THE SPARK PLUG: April 2022

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SPARK PLUG

2022 APRILL 2022 APRI

A guide to spark innovative ways to connect and engage!

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CHANGE

April & may Events ......................................................1 spark innovation! Our new look! .............2 UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS ........................3 global volunteer month! ...................................4 spark programs .....................................................5-6 Board & Virtual Volunteering ...............7-8 member listing ........................................................9-11 POL Magazine: All Issues .................................12 Volunteer with Spark .........................................13 We're hiring! apply today ..............................14 Our resources ..............................................................15 Contact Us ...............................................Back Cover

Table of Contents

April April is Global Volunteer Month!

April 1: GVM Kickoff April 17: Easter April 21: Spark Lunch & Learn April 30: Recovery Through Art Therapy Event

Ma y Ma y is Men tal He alth A wareness Mon th!

May 8: Mother's Day May 19: Spark Lunch & Learn May 30: Memorial Day

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INNOVATION

Our New Look!

We're SO excited to share the launch of our new Brand Refresh!

We've got the same great resources, programs, and services, with a fresh and invigorating look.

Monthly Volunteer Guide is now THE SPARK PLUG, a quick resource for CHANGEMAKERS looking to Spark Ideas for Empowering Colorado communities and beyond!

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ACTION

Upcoming Events & Trainings

Spark Lunch & Le arn: U tilizing You th Volunteers

April 21, 2022 1:00-2:00pm Virtual/Online Learn More or Register Now!

RECOVERY THROUGH CRE ATIVITY ART THERAPY DAY

A Mental Wellness Program Event April 30, 2022 1:00-5:00pm Lafayette YMCA Learn More or Register Now! Spark Lunch & Le arn: Saying No Withou t Guilt

A Mental Health Topic presented by Kathryn Miller, LCSW, MSW. May 19, 2022 1:00-2:00pm Virtual/Online Learn More or Register Now!

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ENGAGEMENT

Global Volunteer Month 2022

According to Points of Light’s 2021 civic engagement research, millennials believe nonprofits and companies should be actively involved in social issues and two-thirds visit websites at least somewhat often to learn about their efforts before choosing where to work or volunteer.

Global Volunteer Month during the month of April is an opportunity for nonprofits like us to showcase our volunteer programs and recognize and appreciate the impact volunteers make in the communities we serve!

Follow along with Spark's website, blog, and socials this Global Volunteer Month for stories, resources, and opportunities related to volunteering in Colorado.

Want to Join the Movement? Learn more about our programs in The Spark Plug each month!

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ENGAGEMENT

Spark Programs

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ENGAGEMENT

Spark Programs

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service

Board Service Opportunities

We're a COMMUNITY CONNECTOR who helps our non-profit partners tap into the profound power of volunteers.

Board service is an opportunity to connect the goals and aspirations of individuals to non-profit organizations leading the work, making a lasting impact on our society’s most pressing needs. The following nonprofits are actively seeking board members:

5th Element Center for Dance

Eckhart Tolle Foundation

Al amosa Live Human Services Music Association Network of Colorado Benchmark The atre PFL AG DENVER

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Find board positions on our website with this quick search link >>>

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Virtual Opportunities

We are INNOVATORS & IDEA GENERATORS who believe there are a variety of ways to make a transformative impact.

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities are a great way to get engaged from anywhere! Check out the follow ways to SPARK SERVICE from your home or on the go with our member non-profits:

The Colorado Center For Aging is seeking Older Adults Policy Advocates &/or Rese archers

History Colorado is seeking Transcription volunteers

Eckhart Tolle Colorado Consumer He alth Foundation is seeking Initiative is seeking Medical a Finance Commit tee Chair Bill Coding Auditor Volunteers Mountain Mamas is seeking Climate Advocates EnCorps STEM Te achers Program is seeking EnCorps STEMx Math Tu tors

Find virtual opportunities on our website with this quick search link >>> 7

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spark Adult Education

The Master's Apprentice Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide urban young men a bridge to the skilled trades through on through basic training, on the job experience and the creation of a career path that will enable transition to financial independence.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Robert Maes, robert@themastersapprentice.org

Arts & Culture

Athena Project Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To empower women through the arts.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Astle, aastle@athenaprojectarts.org

Denver Center for the Performing Arts // Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Whitney Testa, wtesta@dcpa.org

Sakura Foundation Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support and celebrate Japanese and Japanese American heritage, culture, & community & support the TriState/Denver Buddhist Temple INTERESTED? VISIT: https://sakurafoundation.org/

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connections Children & You th Education

A Precious Child Broomfield // View Profile ABOUT: A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@apreciouschild.org

Bullying Recovery Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To building a community of support to help families rebuild and recover together.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Dru Ahlborg, dru@bullyingrrc.org

Member Listings

Dinosaur Ridge Morrison // View Profile ABOUT: To educate the public about, and ensure the preservation of, the natural and historic resources of Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and the surrounding areas.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Farley, barbara.farley@dinoridge.org

carla.maniscalco@ihaveadreamboulder.org

Early Childhood Service Corps.

