The responses are pouring in – numerous readers have contacted me with both needs of and opportunities for volunteers. I’m always pleased and surprised that these opportunities are so important – and yet few know of them. We will try to change that.
I had the opportunity to interview a number of organizations and “action groups” over the last weeks and have found, I think, two more organizations that do a fine job, “deliver the goods,” have widespread applications and – guess what – need plenty of volunteers. Right up our alley – after all we are “Kirkland Volunteers.”
Check out: Hope-Link (www.hope-link.org) and their English as a Second Language Program (ESL) managed by Marci Williams (ESL education coordinator at the Hopelink Kirkland/Northshore Center in Kirkland). Contact her at marciesl@hope-link.org or 425-889-7870, ext. 107.
English as a second language has become crucially important for the well being of those having moved to or migrated to our country. The Hope-Link ESL program is designed for those over 18 years old and is focused on preparing the student for employment and/or education. Requirements for entry into the program are strict and include pre and post evaluation, attendance requirements etc. This program is for real, measured in terms of its effectiveness and needs volunteers! Volunteers are needed primarily in three areas: teachers, talk time facilitators and intake and assessment assistants. Training, orientation and structured materials are provided.
The ESL program is a team-based program that is well planned out, well supervised and has a great record.
Check out: Medical Teams International (www.medicalteams.org) at their Redmond Office. Contact Jan Calhoon at jcalhoon@medicalteams.org, 800-959-4325 or 425-454-8326.
As the name implies, Medical Teams International serves needs all over the world; however, many don’t know that they serve local needs right here at home, and specifically in the Kirkland/Redmond areas as well as others.
Volunteers are needed to assist administrative functions, to work in the warehouse where they sort and pack supplies; to drive Medical Teams International trucks and vans for supply pick up etc.; as greeters and facilitators in their Real Life Exhibit – I could go on. Outside of the United States, volunteers are needed internationally and in areas where disaster response is required.
These two programs have great depth and a variety of areas in which you can volunteer. Both organizations are managed well, have strongly committed leaders, have significant positive volunteer morale and directly address issues that exist in our own neighborhoods. It would be worth your while to check them out.
Remember – send in suggested volunteer opportunities to the Kirkland Reporter, attn: Bill LaMarche.
Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer. Bill’s prior career focused upon coaching and mentoring profit and nonprofit executives and company/organizational participants in professional development, leadership, organizational alignment and performance management – including planning for volunteer service as part of existing company/organizational culture. Bill can be reached through the Kirkland Reporter at letter@kirklandreporter.com
