website)
-------------------------
Learn more about the Sioux Falls Pantry...
417 N. Phillips Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 335-6921
web | twitter
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Professor Howard Zinn
Today was the first day I woke up with the knowledge that my childhood hero is no longer among us. Yesterday, the fierce and beautiful light that was Howard Zinn passed away at the age of 87. I spent the night trying to figure out how one copes with a loss like this, when your hero dies, what do you do? I lit a candle and I went back to the amazing words he wrote, reading the gentle and urgent calls for action against injustice until I could almost believe he was alive again. I can still feel the shock that I know thousands, if not millions, are feeling right now as they realize that this beacon of goodness, strength, and integrity is no longer with us.
Professor Howard Zinn was born in NYC, the son of Jewish Immigrants whose fight for labor rights gave us a little more dignity and rights in the work place. Raised amongst the working poor (like I was), Zinn did what many of the poor do who want to make a difference, he joined the military to fight against the Nazi's in WWII. When he came back the U.S. he laid down his weapons and said "never again," deciding from that point to dedicate his life to peace. He worked a lot of hard jobs before going to college at the age of 27 and earning a doctorate in history from Columbia University.
During the Civil Rights movement, Zinn taught at Spelman, one of the historic black colleges whose student body was active in the movement. Zinn did everything he could to support and encourage his students activism. He became a leader in SNCC, attended all the rallies, spoke, organized, and fought along side his students. Alice Walker said he was her favorite professor and a source of great inspiration.
Zinn was active in the AntiWar movement, speaking out against Vietnam. He was active in the peace movement, the women's rights movement, and just about every cause you could think of. He organized, he spoke, he acted. He taught until recent years at Boston University where he published numerous works that have inspired countless people around the world, particularly us History majors. Of his works was the famous "A People's History of the United States," and "A Power Governments Could Not Suppress." He published plays, textbooks, and creative literature that was meant to shed light on the power of the ordinary citizen to make the world a better place. He called on us from the pages, asking us to not give up, providing stories of those who have changed the world. His life was poetry, he truly embodied what Gandhi said: "My life is my message." Unlike many leaders in our world today, he lived his truth completely. There were no scandals, no drama, no reasons to doubt his conviction at any point. He was strength and integrity personified.
I remember the day I picked up, "A Power Governments Could Not Suppress." I remember reading it absolutely enthralled, every nerve in my body lit by the truths of histories that have been forgotten. The histories of the people, the poor, the marginalized, who invisible as they may be do what is right simply because it is right without knowing that this action would in fact alter the course of history forever.
I remember activists passing the book along from hand to hand, a light in the darkness. When you are starving, when you are wondering why on Earth you thought you could make a difference, this book showed you all that you needed to know. The stories of those who fought for a better world simply because it was the right thing to do. Endless stories, numerous stories, like waves in an ocean, declaring over and over again "you are not alone, you are not alone."
Professor, you have changed my life. May you find peace, at long last. Thank you for the gift of your light.
"TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."
— Howard Zinn
Professor Howard Zinn was born in NYC, the son of Jewish Immigrants whose fight for labor rights gave us a little more dignity and rights in the work place. Raised amongst the working poor (like I was), Zinn did what many of the poor do who want to make a difference, he joined the military to fight against the Nazi's in WWII. When he came back the U.S. he laid down his weapons and said "never again," deciding from that point to dedicate his life to peace. He worked a lot of hard jobs before going to college at the age of 27 and earning a doctorate in history from Columbia University.
During the Civil Rights movement, Zinn taught at Spelman, one of the historic black colleges whose student body was active in the movement. Zinn did everything he could to support and encourage his students activism. He became a leader in SNCC, attended all the rallies, spoke, organized, and fought along side his students. Alice Walker said he was her favorite professor and a source of great inspiration.
Zinn was active in the AntiWar movement, speaking out against Vietnam. He was active in the peace movement, the women's rights movement, and just about every cause you could think of. He organized, he spoke, he acted. He taught until recent years at Boston University where he published numerous works that have inspired countless people around the world, particularly us History majors. Of his works was the famous "A People's History of the United States," and "A Power Governments Could Not Suppress." He published plays, textbooks, and creative literature that was meant to shed light on the power of the ordinary citizen to make the world a better place. He called on us from the pages, asking us to not give up, providing stories of those who have changed the world. His life was poetry, he truly embodied what Gandhi said: "My life is my message." Unlike many leaders in our world today, he lived his truth completely. There were no scandals, no drama, no reasons to doubt his conviction at any point. He was strength and integrity personified.
