E-BOARD POSITION OPEN: Vice President

To my fellow SPHers,

SPH RGSO is looking for a new Vice President for the spring semester. If anyone is interested in applying for this position, please submit a letter of interest to michele.andrews13@gmail.com by December 16, 2011. Interviews will be held at the beginning of next semester. 

RECAP: November Newsletter!!

The November Newsletter is officially in circulation!

Check it out on google docs.

SPH November Newsletter

VOLUNTEER: Pride Center Mailing Party

 Join the Pride Center for a Mailing Party!!

Volunteer at the Pride Center, meet new friends, and help get a mailing delivered to hundreds of homes! 

WHEN: Monday, November 28^th

TIME: 2PM-7PM

WHERE: The Pride Center of the Capital Region, 332 Hudson Avenue, Albany

Tell your friends and we’ll see you then!

 RSVP to Aaron at aholbritter@capitalpridecenter.org

VOLUNTEER: Help Fight AIDS

Hey everyone, 

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity for the end of the semester or for the holiday season, there are some great activities coming up for Help Fight AIDS.

Book Sale

Empire State Plaza   

Concourse Level 

Nov. 15, 16, 17 ~ 10 AM- 4 PM

Book Wrap

Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza

Dec. 3 – Dec. 24

Book and Plush Animal Sale at Crossgates Mall

Dec. 17 – Dec. 24

Sponsor a Person With HIV/AIDS

Holiday Sponsor Program

Nov. 5 - Dec. 20

E-mail or Call (518)482-5602 to Help!

http://www.helpfightaids.com/eventsandstorelocations.html

VOLUNTEER: Holiday Mail for Heroes

This holiday season, the Holiday Mail for Heroes Program (HMFH) will be joining together once again with the American Red Cross to show appreciation and give thanks to our service men and women!  

This coming Monday, Nov. 21^st, we will be making holiday greeting cards to send to our heroes overseas and in our communities. Please, come help to send support, holiday cheer and thanks to our Armed Forces!

We will meet at 10:30 am on Monday at the School of Public Health. Look for a sign up sheet in the GSO office. The room number will be posted shortly.

For more information, please visit: www.redcrossneny.org 

VOLUNTEER: Open House

This Saturday, Nov. 19th is the Open House for prospective students interested in the programs the School of Public Health has to offer. Volunteers are needed to help out. Free lunch is included.

Please contact Caitlin Reid if interested in volunteering.
cmreid@albany.edu

VOLUNTEER: Equinox Thanksiving Dinner

Hello Everyone,

Equinox is looking for volunteers! Students can call the hotline (see below) to sign up. Volunteers are needed to help deliver dinners on Thursday, as well as help clean up on Friday. Please call or go online for more information:

https://pod51009.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=wpGQL878iE6sbtmwetgQxqrEvRSwds4IcZjl4IUSlDjUkGFNP5lONaOdoZk0rUbg2DjnSNAM5xc.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fpod51009.outlook.com%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dj5jtdpipxkSy1lZAOwb8pohhd0Z4ds4I_BvVaPFcOx52-nbBw9bTPfosX5BfzVQbZdTzbUeBzUk.%26URL%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.equinoxinc.org%2fthanksgiving.html
Thanksgiving Day Hotline: (518) 434-0131

VOLUNTEER: Holiday Hunger Appeal

The Food Bank’s largest and most public fundraising appeal takes place each year during the holiday season at Crossgates Mall. Hundreds of volunteers spend a few hours asking shoppers to donate to the Food Bank. Businesses, civic organizations, schools, and families are encouraged to sign up for a full day or just one shift. (November & December Only)

Contact: Jessica Tanner at (518) 786-3691, x295 or jessicat@regionalfoodbank.net

website: http://www.rfbneny.com/volunteer/volunteer-activities/

E-BOARD POSITION OPEN: Treasurer

The SPHRGSO is seeking a qualified candidate to complete the academic year as Treasurer.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: handling reimbursements, maintaining the SPHRGSO ledger, attending bi-weekly E-board meetings, securing awards/funding for SPHRGSO activities, and supporting the functions of other E-board members.

Please nominate yourself by Wed, Nov. 16 with a BRIEF letter indicating your interest, qualifications, and availability to pkheochaon@gmail.com.  The decision for this position will be determined by the current E-board and will be announced by Monday, Nov. 21. Training will begin immediately.

