Blogs

As of October 5th, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will stop taking DACA renewals. That means DACA recipients with expiring permits have only a few weeks to gather the $495 renewal application fee.

CT Students for a Dream is raising money to help DACA recipients pay for their renewals. Click here to learn more and join them.

Those with DACA permits that expire before March 5 2018 must apply for renewal by October 5th. Applications for financial assistance through the Renewal Scholarship Fund can be found here. 

CT Students for a Dream is a youth-led statewide network fighting for the rights of undocumented youth and their families.

New Haven Youth Conservation Corps Supervisor Shequerra Hobby presents a member of the group with a certificate honoring his efforts during their fourth annual energy efficiency canvassing program.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Sept. 11, 2017) — The New Haven Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) recently celebrated the results of their annual energy efficiency canvassing program during a special ceremony hosted by United Illuminating (UI) as part of the Energize Connecticut initiative. For the fourth consecutive year, the teens spent four weeks targeting 10,000 New Haven homes promoting the financial benefits of Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible, a no-cost energy assessment designed to increase comfort and lower energy bills for those meeting certain income requirements.

Nearly 150 New Haven residents signed up for the Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible program as a result of the canvassing efforts, and 30 have already scheduled their assessment. On average, each resident will receive approximately $1,000 in weatherization services and save around $250 in annual energy costs. If everyone who registered is served through the Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible program, the City of New Haven can save more than $35,000 in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by more than 129 tons. That’s equivalent to removing 23 cars from the road for an entire year.

“In just one month, the New Haven Youth Conservation Corps helped many New Haven residents rethink the way they view energy efficiency and made an impact on the city that will last for years to come,” said Maritza Estremera, Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible program manager, United Illuminating. “This has been the most successful year of canvassing to date and we look forward to supporting this program in 2018 and beyond.”

As a partner of the Energize Connecticut initiative, UI committed $5,000 to the efforts, in addition to supplying brochures, applications, backpacks, shirts and other useful materials. This canvassing was also part of New Haven’s “Clean Energy Summer,” a city-wide commitment to energy efficiency as part of the Mayor Toni Harp’s agreement with the Compact of Mayors, a global group combating climate change to develop a low-emission society.

UI is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR). For more information on energy-saving programs and services provided through the Energize Connecticut initiative, call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit energizect.com.

Infant mortality rates are an important public health indicator for assessing and comparing the health and well-being of populations. Although the overall infant mortality rates in New Haven have declined since the 1980s (thanks in large part to the work of a Special Commission and its successor New Haven Healthy Start), there are still marked disparities between the mortality rates for white and non-white infants.  Read more...

Community Foundation President & CEO Will Ginsberg shares his thoughts about Charlottesville, New Haven and our community's future on The Foundation's blog.

The time of testing is upon us. Will we stand up to the powerful forces that would substitute hatred and demonization for the inclusive, unified and optimistic spirit of community that we have so painstakenly built over the decades? 

Read the post at #NHVCares Blog

Hi all,

I know this topic comes up frequently, but IRIS is looking to change/upgrade its donor database, and is wondering what other groups' experiences have been.  We currently have Giftworks, and one option would be to upgrade to their new cloud edition, but we also want to explore other systems.  

If you are willing to share (via phone, in person, or email, whatever you prefer) about what system you use and what your experience has been like, can you let me know?  

Thanks!

Kelly Hebrank

Development Specialist at IRIS

(203) 562-2095 x226

khebrank@irisct.org

At Common Ground, a truly diverse community of 200 students from 16 different towns experiences a mix of high academic standards, active learning and leadership opportunities, and small school supports that are producing dramatic educational results.

Common Ground -- the nation’s oldest environmental charter high school, creating the next generation of successful college students and powerful environmental leaders -- is seeking a passionate, creative, outstanding Youth Organizer. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to work at a school that prioritizes leadership development and project-based learning around environmental and social justice issues.

The Youth Organizer is a newly-created part-time position designed to address the organizational need for and commitment to greater student empowerment and engagement regarding systems of oppression, as well as models and tools for resisting and transforming those systems.  The position will be responsible for supporting student facilitation of after-school programs and creating spaces for students to reflect and take action together on issues of community, power, oppression, and justice.

