Employees from Turkey participated in this year's Worldwide Volunteer Week. The group cleaned up a school garden. In addition to donating gardening supplies, they mulched, planted 400 trees and added flowers to the school grounds.
Striving to change the world Community Sun
Monday Apr 27, 2009
Wednesday Apr 22, 2009
A quote from President Obama:
"We need your service right now, at this moment in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be. That's for you to discover. But I'm asking you to stand up and play your part. I'm asking you to help change history's course."
What are you going to start doing today? Sun's Worldwide Volunteer Week is one way to get involved right now!
Thursday Apr 16, 2009
Over the last five years many of us have become more “green.” Using recyclable shopping bags, reducing our carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy are ways that many of us have chosen to assist in the reduction of global warming and improving the environment. And once a year, many of us celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd in the US and March 21 or 22nd around the world. Created in 1970 Earth Day is intended to raise awareness about a wide range of environmental issues and problems, and to inspire people to take personal action to address them.
How will you celebrate the Earth this year? What better way then to get out and volunteer with any number of environmental clean up projects that are part of Sun's Worldwide Volunteer Week.
In Boulder, CO volunteers can participate in a Forest Restoration project taking place on 4/24. Volunteers will restore unhealthy forests, enhance aspen stands, and reduce the risk of wildfires by thinning small trees and building slash piles.
In Fremont, CA volunteers are needed to participate in a river clean up on 4/18 from 9am-12pm. This is a fantastic opportunity that all family members over 6 years can participate in. The City of Fremont and local non-profit environmental groups are hosting this as part of an Earth Day event called "Earth Day Family Fair 2009."
In Redwood City, CA volunteers can join in a tree planting party on 4/18 from 9am- 12pm. This “family friendly” opportunity will start with a tree planting workshop and end with volunteers assisting in the planting of 50-60 trees in Redwood City.
In Boston, MA volunteers are needed to assist with the Charles River Clean Up on 4/25. Volunteers from 5 years and up are invited to assist with the clean up of the Charles River from the River Street Bridge East to the Museum of Science. Volunteers are provide gloves, trash bags, and are invited to a complementary cookout upon the completion of the event.
In Redwood City, CA Marine Science Institute has planned a great day honoring Planet Earth on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 8 am – 4 pm. This all day event is to reach out to the local communities and provide a place to celebrate Earth Day and learn about caring for the planet in a fun way. Activities of the day include shark feeding, touching live ocean animals, ocean arts & crafts. Volunteers are needed to assist in supporting this event and its activities. Full or 1/2 day shifts are available. Youth over 14 are invited to assist with their parent.
To find out about these opportunities and so many more, check out the Volunteer Tool.
Wednesday Apr 15, 2009
As we all know, the economy has seen better times. People are out of work, struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table. I recently received the letter below from a food bank. This echos what is happening around the globe.
Given the current economic situation, it's no surprise that calls to our Food Connection hotline are up 50% over last year and money is tighter than ever at the Food Bank. But fighting hunger is a collective effort that goes beyond dollars and cents. There are many creative and engaging ways to help the Food Bank continue to provide the food needed in our area. This newsletter highlights the positive effects anyone can have with advocacy and good old-fashioned volunteering.
We are proud to stand side-by-side with our community supporters who bring our mission to life each day. Our commitment is to provide healthy and nutritious food, no matter what added challenges the economy brings. Thank you for working alongside the Food Bank to make our vision a reality, and may you be inspired to continue your support at whatever level of involvement best suits you.
The letter goes on to describe the many ways that people can get involved with that local food bank. Volunteer, serve as an advocate, contribute. Think about how you can get involved.
Tuesday Apr 14, 2009
Know the answer to this Fast Quiz?
How many participated in Worldwide Volunteer Week last year?
Check out SunWeb for the answer.
Friday Apr 10, 2009
Here are three volunteer projects taking place during Sun's Worldwide Volunteer Week that need Team Managers. Just a reminder, Team Managers simply handle the event coordination, working with volunteers and the nonprofit organization. In most cases, the nonprofit handles all the volunteers once the group arrives. Easy stuff! We need Team Managers or else the projects don't happen!