VOLUNTEER: Habitat for Humanity

Hello Everyone! Habitat for Humanity still has November dates but the December build dates are now posted and available for you to sign up online!
Please follow the link to sign up online and join us. http://www.capitaldistricthabitat.org/volunteer/
To see what the volunteers have been working on so far, visit their Construction Blog!!

For additional questions, please contact:

Kelly L Ferguson

Volunteer Coordinator

AmeriCorps State Direct

kelly.ferguson@capitaldistricthabitat.org

Capital District Habitat for Humanity

454 North Pearl Street

Albany, New York 12204

p: 518.462.2993 x 108

f: 518.427.9826

SERVICE RECAP: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!

Nice Job Ladies!

VOLUNTEER: Telephone Conversation Partners Program

Here is a new volunteer opportunity that requires less than one hour a week from your home!  The opportunity is called the Telephone Conversation Partners Program and is run by the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.... They have students from all over the Capital District Region in this program not just in Rensselaer County.

Information about Telephone Conversation Partners: Talk with an intermediate level English Language Adult Learner to help them expand their vocabulary and give them practice speaking/hearing English over the telephone----20-40 minutes each week after a 1 hour Orientation.

Interested folks can get more information at www.lvorc.org.  Fill out the Volunteer Information Request Form on the web site to be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator or call the Office at 518-274-8526.

SERVICE RECAP: Pride Center Annual Awards Dinner!

Here are some pictures from the Pride Center Annual Awards Dinner from last Friday night! Fellow SPHers looking beautiful as always!

   

       

VOLUNTEER: Weekend at YMCA Camp Chingachgook!!!!

WHERE: YMCA CAMP CHINGACHGOOK ON LAKE GEORGE

When: Saturday, November 5^th

Time: 8am-4pm   *Leave East Campus at 6:00am

Come volunteer at Camp Chingachgook by helping with the transition of the season! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. You can also go up the night before and stay in one of the cabins.  However, ALL of the heated cabins have already been reserved! You may even have the chance to participate in some camp activities! 

For more information on Camp Chingachgook:

 http://www.lakegeorgecamp.org/

VOLUNTEER: Pine Hills Fall 2011 Cleanup! OCT. 23rd

The Pine Hills Neighborhood Association is coordinating a "cleanup" in the Pine Hills neighborhood for Sunday, October 23rd from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  It would be great if you could participate!!  Volunteers should report to the Ridgefield Park parking lot near the intersection of Partridge Street and Myrtle Avenue.  You should wear comfortable clothing (UAlbany name on your shirt/clothing to let local neighbors know that UAlbany students continue to care about the local community), and possibly rain gear, depending upon the weather.  Equipment and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, to register or if you have questions, please see the "Pine Hills Fall 2011 Cleanup" flyer on the website below (in the left column half way down):

http://PineHillsNA.org

If you have any questions, contact Thomas Gebhardt:

Thomas Gebhardt
Director of Personal Safety & Off-Campus Affairs - University Police Department, University at Albany and Chairperson of the Committee on University & Community Relations\(518) 442-3130

VOLUNTEER: The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants needs Patient Navigator Volunteers in Albany!
Provide transportation and waiting room advocacy for the initial medical appointments of refugees resettled in Albany. This unique opportunity is a great fit for those interested in equitable healthcare access, immigrant rights and communicating across cultures.

Patient Navigator Volunteer Training
October 21, 2011   3:00-4:30pm
October 31, 2011  10:30-11:30am
USCRI Albany, 911 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204

 Volunteers must have:

• Reliable Transportation
• Flexible commitment of 6-8 hrs/month
• Willingness to participate in General USCRI Orientation

(6-7:30pm,  USCRI Albany, October 12 or November 15)

                                          Please RSVP: info@uscri-albany.org

SOCIAL: Public Health’s HOCKEY Night-Out!

Albany Devils vs. Hershey Bears Hockey Game!

When: Friday, October 21@ 7 pm

Where: Albany Times Union Center

Cost: $10 in advance

That's right - we lowered the price!!

Look for ticket sale at a lobby table this week through early next week!

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PAYED FOR IN ADVANCE

NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, October 18

Check facebook regarding potential pre-and-post-game events!

All questions can be directed towards lauraelizabeth.hunter@gmail.com 

VOLUNTEER: Habitat for Humanity

Interested students may sign up independently for Habitat dates!

November volunteer slots are now open! Join us as we seal our houses on Alexander Street before cold weather comes!

Volunteers are especially needed on weekdays.

Please visit our website at www.capitaldistricthabitat.org/volunteer and sign up yourself or your group today!

Thanks!