Denver // View Profile ABOUT: We respond to the critical workforce need in the Early Childhood Field and to the unprecedented departure of older Americans from the workforce.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Lisa Armao, lisa@earlychildhoodservicecorps.org

EnCorps STEM Teachers Program Multiple Location // View Profile

Clothes To Kids of Denver Inc. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free school clothing to students from low-income or incrisis families in a warm, welcoming store-like setting.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Eileen Robinson volunteer@clothestokidsdenver.org

Children's Literacy Center Colorado Springs // View Profile ABOUT: To build a life of success through a foundation of literacy...ONE child at a time.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Pamela Polke, pamela@childrensliteracycenter.org

"I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County // View Profile ABOUT: To empower children from underresourced communities to succeed in school, college, and career by providing academic, social, and emotional support from elementary school through college, along with post-secondary tuition assistance.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Carla Maniscalco,

ABOUT: To challenge current educational inequalities by connecting high needs schools with high quality STEM educators to eliminate the systemic injustice preventing children of color from entering the future STEM workforce.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Ashley Lentz, ashley.lentz@encorps.org

History Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To create an informed and engaged Colorado citizenry through exploring Colorado's past and relating it to this state's present and future.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Emily Dobish, emily.dobish@state.co.us

Youth Celebrate Diversity Denver // View Profile ABOUT: Youth Celebrate Diversity is dedicated to educating and empowering youth in order to advance inclusion and equity for all.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Caleb Munro, cmunro@ycdiversity.org

Civic & Community

Aero Angel Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free, lifesaving longdistance medical flights for critically ill children on private jets at no cost to their families.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Dan Paladino, dan@aeroangel.org

Community Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities, tools and strategies to develop nonprofits and community groups to strengthen Colorado.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Drew Bowling, bowling@crcamerica.org

spark Civic & Community Continued

Extreme Community Makeover Denver, Multiple Locations // View Profile ABOUT: To coordinate volunteer teams to partner with underserved people to improve their own homes and neighborhoods.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@extremecommunitymakeover.org

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To help homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Bethany Brown, bbrown@habitatmetrodenver.org

The Center on Colfax Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To engage, enrich, empower and advance the LGBT Community of Colorado.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Darby Garrison, dgarrison@lgbtqcolorado.org

Family Services

All-Stars Club Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide a place of belonging for individuals with special needs, along with a place of rest and support for their families.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Scott Russomanno, scott@allstarsclub.org

connections Colorado Pet Pantry Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To temporarily feed Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets and keep them out of shelters and with their families.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Eileen Lambert, eileen@coloradopetpantry.org

Denver Children's Advocacy Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To prevent abuse, strengthen families and restore childhood.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Michelle Davis, mdavis@denvercac.org

Foster Source Thornton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide training, resources, and support to foster parents from a trauma-informed approach, giving them the skills and confidence to spark healing in vulnerable children.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Renee Bernhard, info@fostersource.org

Goodwill Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To help people reach their highest of personal and economic independence.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Grace Vigil, gvigil@goodwillcolorado.org

Jewish Family Service of Colorado Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To restore well-being to the vulnerable throughout the greater Denver community by delivering services based on Jewish values.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Nancy Benyamin, nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org

Member Listings

Golden Optimists Bicycle Night Lights Recycle Program Littleton // View Profile Denver // View Profile ABOUT: ABOUT: Night Lights creates safe and We accept new or used bicycles to accepting environments by providing be fixed and available to those who respite care for children with special need one for transportation, health, needs and their siblings. and fun. INTERESTED? CONTACT: INTERESTED? CONTACT: Roy Dean, Kristin Steadman, rbdean@comcast.net kristins@nightlightskids.com

He alth & Wellness

Benefits in Action Lakewood // View Profile ABOUT: Dedicated to improving the understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare INTERESTED? CONTACT: Jane Barnes, jbarnes@benefitsinaction.org

Clinica Colorado Westminster // View Profile ABOUT: To provide low cost health care for those who are indigent, without health insurance or unable to obtain primary care services.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Jill Schneider, jschneider@clinicacolorado.org

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To advance the consumer voice to improve access to health care for all Coloradans by working statewide for progress toward equity, affordability, and quality.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cynthia Wadle, cwadle@cohealthinitiative.org

Envision:You Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support, educate, and empower members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Steven Haden, steven.haden@envision-you.org

Karis Community Denver // View Profile ABOUT: Karis Community is a therapeutic community for people who are recovering from serious and persistent mental illness.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Lisa Andersson, lisa@kariscommunity.org

Hunger & Homelessness

Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry Greenwood Village // View Profile ABOUT: To address the food security needs of seniors, disabled individuals, and the unemployed or underemployed households in our community in a compassionate, dignified and secure environment.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@covcupboard.org

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spark Hunger & Homelessness Continued

