AMERICORPS WEEK MAY 7-14, 2011:

Volunteerism in the United States is on the rise, and AmeriCorps Week provides a wonderful opportunity to become involved. Visit the AmeriCorps Week website to find more information about the organization, how to join, and how to plan and implement a community service project. More than 480 projects were highlighted during AmeriCorps Week 2010 and the organization is hoping for another successful campaign. 

Wondering how to get started as a volunteer? Visit the United We Serve website. This government sponsored website is a national portal to service opportunities across the country, as well as in your own backyard.

Read about volunteerism with materials from the
Monroe County Library System:

	The 100 best worldwide vacations to enrich your life By: Pam Grout Book Description: “A practical handbook describes one hundred opportunities for a meaningful, memorable trip to various locales throughout the world that feature a variety of educational, artistic, volunteering, and health-focused activities” --Summary
	Chicken soup for the volunteer’s soul: Stories to celebrate the spirit of courage, caring and community By: Jack Canfield…[et al.] Book Description: “With stories about: American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Peace Corps, Points of Light, Rotary, and many more” --Cover
	The health benefits of volunteering: a review of recent research By: Corporation for National & Community Service Also Available in: Online format Book Description: Does volunteering actually improve both physical and mental health? This government document reports findings that show a relationship between volunteerism and health
	If I had a hammer: building homes and hope with Habitat for Humanity By: David Rubel Book Description: “Presents stories of homes that Habitat for Humanity has built with and for the people who need them” --Summary
	The insider’s guide to the Peace Corps: what to know before you go By Dillon Banerjee Book Description: “A guide that tells potential Peace Corps volunteers what to expect, through first-hand advice from recent volunteers” --Summary Publisher Description
	It’s all downhill from here By: Nancy E. Krulik Book Description: “Jenny’s awkward relationship with her competitive former best friend, Addie, now a member of the fashionable clique, complicates a snow day they must spend together, volunteering as mentors in kindergarten, and the school ski trip” --Summary
	The president builds a house: the work of Habitat for Humanity By: Tom Shachtman Book Description: “A photo essay depicts the non-profit organization of volunteers that renovate or build houses for needy families as, with former President and Mrs. Carter’s participation as volunteers, they build twenty houses in Atlanta in just five days” --Summary
	Stolen bones By: Carolyn Keene Book Description: “Nancy, Bess and George enjoy volunteering for a paleontology dig until an important find goes missing” --Summary
	Volunteering: the ultimate teen guide By: Kathlyn Gay Book Description: Helps young volunteers understand working in a variety of settings Table of Contents
	Wanted! Animal volunteers By: Mary R. Burch Book Description: Covers the history of animal-assisted therapy, how to get started, where to volunteer, and what pets are best Table of Contents
	Ways to help after a natural disaster By: Laya Saul Book Description: “Shares ideas for helping people and communities after a natural disaster to repair and heal, from giving emotional support and replanting to volunteering and food and clothing drives” --Summary