VOLUNTEER: List of opportunities available through U Albany

Looking for more opportunities to volunteer? Check out these other events going on in October and November, sponsored by other U Albany groups. 

FUNRAISING: Food Day Soup Sale on Oct 24--We need your soup skills!

The innagural national Food Day will be held Monday, October 24th. As part of the School of Public Health's participation, the GSO is looking for people to participate in a Soup Sale. For those who love to cook delicious soups please contact Tammie at pkheochaon@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER: Habitat ReStore, October 17, anytime from 10am-3pm

Come Lend a Helping Hand in Remodeling the ReStore

"On Monday, October 17th, 2011, we will be remodeling our Habitat ReStore.  Our goal is to clearly define departments within the store, just like a Lowes and Home Depot.  This strategic layout will create convenience and ease of shopping for our customers.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with our remodeling project during10am - 3pm.  We have allotted five hours to this task. However, if you can only volunteer 2 hours of your time we still want you to sign up!  Feel free to bring friends to help out as well.  Lunch will be provided so do not bother packing a bag lunch.  If you are interested in helping please contact Melissa, (518) 462-2993 or  Melissa@CapitalDistrictHabitat.org or sign up on ourwebsite."

VOLUNTEER: Voter Registration, Saturday October 8, 1:30-3:30pm

While voting may not seem like a public health issue, consider this: it is important to elect a representative who will represent their constitutents on the issues they care about. Further, without political support, public health policies and laws would not be possible! Please see the note from a MSW graduate student below, and consider volunteering!

Hello Colleagues,

As time gets closer for us to go to the voting polls we will talk with
community members to encourage them to register to vote. As we all know
low-middle income families overshadow high income families but we do not
have much voting presence/power. This Saturday West Hill Spirits (West
Hill Neighborhood Assoc.) and New York Communities for Change members will
host a Voter Registration Drive 1:30-3:30 in the West Hill Community. Two
Albany County legislators will accompany us during this time. If you are
interested in volunteering your time to encourage constituents to register
to vote please contact me via email (cduncan@albany.edu) or at 518-512-1858.
New York Communities for chage is an organization that assist low-moderate
income familes organize around forclosures, employer and housing
discrimination, workers rights and much more. If you would like more
information go to www.nycommunites.org or contact Harold Miller at
518-595-4581.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Best,

Carmen Duncan, MSW Student

VOLUNTEER: Ongoing volunteer opportunity!

If you are looking for a long term volunteer opportunity, consider Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Volunteers will be able to put their skills and interests to work, either for one time or sustained service! If interested, contact Alicia at alicia@uhpp.org!

FUNRAISING: Penny Wars for Making Strides!

HATE CARRYING PENNIES, NICKELS, DIMES AND QUARTERS PARTICIPATE IN PENNY WARS BEGINNING TOMORROW OCTOBER 5TH UNTIL OCTOBER 14TH IN THE LOUNGE!!!! Think of this as a friendly competition between concentrations, faculty and staff. Containers are set up in the lounge based on concentration. Pennies are positive points put those in the container that is specific to your concentration. Nickels, Dimes and Quarters are negative points and go in any of the containers of your choosing. The winning container is the one that has the most positive points!!! All proceeds will be going towards fundraising for the SPH FOR NANCY STRIDES TEAM:)

For those of you who have not signed up for the walk, please DO at: http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY12Eastern?pg=entry&fr_id=35977

VOLUNTEER: Habitat for Humanity, October 7th, 8am-3pm

Anyone interested in signing up for Oct 7 Habitat for Humanity please do so by Wednesday or our groups's commitment for event will be CANCELLED! Email sphvolunteer@gmail.com to sign up.

VOLUNTEER: Looking for an on-going volunteer opportunity?

The Rensselaer County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)--the local public health component of AmeriCorps--is seeking new volunteers to help the county health department with public health events such as flu vaccination efforts or disaster response. Volunteers do not need to have a medical background to participate. For more information or to sign up, contact Sue Jones, the MRC Coordinator, at sjones@rensco.com, or (518) 270-2633.

VOLUNTEER: Mohawk Hudson River Marathon: October 9th, 6am-9am/9am-2pm/2pm-5pm

The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club is looking for volunteers for the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon on October 9th. Volunteers are needed at Albany Riverfront Park at Corning Preserve in downtown Albany at the finish line from 6am to 9am, 9am to 2pm, or 2pm to 5pm. The first and third shirts would be helping set up or tear down displays, tables, chairs, supplies, etc. The 9am to 2pm shift would help hand out Mylar blankets, medals, or water to runners finishing the race. All volunteers will be provided with a shirt or a hat and refreshments. More information about the race can be found here. Please contact Allie at Sphvolunteer@gmail.com to sign up! 

VOLUNTEER: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk: October 16, 10am-1pm

Stay fit and volunteer at the same time! The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to support continued research. This year's walk in the Capital Region will take place on October 16th at Washington Park in Albany. Register online today for our team, SPH for Nancy. Any questions, please contact Courtney at cderkasch@gmail.com 

This event will serve as the SPH service project for U Albany's October Community Service Month.

VOLUNTEER: Habitat for Humanity, October 7th, 8am-3pm

Volunteer to help with the build at at the Morton's Walk site on Alexander Street! Volunteers will be asked to stay for the whole time, and come dressed prepared to work (closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers or boots, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty).

The Capital District Habitat for Humanity was incorporated in 1988, and serves the Albany and Saratoga counties. "Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. Since its inception, the organization and its affiliates have built or rehabilitated more than 500,000 houses around the world for families in need, becoming an established leader in addressing the issue of affordable housing."

Sign up by contacting Allie at sphvolunteer@gmail.com. Spaces are limited so sign up early and include your skills! If you are interested in leading this group, please make a note when you sign up.

PLEASE NOTE: If you participate, make sure to read the build safety information sheet, and bring the completed volunteer waiver form with you to the build site.

VOLUNTEER: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: Thursday, October 13, 5:30-7:30pm; Sunday November 6, 12pm-2pm

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is in need of volunters to support sorting and repacking of non-food items, as well as some food items (cookies, produce, etc) at the RFB's warehouse on these dates. Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes; no slippers or flip flips, please. Wear comfortable clothing, in layers, that you don't mind getting dirty, and please leave all purses, handbags and/or personal items in your vehicle. The warehouse is located at 965 Albany-Shaker Road in Latham.

"The Regional Food Bank has been helping to feed the poor and hungry in our communities since 1982. It is the only organization of its kind in Northeastern New York. The Food Bank collects large donations of food from the food industry and distributes it to charitable agencies service hungry and disadvantaged people in 23 counties. From  Plattsburgh to Newburgh, in urban, rural, and suburban communities, the Food Bank provides over 20 million pounds of food a year to 1,000 agencies."

Spaces are limited to 10 volunteers per date. Sign up early by contacting Allie at sphvolunteer@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER: Ronald McDonald House: October 21, November 18, 4-6pm each date

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region provides temporary residence to families staying in the Capital Region area while their children undergo care at local medical facilities. In addition to providing rooms free of charge for their length of stay, the Ronald McDonald House provides dinner daily to those families.

The SPH has two dates remaining this fall to cook dinner: October 21 and November 18, from 4pm-6pm both dates. Approximately eight students can participate at each event. Meal preparation would take place right at the Ronald McDonald House, located at 139 South Lake Ave. in Albany. (Parking is available on the street). Interested students may sign up for a date on sign-up sheets, which will be available in the GSO Office. Any questions about this event, please contact George at gs2428@albany.edu.

VOLUNTEER: FULL: Pride Center of the Capital Region: Friday, October 14th, 5:30pm-9/10pm

This event is FULL. The Pride Center is in need of volunteers to assist with their Annual Awards Dinner, which takes place every fall.

The Pride Center of the Capital Region serves individuals of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the Capital Region, reaching seven counties in the area. Services include health and huamn services support, education to providers and community members and advocacy.

If you are interested in other opportunities with the Pride Center, please email Allie at sphvolunteer@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER: Past Volunteer Events

October 7, 2011: Habitat for Humanity

September 24, 2011: Alzheimer's Association Walk

September 18, 2011: Ronald McDonald House

September 7, 2011: Pride Center Pizza Party

April 2011: East Campus Clean Up

March 23, 2011: Relay for Life, U Albany

February 24, 2011: Magic Hat Fundraiser for PAWS/Damien Center

Spring 2011: Ronald McDonald House

VOLUNTEER: SPH GSO Volunteer Events

Dear SPH Students!

On this blog you will find upcoming service events for the University at Albany School of Public Health's Graduate Student Organization. This site may be expanded later to include other events as well, however all volunteer activities will be labeled "Volunteer" in the title. Any general questions regarding volunteer opportuntities, please contact Allie Marron at sphvolunteer@gmail.com. Emails will generally be answered within 24 hours.

Thanks for your interest and look forward to seeing you at some of these great events!

-Allie