The following is from the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race:
In 2016, The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is offering its volunteer preparation program known as the Civic Engagement Institute (CEI) for the fourth year. This four-week workshop is designed for South Orange and Maplewood residents who want to learn more about what it means to be a volunteer, how to assess their skills and interests for volunteering, and what volunteer opportunities exist in our community.
The Civic Engagement Institute grew out of the Community Coalition on Race’s efforts to empower and attract all groups living in the South Orange/Maplewood to participate and contribute to community life. The project aligns with one of the organization’s stated goals adopted in 2008 that “Government, civic and business organizations in both towns are racially representative and have embraced racial integration and inclusion as s civic value”. Everyone 18 years or older is welcome and encouraged to participate.
Content for the workshops is developed to address areas that people often say prevent them from volunteering like “lack of time”, “difficulty working with certain types of people”, feeling that “things are not moving” and not knowing where opportunities exist. The workshops consist of four three-hour sessions and include a Meyers-Briggs personality profile and analysis with discussion of the different personality types led by a psychologist (profile is completed after registration, but before the sessions begin); time management & productivity tips from a professional organizer; group dynamics training & exercises led by an educator with extensive experience in teaching and coaching future college presidents; interactions with local civic and governments organizations about their volunteer opportunities and a closing graduation ceremony with certificate.
In return for this training, participants agree to volunteer for at least 6 months with a local organization of their choice. Join the 30 participants who have already benefitted from this FREE program and register today. Sessions will be held at the South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Rd. in South Orange from 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday mornings February 20, February 27, March 5 and March 12. To receive the registration form, send an email request to info@twotowons.org or call 973-761-6116.
