July Volunteer Newsletter
Thank you, Sutroites!
It’s remarkable individuals like you, who truly make a difference! We appreciate your interest and time invested, in changing the lives of others. Each month this webpage will be updated with new volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to our community. Enjoy these fun and fulfilling activities while making a positive impact!
Cards for Hospitalized Kids
Event Date: July 1 – July 30
Location of Book Drop-Off Box: Break Room
Lead Contact: Kira Dionis-Petersen, kpetersen@sutrobio.com
Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK) is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy & magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards.
Anyone can get involved from anywhere. Individuals and groups across the United States, and world, donate time and creativity to make handmade cards and send them to CFHK for distribution in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation.
Making Cards:
What supplies do I need?
The only supplies you need are paper and a writing utensil, such as crayons, markers etc.
What are the supplies I can use?
Many people choose to use other craft supplies such as:
- Special Markers
- Stickers
- Glue-on craft decals
- Other craft supplies
What are the supplies I can not use?
The only rule regarding craft supplies is that nothing is excessive to the point of falling off. This is extremely important, as it can create health concerns for some patients.
To see if this is an issue, typically just running your finger over it and seeing how much rubs off will suffice. If little or nothing comes off, it is OK.
Please do not use glitter.
Addressing the card:
Since we do not yet know the child’s name, please make sure you do not address the card to a specific person.
If you want to address the card, or writing within the card, here are some suggestions:
“Hey There”
“Hey you!”
“To: a very special person
Decide what to write on the card:
At the request of hospitals, please do not write “Get well”, “Feel Better” or other illness related comments.
This is very important since some of the patients suffer from medical conditions that are chronic, life-long, progressive and/or terminal.
We recommend that you write uplifting messages such as:
- Stay strong
- You are awesome
- Never forget how amazing YOU are
- You rock
- I hope you have a great day today
- You shine brighter than the sun
- You inspire me
- Be Brave
- I believe in YOU
Make sure that you do not…
– Other than signing your first name, please do not include any personal information, such as: phone number, address, email address etc.
Hospitals will not allow us to distribute cards with this information.
– Do not write any religious comments such as “God Bless” or “I’m praying for you”. Hospitals do not allow us to distribute cards with these comments. Hospitals treat patients of all religions as well as patients that do not practice religion, which is why they do not allow us to give out cards containing religious comments.
Sign your name:
Now, sign your first name on the card. You can also sign your state, such as “Katie from Nebraska”, if you wish to.
For more information
(Virtual Event) NexGeneGirls Resume Feedback Workshop
CLSA–CLSI Racial & Social Equity (RSE) Initiative
Sign up – FULL
Event Date: July 19, 10am-11:30am
Lead Contact: Jennielyn D. Rossi, jdinorossi@gmail.com
Meet with NexGeneGirls 1:1 and provide feedback on their resumes.
Volunteers are needed to help the NexGeneGirls with the essential tools for pursuing STEM careers and building their network of support with STEM leaders.
For more information
Stem Corps: Middle School Mentor Program
CuriOdyssey
Sign Up By: July 31
Event Date: Oct 2021 – May 2022
Contact: Asa Elmore, aelmore@sutrobio.com
BIPOC youth face systemic barriers throughout their education and daily lives which contributes to the lack of diversity we see in STEM fields today.
The STEM Mentor program seeks to enhance the resources available for BIPOC youth to pursue STEM learning in a safe space where they can connect with and be encouraged by supportive role-models. Mentors are changemakers who empower students to amplify their voice, achieve their educational goals and envision the journey to a STEM career.
As a STEM Mentor, you will be paired with a middle school student and meet virtually twice each month during the academic year. This time together will give you the opportunity to explore STEM activities using CuriOdyssey’s signature inquiry style, listen and learn from each other’s experiences, and offer academic support for STEM classes.
Major Responsibilities:
- Meet with an assigned middle school student for one hour via Zoom two times per month, October 2021 — May 2022
- Serve as a role model and foster a positive relationship with the student
- Provide academic support, with special attention to STEM related subjects
- Provide personal and career path advice and support
- Explore STEM activities using CuriOdyssey’s signature inquiry style
- Consult with Program Coordinator should any challenges or concerns arise
- Complete a pre- and post- program assessment
Requirements:
- Strong interest in sharing your passion for science and other STEM subjects
- Reliable, empathetic and enthusiastic
- Comfortable engaging with a middle school student in an online setting
- Adept on the Zoom platform and able to lead Zoom sessions with sufficient internet speed and bandwidth to prevent freezing
- Have a private, quiet and uninterrupted space while communicating with student
Training and Support:
- Interactive online training in August and September
- Resource materials will be provided prior to training
- STEM Mentor Program Coordinator will provide on-going support and additional resources during the year
Benefits:
- Knowing you have created a transformative experience for a middle school student who might not otherwise have considered pursuing a STEM degree or career
- Help youth develop critical thinking, problem solving and other STEM related skills
- Enhance your online communication and leadership skills
- Experience inquiry based, learner driven education
CuriOdyssey Volunteers Receive:
- Tri-annual volunteer newsletter
- 15% discount from the CuriOdyssey Shop
- Inclusion in annual volunteer celebration in the spring
- Free admission to CuriOdyssey for volunteer and up to 4 guests during any regular admission hours
To Apply:
- Download and fill in the CuriOdyssey STEM Mentor Application. Email the completed application to Volunteer@CuriOdyssey.org
- Applications will be reviewed and responded to on an on-going basis
- Please apply by July 31, 2021
- In addition to the application, we require an interview, two personal references and a background clearance
- Questions should be addressed to: Volunteer@CuriOdyssey.org
For more information
High School Mentor Program
Peninsula Bridge
Sign Up By: July 31
Phone Interview: August
Event Date: Year-Round Academic Guidance
Lead Contact: Komal Goel, komal@peninsulabridge.org
The Peninsula Bridge High School Academy provides students with year-round academic guidance, mentoring, tutoring, college counseling, workshops and field trips focused on high school success and college and career readiness. Academic Counselors at Peninsula Bridge partner closely with students, parents and high schools to ensure all their students stay on the college path. As students move into 10th and 11th grades, they offer personalized planning and counseling for the college application process including SAT test prep, interview skills, college research, application essays and financial aid.
Every year their high school students work with thier staff and mentors to identify fulfilling summer experiences like academic programs and career internships. Many High School Academy students return to the Peninsula Bridge summer program as teaching assistants too; they are strong role models for the younger students from their communities.
High School Mentoring Program connects college-bound teens with caring adults who act as life coaches, providing encouragement, support and guidance. Mentors make a tremendous positive impact on the lives of students who often don’t have family members who attended college. Students learn to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.
Mentor Requirement
- 21 years of age and older
- Submit this HS Mentor Application Form and complete the background check (at the end of the form) by July 31st, following by a phone interview
- No arrests or felony convictions
- Dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
Desirable Qualities
- Willing and active listener
- Encouraging and supportive
- Patient and flexible
- Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
Time Commitment
Must be willing to meet with mentee in-person or virtually for a minimum of one hour per month over a minimum long term commitment of 1 year
- In addition to your in-person monthly meeting, communicate with your mentee a minimum of once every two weeks by telephone or email
- Attend a one-hour virtual mentor training
- Attend a minimum of 2 mentor/mentee group events per year (if applicable)
Screening Process
- Complete online mentor application form and background check
- Phone interview
For more information
Picture a Scientist – Documentary
Netflix
Viewable: Netflix
Duration: 1h 37min
In this documentary, leading women scientists discuss the inequalities they’ve faced as they set out to create a new formula to make STEM open to all.