Find a Way to Help Others for Volunteer Month
Guest blog by: Ginna Holmes, Executive Director, Michigan Community Service Commission
While the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) celebrates volunteerism every month, April is Global Volunteer Month and Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed it as Volunteer Month here in Michigan.
The MCSC is the state’s lead agency on volunteerism and works to leverage and catalyze innovation and the volunteer power of Michiganders to strengthen their communities, grow the ethic of civic engagement, and build a stronger Michigan. The MCSC is housed in Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
In addition to the overarching view of utilizing service as a strategy, there are three methods that guide MCSC’s work and how it engages both Michigan communities and program partners: as a convener, connector and resource generator. The MCSC encourages all Michiganders to find a way to volunteer, help others, or recognize someone’s service during Volunteer Month.
Volunteer
The MCSC utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. There are a variety of ways to give your time, talent or treasures to help Michigan Communities.
Start a giving journey at https://michiganvolunteers.org/ to find a Michigan nonprofit organization that matches the cause you are passionate about and discover how you can volunteer or donate to make a difference.
Visit volunteermichigan.org to find volunteer opportunities across the state and sign up to be part of the Volunteer Michigan Team.
Search locally for opportunities to give back to your community.
The MCSC serves as the backbone organization for the Michigan Corporate Social Impact Network, designed to maximize the collective impact of employee volunteerism and corporate social responsibility programs in Michigan.
Recognize a Volunteer
Don’t have time to serve right now? Sharing the story of dedicated volunteers can inspire others to serve and make a difference.
We encourage you to recognize a volunteer or organization by nominating them for the Governor’s Service Awards. The Governor's Service Awards have been presented since 1994 to recognize those who go above and beyond.
The first step in the Governor's Service Awards nomination process is to submit a volunteer or philanthropist story through the Michigan Heroes Campaign. This virtual platform celebrates individuals and organizations that have made a difference. All nominators will be sent the Governor’s Service Award application instructions.
Organizations can also join an elite group of sponsors and the Governor to support volunteerism and service in Michigan. All proceeds will help support the MCSC's volunteer and service initiatives, including youth & mentoring, AmeriCorps, disaster preparedness, national days of service grants, along with supporting the Governor’s Service Awards event.
Youth Volunteer Movement
Engaging youth in volunteerism can give them a voice to implement change. By learning the power of volunteerism at a young age, these Michiganders are fostering a lifelong passion of making a difference and strengthening communities – making our state more resilient.
The MCSC is supporting volunteer projects across the state for Global Youth Service Day(s)
April 28-30. There is a special emphasis on youth involvement in all aspects of planning and executing the projects. The impact youth can make is amazing to see.
The MCSC is also kicking off a youth volunteer movement by hosting a logo contest to help launch the effort. Logos are being sought to inspire youth to volunteer.
Sign up or spread the word about AmeriCorps service
Join AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors to channel your passion into service, kickstart your career, or make an impact in your community.
The MCSC is currently recruiting AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates to serve eight to ten weeks from May to August. They will receive a living allowance and an education award for their service.
MCSC is also supporting older adults aged 55 and above as part of the skills-based volunteer program through AmeriCorps Seniors. It is a wonderful way to help nonprofits and organizations have the capacity to serve more people.
AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. Send an email with your interest to LEO-MiAmericorps@michigan.gov.
Find more information
Find more information all of MCSC programs at michigan.gov/volunteer or sign up for the MCSC e-updates.