On April 26, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk will be held in Washington Park in Denver, Colorado. This event is the American Cancer Society’s premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. It is a spirited, noncompetitive walk to save lives and provide hope. Volunteer Opportunities besides teams and raising money is: Route Marshalls, Help in Parking Lots, Event Set Up, Registration, Event Take Down , Sell T-shirts, as well as Pass Out Water and Food.
The American Red Cross works to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Boston Food Pantry provides a 3-day supply of emergency food to 4500 low-income clients per month. Volunteers will help distribute food to clients, prepare bags for distribution administrative work with new clients, and other projects. Kid Friendly, 15+. All volunteers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old. Project takes place 8:30 am-noon on April 22.
The City of Fremont (CA) and local non-profit environmental groups are hosting an Earth Day event in Fremont called "Earth Day Family Fair 2009". Volunteers are needed to come out and assist with a local river clean up. The cleanup will be in Central Park as well from 9 AM to 12 PM. This is a great "family friendly" volunteer opportunity. Children over 6 are welcome to participate.
Contact Julie.Smith@sun.com if you want to serve as Team Manager for one of these projects.
Tuesday Apr 07, 2009
Breaking news. Going out to all employees in MA area employees shortly:
The Burlington Executive Council would like to remind you that April 18-26 marks Sun's 15th annual Worldwide Volunteer Week. This is a great time for local Sun employees to get out into the community and volunteer. Get your team involved in a project, participate in one with other employees, or work alongside members of the local community. It's not too late to coordinate a project, and resources are available to help you every step of the way. And remember that projects are open to Sun friends, family and business partners.
The volunteer tool can help you identify projects or recruit volunteers. Please access the tool to sign up for anyone of the following local projects:
TEAM MANAGER NEEDED: American Red Cross Food Pantry
The American Red Cross works to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Boston Food Pantry provides a 3-day supply of emergency food to 4500 low-income clients per month. Volunteers will help distribute food to clients, prepare bags for distribution administrative work with new clients, and other projects. Kid Friendly, 15+. All volunteers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old.
AMERICAN RED CROSS OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY Boston, 04/22
Take Your Daughters and Sons To Work Day
We will be hosting various activities for students/children aged 8-13 from 9am-2pm at the Burlington Campus. Activities will include JavaFX demos, Alice.org, Wonderland demos, Circuit Board games. We will have around 30 middle-school girls participate from Girls Incorporated of Lynn, MA. We need volunteers - please sign up!
GIRLS INCORPORATED OF LYNN Burlington, 04/23
Sort Clothes and Other Donations
Help to sort clothes and other donations for this nonprofit organization the serves the local community.
LOWELL WISH PROJECT INC Lowell, 04/24
TEAM MANAGER NEEDED: River Clean Up
This organization's mission is to use science, advocacy and the law to protect, preserve and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. Come join us for this wonderful Earth Day celebration as we clean up the Charles River from the River Street Bridget East to the Museum of Science. Volunteers are provide gloves, trash bags, and are invited to a complementary cookout upon the completion of the event. Volunteers 5 years and up are welcome!
CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION INC Boston, 04/25
Projects are always being added to the tool - add yours today. For more information about Sun's Global Volunteer Program or Worldwide Volunteer Week, contact Julie.Smith@sun.com. Change your world - volunteer!
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Friday Apr 03, 2009
As you sit at your desk doing your work, it might be tough to think of going out and volunteering. After all, who has time? I would like to suggest that not only should you make the time to volunteer, but you should do it now. Volunteering now is more critical then ever. Not only does it benefit the community, but there is direct benefit to you, your family, not to mention your team and your work.
Volunteering improves productivity, helps you learn critical new skills, increases your network of contacts and "introduce a little sanity" into these challenging times.
During Sun's Worldwide Volunteering Week (April 18-26) there are many different ways that you can get involved. One fantastic opportunity is happening in Fremont, CA on Saturday, April 18th. Sponsored by the City of Fremont to celebrate Earth Day come out and participate in their annual Creek Clean Up. This community-wide event will take place from 9am-12noon. It's not only a great way to get your team out in the great outdoors, but this is a wonderful "Family Friendly" opportunity that welcomes children as young as 6.
The Sun workforce can join this project or one of the many others planned for Worldwide Volunteer Week by going to the internal volunteer tool. Members of the community should think about what volunteer projects they can take part in to help change the world.