I remember the day I picked up, "A Power Governments Could Not Suppress." I remember reading it absolutely enthralled, every nerve in my body lit by the truths of histories that have been forgotten. The histories of the people, the poor, the marginalized, who invisible as they may be do what is right simply because it is right without knowing that this action would in fact alter the course of history forever.
I remember activists passing the book along from hand to hand, a light in the darkness. When you are starving, when you are wondering why on Earth you thought you could make a difference, this book showed you all that you needed to know. The stories of those who fought for a better world simply because it was the right thing to do. Endless stories, numerous stories, like waves in an ocean, declaring over and over again "you are not alone, you are not alone."
Professor, you have changed my life. May you find peace, at long last. Thank you for the gift of your light.
"TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."
— Howard Zinn
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Values
Inspiration comes in the strangest forms sometimes. Take this op-ed piece in the New York Times, for example. Author Thomas Friedman mentions the difference between situational values and sustainable values as defined by Dov Seidman, the CEO of an organization that "helps companies build ethical cultures."
Situational values are the instant gratification of values. It's a person or an organization making decisions without regard for future implication. There's a benefit to be had thanks to the current environment. But months or years from now? It doesn't matter.
Sustainable values, on the other hand, are the opposite. It's about legacy building and plotting a future where the current players won't be around. Or, using a VISTA analogy, it's about building organizational capacity.
The piece as a whole is one man's opinion on how this country's leaders are still trying to solve our economic malaise while looking out for their respective interests. But what I took away from it is not only the two types of values, but our ability to choose one or the other.
I'm not easily impressed, but these new terms have blown be away. They've shed some light on some of the challenges I'm facing here in Mission. It sometimes feels as though it's me against the world. Maybe I need a new approach, and the clear distinction between situational and sustainable values may fit the bill.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
MLK DAY 2010 Reflections
For entire post, please go to: http://glacialakesvolunteer.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-happened-on-mlk-day-2010-read-to.html
MLK DAY 2010 RESULTS: GLACIAL LAKES REGION
On January 18th 2010, RSVP Volunteers participated in a donation drive for the local Watertown Salvation Army of Watertown, SD. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, our dedicated volunteers gathered at "Shopko" and the "County Fair" food store between the hours of 12 and 6 pm. The volunteers distributed fliers on MLK Day with a list of Salvation Army needs attached. As a participant, I was able to observe the way customers and our RSVP volunteers interacted. Since our volunteers are part of the community, the event was very comfortable and the interactions were positive. The stores that hosted our events were kind, generous, and more then happy to accommodate the volunteers. Despite a difficult economy, people continued to give without hesitation understanding that this year, the need is great. We collected over 750 nonperishable items totaling over 2000 dollars in worth in addition to small monetary donations. These goods will serve to restock the shelves at the local Salvation Army, ensuring that we are able to help those with the greatest need in our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out in the snow to collect and to those who helped to deliver the goods donated.
The Bowden Youth Center, Sponsored by Volunteers of America, kicked off their "40 Days of Peace" project on Saturday January 16th. The project is a multifaceted series of community events that honor Dr. King by fostering dialogue and action that promotes a more peaceful way of living. The project asks the individual to live out Dr. King's dream in their daily lives for at least 40 days through peace thoughts and actions. During the forty days, those involved will meet on scheduled Saturdays to celebrate peace, dine together, and reflect on their progress so far.
The first of these community celebrations took place on the 16th from 4:30 -6:30 pm. During this time there were prominent community speakers including the Mayor and the President of the Multicultural Center. Following the speakers, we were treated to the sounds of local music including a sing along of the famous "We Shall Overcome." Finally, we wrapped up the event with a delicious communal dinner.
This event would not have been possible without volunteers. Volunteers helped to hand make decorations, to make and serve food, and to clean up afterward.
The event was very successful, drawing participants across all demographics and backgrounds. The children involved with our program were able to learn about Dr. King and to experience other cultures in a safe and fun community setting. I was particularly impressed with the speech from the President of the Multicultural Center that expressed how important MLK Day is to him as a refugee and a respected community leader.
More information on this continuing event: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp624124.jsp
Stay tuned as I post more pictures from MLK Day events and reports on activities that took place this week!
