Civic Engagement
Recent Blog Posts
- BE A BLUES FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER! [Jun 09]
- Volunteers Needed: Scavenger Hunt – find it. snap it. cuse it. [Jun 09]
- One Square Yard Starts Today! [Jun 09]
- Syracuse First [Jun 09]
Overview
The Civic Engagement Task Force promotes civic participation among 40 Belowers in several ways. We offer programming on topics of interest to our members, both to educate on timely issues and to spark action. We foster discussions among our members and build connections with a wide range of organizations in Central Upstate New York. And our board initiative connects volunteers with nonprofit boards, government committees, and community groups.
We meet on the first Monday of each month, usually at the MDA's 18th floor conference room in the State Tower Building. No need to signup, RSVP, or be a member of the group - all welcome.
Among our larger initiatives in the past year were the Involvement Fairs held in June and October, 2008. Hundreds of potential volunteers connected with dozens of nonprofits agencies and community groups at booths at the events.
Join Us!
To get involved please contact Co-Chairs Brian Hoke (bhoke@bentleyhoke.com) or Sean Becker (ncrdeb@yahoo.com). Our group meets on the first Monday of each month from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at a downtown location. Recent guest speakers at our meetings include Craig Collie, Vice President of the Volunteer Resources Division at the United Way of Central New York; Renee DeVesty, Director of Special Events & Volunteer Services at WCNY; Kristen Mucitelli-Heath, Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Upstate Empire Development Corporation; and leadership from the Syracuse City School District on their Say Yes to Education program.
No need to sign up to attend any of our meetings. Join the Civic Engagement email list by registering an inquiry via the 40 Below join-us form and/or contacting Brian or Sean.
Discussion & Connection
We've fostered informal discussions on tax policy for our area, volunteered as a group at WCNY's on-air auction, and built connections with other Upstate young-professional organizations. We've spoken at Leadership Greater Syracuse, Syracuse University Young Professional Affinity Group, and area high school alumni events in recent months.
Connecting Volunteers
We seek to connect motivated young professionals with community needs, matching qualified volunteers with organizations in need of their services. Want to get involved? Know of an organization which might benefit from a young professional's service?
We disseminate volunteer needs to our members and others via our email list and our blog. We partner with the United Way of Central New York to connect volunteers and organizations though their 1-800-Volunteer.org website.
Please contact Kelly Bayne (baynek@gmail.com) or Sean Becker (ncrdeb@yahoo.com) for more info or for assistance.