This employee will have the chance to:

• Dedicate time to getting to know the school and organization while building relationships with students in and out of the classroom and with staff across the organization
• Support student planning and facilitation of existing after-school programs focused on activism, identity, and organizing
• Co-create all school opportunities with students during school-wide events (such as assemblies/town halls, biannual Mix It Up Day events, etc.) and after-school workshops to build student awareness around issues of social and environmental justice
• Facilitate or coordinate workshops for student group leaders to develop leadership, activism, and organizing skills
• Help facilitate field work/trips or guest speakers for classroom-based and out-of-school opportunities (including experiences such as plays, workshops, protests, conferences, etc.)
• Facilitate student participation in organizational committees and decision-making (e.g. curriculum re-development, working to build a more effective and inclusive organization, board of directors)
• Support student action to create community events, engage in advocacy, and develop and/or participate in existing campaigns in area issues of their choosing and concern
• Participate in a working group aiming to build the capacity of Common Ground staff to support student organizing, and student-led and intergenerational change efforts
• Facilitate networking with other youth-serving organizations in New Haven

Together with the CEIO (Co-Creating Effective and Inclusive Organizations) Core Partnership Team, with support from the Student Affairs Manager and Environmental Leadership Manager, the Organizer will identify local opportunities for our students to develop their leadership skills and create change in and beyond our school community.

Common Ground is seeking outstanding candidates with:

• Concrete youth organizing experience (six months minimum organizing experience preferred but not required)
• Experience with and passion for working with youth from diverse ethnic, racial, and class backgrounds is a must
• Experience developing leadership in others
• A high level of self-motivation and a proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• A passion for social, environmental, and food justice

We will accept applications from:

• individuals who would join our staff as part-time employees, and
• community organizations, who would act as independent contractors and identify a member of staff to play the role of youth organizer

This is a part-time position (approximately 40 hours over two week periods during the school year, with the possibility of summer work), mostly during the second half of the school day and after school hours as well as some evenings and weekends for events. This position can be structured as an hourly position compensated at $18 per hour, or a contract with an organization for $15,000 for the school year.

To apply, please send résumé and cover letter to:

Jesse Delia

Environmental Leadership Manager

jdelia@commongroundct.org

Applications will be received on a rolling basis and will begin being reviewed on August 28, 2017. Applicants will be contacted to schedule first interviews in-person or by phone in late August.

Common Ground is particularly eager for candidates who help us fulfill our commitment to building a racially and culturally diverse faculty and staff.

It is the policy of the New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. and Common Ground High School that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, civil union status, sexual orientation, mental retardation, and past/present history of mental disorder, learning disability and physical disability.

It is the policy of the New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. and Common Ground High School to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to age, color, marital status, civil union status, national origin, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender in all personnel actions, including recruitment, evaluation, selection, daily interactions, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, it is the policy of the New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. and Common Ground High School not to discriminate against protected qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in all aspect of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

This is an unpaid internship position.  The primary benefit to the successful candidate will be in the form of direct services experience and university credit if applicable.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and résumé to Steve Werlin at swerlin@deskct.org with “Program Intern Application” in the subjection line.

DESK is an equal opportunity employer who values greatly the role of diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.

OPEN POSITION

Volunteer Coordinator

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Inc.
Part time, 10-15 hours per week

Overview

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) seeks a dedicated and passionate volunteer to serve as the point-person and coordinator for day-to-day volunteer activities.  The appropriate volunteer will be a self-starter with strong computer skills and who is friendly and welcoming and has excellent people skills.

Mission & Background Information

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen serves people who are experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity.  Since 1987, DESK has offered evening meals and a weekly food pantry to the Greater New Haven community.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Coordinator works with the Executive Director and Program Manager to coordinate all volunteer activities.  Because volunteers are primarily scheduled online and coordinated via email and phone, the majority of the 10-15 hours per week can be accomplished remotely; in addition, the Volunteer Coordinator must be available for a few hours each week to meet with the Executive Director and Program Manager onsite at 311 Temple Street in New Haven.   The Volunteer Coordinator serves as the primary point-of-contact for all volunteers seeking to serve at DESK.  Duties include the following:

• Conducting volunteer outreach to recruit new volunteers.
• Administering DESK’s online scheduling system through SignUp.com.
• Communicating with volunteers to answer questions and ensure that they are aware of any guidelines and rules for volunteers, as well as their rights as volunteers.
• Working with court-appointed and for-credit volunteers to ensure that they are tracking their hours appropriately and can access any documentation needed for proper fulfillment.
• Maintaining the volunteer Group Schedule, and working with volunteer Group Captains to ensure that their groups will have the appropriate number of volunteers.
• Communicating with and scheduling other one-time occasional volunteer groups and service-learning groups.
• Overseeing volunteer data entry to ensure the proper tracking of volunteer activities.
• Working with the Program Manager and Executive Director to develop new volunteer opportunities that can better serve the organization and the community.

Qualifications and Requirements

Because the Volunteer Coordinator is often the first person that a new volunteer will encounter, the most qualified candidate will be very enthusiastic about DESK and the people we serve.  The Volunteer Coordinator must have excellent people-skills and be able to represent DESK in an outgoing, positive, and dynamic fashion.  The ideal candidate will be comfortable with learning new online applications (like SignUp.com), and can communicate promptly and professionally via email. 

Compensation and Benefits

This is an unpaid volunteer position.  The primary benefit will be in the form of direct services experience, university credit (if applicable), and the overall satisfaction of helping those in need.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email a letter of interest and résumé to Steve Werlin at swerlin@deskct.org with “Volunteer Coordinator” in the subjection line.

DESK is an equal opportunity employer who values greatly the role of diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health and Financial Stability. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone.

Roles and Responsibilities

United Way of Greater New Haven seeks enthusiastic college graduates and professionals interested in an invaluable experience to include professional training, fundraising and community engagement skills and opportunities. The Campaign Associate will work closely with the United Way Resource Development team, other United Way staff, community leaders and workplace volunteers to help manage and increase support for the 2017 United Way workplace campaign.  This is a seasonal, full-time (30-40 hours weekly) position from September 15 through December 15, 2017.

The basic responsibilities and expectations of a Campaign Associate are as follows:

• Assist with account management of a variety of businesses and organizations in the Greater New Haven region that run United Way workplace campaigns.
• Attend an orientation on roles and responsibilities along with techniques for effective calls, group presentations and data collection and management.
• Participate in campaign planning, coordinator meetings, kick off events, and presentations with United Way staff. 
• Manage distribution and collection of United Way campaign materials to local businesses and organizations.
• Manage campaign calendar and update campaign data as needed.
• Assist with special events and volunteer projects as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Good communication skills and familiarity with fundraising techniques
• Excellent organizational skills and familiarity working in a professional office environment
• Ability to work well with a team as well as independently
• Advanced Microsoft Word and Excel skills; knowledge of Google applications (e.g. Gmail, Insightly, Google drive, etc.)
• Own a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and car insurance and be willing to travel throughout the Greater New Haven area.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to employment@uwgnh.org.

No phone calls, please.

All applications are treated confidentially. The position will remain open until filled.

**United Way of Greater New Haven is an equal opportunity employer.**

From NonProfit Quarterly

Nonprofits should understand that this moment defines us on a deep level—a moment where civil society must declare with moral certainty that notions of racial superiority are antithetical to our common humanity and our future. As a sector, we have not taken the leadership on this that we should. In fact, our organizations often mirror the distortions of larger society. Not only must we publicly disavow white supremacy; we must offer a counter narrative, and model leadership that supports racial justice and economic justice—in society at large and in our organizations. We have no time to waste. More...

https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/08/14/ending-white-supremacy-nonprofit-action/

http://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/DeLauro-brings-New-Haven-veteran-his-WWII-medals-11734887.php

At the New Haven Animal Shelter, it takes a village to help abandoned dogs and cats find their forever homes. Although the city funds and staffs the shelter, the dedicated volunteers with the Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter provide vital assistance with socializing the animals and getting them ready for adoption.

“It’s a real passion,” says Elaine Spinato, treasurer of the nonprofit volunteer organization. “I find it therapeutic. Whatever your problems are, they’re gone when there is a big set of eyes looking at you. The rewards are unending. And when a dog is adopted, it’s like seeing your kid going off to college.” Continue reading.

When migratory songbirds reach New Haven after flying across Long Island Sound, they immediately hunt for safe perches on which to rest and recover. Audubon Connecticut’s Urban Oases initiative ensures that even in the heart of this urban area, a corridor of green habitats is waiting.

Created with the help of community volunteer teams in parks and schoolyards, the habitats are the product of a larger mission by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to “bring the wildlife to the people,” says Michelle Frankel, Center Director for Audubon Greenwich and CT Team Leader for Bird-Friendly Communities.

Beyond the benefits to birds, wildlife and the larger ecosystem, the oases are also outdoor classrooms for students. They provide leadership opportunities for young people. And they are tranquil green spaces for neighborhoods with an abundance of asphalt and concrete.

“Our focus is not just on birds, but also on communities,” says Frankel. Continue reading.

Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Inc.
Part time, 20-30 hours per week

Overview

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) seeks a dedicated and passionate volunteer who will assist the Executive Director in a variety of administrative and development duties.  The appropriate volunteer will be a self-starter with strong computer skills, and the ideal candidate will have previous experience working in an office setting, preferably for a nonprofit organization.

Mission & Background Information

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen serves people who are experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity.  Since 1987, DESK has offered evening meals and a weekly food pantry to the Greater New Haven community.

Position Summary

The Administrative Assistant will work with the Executive Director to accomplish a variety of tasks related to Fund Development, Finance, Governance, and overall administration.  Fund Development includes external communications (email, social media, direct mail, website, etc.), event planning, grant writing, and donor relations.  Finance includes general bookkeeping, bill payments, and donation processing.  Overall administration includes a variety of day-to-day office tasks.   Most work will take place at DESK’s main office, located at 311 Temple Street in New Haven; there will be occasional off-site work.

Qualifications and Requirements

Volunteers interested in this position should be enthusiastic about providing much-needed services to the target population, but they should also have a strong sense of the importance of the administrative support that goes into social service work.  Ideally, the volunteer will be very comfortable using a variety of computer programs applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and social media and web applications.  Background in nonprofit administrative or other office experience is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

This is an unpaid volunteer position.  The primary benefit will be in the form of direct services experience, university credit (if applicable), and the overall satisfaction of helping those in need.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email a letter of interest and résumé to Steve Werlin at swerlin@deskct.org with “Volunteer Administrative Assistant” in the subjection line.

DESK is an equal opportunity employer who values greatly the role of diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and lifestyles

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp is joined by (back row from left) Members of the Youth Conservation Corps, Youth @Work Program Coordinator Tomi Veale, United Illuminating Program Manager Maritza Estremera, Youth Conservation Corps Supervisor Shequerra Hobby and New Haven Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett to launch the Home Energy Solutions- Income Eligible canvassing program as part of the city’s "Clean Energy Summer"

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (July 13, 2017) — On Wednesday, July 5, 2017, members of the New Haven Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) were joined at City Hall by Mayor Toni Harp, other local dignitaries and employees from United Illuminating (UI) to launch the fourth consecutive year of their energy efficiency canvassing program. These efforts were announced as part of New Haven’s "Clean Energy Summer," a city-wide commitment to combatting climate change as part of Mayor Harp’s agreement with the Compact of Mayors – a national group working to develop a low-emission society.

The YCC will spend the summer visiting an estimated 10,000 New Haven homes promoting the financial benefits of the Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible program. These no-cost assessments provide an average of $1,000 worth of efficiency services designed to increase comfort and lower monthly energy bills for those meeting certain income requirements.

As a partner of the Energize Connecticut initiative, UI committed $5,000 to the efforts, in addition to supplying brochures, applications, backpacks, shirts and other useful materials.