For more information on the life and work of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr, Please click on the links below. The work of Dr. King challenged inequality, violence, poverty, and all forms of injustice. Please click to read and learn about his work. Remember: Make MLK Day a day ON not off!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/king_martin_luther.shtml
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/special/mlk/
http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/
MLK DAY 2010 RESULTS: GLACIAL LAKES REGION
- RSVP, Glacial Lakes Region & Volunteers of America, Dakotas
On January 18th 2010, RSVP Volunteers participated in a donation drive for the local Watertown Salvation Army of Watertown, SD. Despite the cold and snowy conditions, our dedicated volunteers gathered at "Shopko" and the "County Fair" food store between the hours of 12 and 6 pm. The volunteers distributed fliers on MLK Day with a list of Salvation Army needs attached. As a participant, I was able to observe the way customers and our RSVP volunteers interacted. Since our volunteers are part of the community, the event was very comfortable and the interactions were positive. The stores that hosted our events were kind, generous, and more then happy to accommodate the volunteers. Despite a difficult economy, people continued to give without hesitation understanding that this year, the need is great. We collected over 750 nonperishable items totaling over 2000 dollars in worth in addition to small monetary donations. These goods will serve to restock the shelves at the local Salvation Army, ensuring that we are able to help those with the greatest need in our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out in the snow to collect and to those who helped to deliver the goods donated.
- Bowden Youth Center, Sioux Falls SD, January 16th
The Bowden Youth Center, Sponsored by Volunteers of America, kicked off their "40 Days of Peace" project on Saturday January 16th. The project is a multifaceted series of community events that honor Dr. King by fostering dialogue and action that promotes a more peaceful way of living. The project asks the individual to live out Dr. King's dream in their daily lives for at least 40 days through peace thoughts and actions. During the forty days, those involved will meet on scheduled Saturdays to celebrate peace, dine together, and reflect on their progress so far.
The first of these community celebrations took place on the 16th from 4:30 -6:30 pm. During this time there were prominent community speakers including the Mayor and the President of the Multicultural Center. Following the speakers, we were treated to the sounds of local music including a sing along of the famous "We Shall Overcome." Finally, we wrapped up the event with a delicious communal dinner.
This event would not have been possible without volunteers. Volunteers helped to hand make decorations, to make and serve food, and to clean up afterward.
The event was very successful, drawing participants across all demographics and backgrounds. The children involved with our program were able to learn about Dr. King and to experience other cultures in a safe and fun community setting. I was particularly impressed with the speech from the President of the Multicultural Center that expressed how important MLK Day is to him as a refugee and a respected community leader.
More information on this continuing event: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp624124.jsp
- Other MLK DAY Reports for 2010:
Stay tuned as I post more pictures from MLK Day events and reports on activities that took place this week!
For more information on the life and work of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr, Please click on the links below. The work of Dr. King challenged inequality, violence, poverty, and all forms of injustice. Please click to read and learn about his work. Remember: Make MLK Day a day ON not off!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/king_martin_luther.shtml
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/special/mlk/
http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Diaster Relief
I know this is not directly linked to AmeriCorps but it is service related, nonprofit related, and definitely important.
I don't know about you but I have been in shock over what is happening in Haiti. The Earthquake is estimated to affect millions of people and has killed thousands. We have rushed in with numerous nonprofits to try our best but so much still needs to be done. I am keeping them in my thoughts and in my heart. I keep wanting to cry when I read yet another story about what is happening but then Bob Dylan comes into my head and sings "...now is not the time for your tears..." and I know he is right. Now is the time for immediate and swift action on the part of the rest of the world.
So if you are interested in being updated on what is going on and what you can do to help, here is a link that is constantly being updated with more information:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/haiti-earthquake-relief-h_n_421014.html
Also, you can text "Haiti" to 90999 right now to donate 10 dollars to the Red Cross if you wish. At times like these, I know without a doubt why I chose to live a life dedicated to service. Thank you for the work you do and please keep Haiti in your thoughts, prayers, hearts.
-Dominique
I don't know about you but I have been in shock over what is happening in Haiti. The Earthquake is estimated to affect millions of people and has killed thousands. We have rushed in with numerous nonprofits to try our best but so much still needs to be done. I am keeping them in my thoughts and in my heart. I keep wanting to cry when I read yet another story about what is happening but then Bob Dylan comes into my head and sings "...now is not the time for your tears..." and I know he is right. Now is the time for immediate and swift action on the part of the rest of the world.
So if you are interested in being updated on what is going on and what you can do to help, here is a link that is constantly being updated with more information:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/haiti-earthquake-relief-h_n_421014.html
Also, you can text "Haiti" to 90999 right now to donate 10 dollars to the Red Cross if you wish. At times like these, I know without a doubt why I chose to live a life dedicated to service. Thank you for the work you do and please keep Haiti in your thoughts, prayers, hearts.
-Dominique
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