Human Services Network of Co. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities to improve the quality and integrity of services provided to vulnerable populations.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: John Dandurand, john@thenetwork-co.org

Jeffco Eats Denver // View Profile

ABOUT: To provide weekend food for food insecure children in elementary, jr. high and high schools throughout Jefferson County.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Moore, jeffcoeats@gmail.com

connections The Gathering Place Denver // View Profile ABOUT: A community of safety and hope where positive relationships, choice, and essential resources transform lives.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cortney Mabry, cortney@tgpdenver.org

International Service

Project C.U.R.E. Centennial // View Profile ABOUT: To identify, solicit, collect, sort and distribute medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Marlo Kirkham, marlokirkham@projectcure.org

Senior Services AgeWise Colorado Denver // View Profile

Jovial Concepts Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support undeserved communities to thrive by offering sustainable solutions for nutrition and hunger.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Kristina Welsh, kristina@jovialconcepts.org

ABOUT: To connect older Coloradans and their families with the information, products and services that help older Coloradans live their best lives.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Robert Brocker, president@agewisecolorado.org

Member Listings

Colorado Talking Book Library Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free services to Coloradans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or learning disabilities whether permanent or temporary.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Terri Marcotte, marcotte_t@cde.state.co.us

Denver Regional Council of Governments Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide help for people with disabilities and offer the most comprehensive regional resource for aging information and issues.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Lauren Bell, lbell@drcog.org

The Delores Project Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To partner with individuals experiencing barriers to housing by providing safe, reliable shelter and housing coupled with onsite services as they move towards stability.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Stephanie Johnson-Wall, sjohnson-wall@thedeloresproject.org

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Virtual Opportunities

Youth Opportunities Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Group Opportunities

Senior Assistance Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To promote the self-sufficiency of seniors in Metro Denver and ensure that no senior goes without the necessities of life, including food, shelter, and public services.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Karen Black, kb@seniorassistancecenter.org

Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Castle Rock // View Profile Bridges Community Homecare & Hospice Colorado Springs, Denver ABOUT: // View Profile To increase quality of life and patient independence through principles of compassion, integrity, knowledge, and uncompromising service.

INTERESTED? CONTACT: Heather Romero, hromero@bridgescommunitycare.c om

See more stories, articles, and opportunities to learn about all things civic engagement in our BLOG!

ABOUT: To make life more fulfilling and create community for seniors as they come here to engage in a wide variety of programming and services designed for “Loving Life in the Second Half” INTERESTED? CONTACT: Debbi Haynie, dhaynie@crgov.com

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civic life

Civic Life Today Magazine

All issues now avail able!

The Civic Life Today Magazine by Points of Light is packed with stories, educational resources, books, podcasts, activities, and more to Spark Engagement in your community!

Visit our website to read more and to learn about our Civic Circle Discussion Series!

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ACTION

Volunteer with Spark!

We SPARK CHANGE through a variety of programs in need of volunteers like YOU! Find ways to get connected with Spark the Change Today!:

Mental WELLNESS PROGRAM SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM rsvp PROGRAM Colorado responds mycva commit tee harvest pack events

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we're hiring! Spark Possibilities and find your fit by joining our Spark the Change Colorado Te am! We're hiring for a variety of staff positions and recruiting for skilled volunteers.

Currently seeking CHANGEMAKERS to fill the following staff positions: Mental Wellness Coordinator Mental Wellness Manager Community Engagement Coordinator Currently seeking changemakers to fill the following skilled volunteer positions: MYCVA Committee Member Mental Wellness Program Therapists Mental Wellness Program Clinical Supervisors

APPLY TODAY! 14

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POSSIBILITIES

Our Resources

It ’s our job to recruit, connect and recognize those in our community who le ad, inspire and are at the he art of the volunteer movement.

Spark the Change Colorado Website Colorado Responds Mini-site City of Broomfield Minisite City of Golden Mini-site Board Match Training and Connection Events Volunteer Engagement Training Program Community Conversations Mental Wellness Program Senior Companion Program RSVP Program School & Nonprofit Wish List

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Spark the Change Organization Newsletter Now the NEW: FUEL FOR THOUGHT THE SPARK PLUG Volunteer Newsletter Colorado Responds Newsletter Spark the Change Colorado Blog Disaster Preparedness Resources Service Enterprise Certification CSR Solutions of Colorado EVP & Days of Service Resources Harvest Pack Events Database of Volunteer Opportunities

Call Call 303.282.1234

Email Email MTaylor@SparkThe

ChangeColorado.org

Follow Follow @SparkTheChangeCO

@SparkChangeCO

Visit us online at Spark thechangecolorado.org

and search through dozens of volunteer opportunities based on location, time, impact area, etc.

Register for a volunteer account and sign up or express interest in any of our member volunteer opportunities and activities.

Questions? Contact

us!

SPARK THE CHANGE COLORADO'S MISSION IS TO SPARK CHANGE AND INSPIRE A MOVEMENT OF GOOD THROUGH THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM, SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT.