First forays

I am beginning the process of developing ties with community non-profits.  In addition to researching the Crowded Closet in Iowa City (whose furniture sales benefit natural disaster and energy/food needs, etc.), I have spoken with Josh at Resources Unite in Dubuque County and Marti with The Tapestry.  I am very excited about possible community connections and student opportunities with both of these organizations.

Josh likened Resources Unite to the United Way volunteer clearinghouse in Cedar Rapids.  Resources Unite seeks to innovate in several respects, however.  Not only does the organization hope to do service projects in other states and countries, but it hopes to truly tailor the volunteer experiences to particular passions.  Currently, there are opportunities for short- (e.e., sponsoring a foster child for the holidays) and longer-term volunteer projects.  In the near future, there should also be chances for community members to begin to build relationships by visiting Resources Unite's physical space to work on discrete projects.

The Tapestry, in Cedar Rapids, is a time bank that transcends charity models of giving in favor of reciprocal exchanges.  Each hour served is an hour earned that can be exchanged for a needed service or (in the case of the Tapestry) item of furniture.  The organization's Director, Marti, was kind enough to meet with me for a couple of hours today to explain the volunteer intake process and to discuss possible partnerships through Kirkwood and the Social Sciences Department in future.  We discussed the possibility of my joining the Tapestry Board of Directors, but essentially establishing a 'rotating' board membership for a social science faculty person (or other representative from a trade at Kirkwood) in future.  In addition to thinking more about opportunities for campus-wide presentations about the organization (say during future KCELT professional development) and student participation across the trades (dental, health, and even theater with public speaking) with the Tapestry, I next hope to explore "backpack buddies" programs in the area (these are groups that look to send hungry students home with food at night).