Make a Difference Oregon!

For over 20 years, USA WEEKEND and the HandsOn Network have joined together to sponsor Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community based service. This day is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Millions of Americans unite with a common mission to improve the lives of others on Make A Difference Day, October 22, 2011.

Make a Difference – Oregon! is a collaboration between Volunteer Connect, HandsOn Greater Portland, HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley, and HandsOn Linn Benton to offer Oregonians an opportunity to serve together across the state. The volunteer action centers across the state will not only seize the moment to inspire, equip and mobilize neighbors to improve their communities, but also engage them to Get HandsOn! throughout the year.

Click here to opportunities available in the Mid-Valley with HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley!

Click here to see opportunities available in Portland with HandsOn Greater Portland!

Click Here for opportunities available in Central Oregon with Volunteer Connect!

Click Here for opportunities available in Linn and Benton Counties with HandsOn Linn Benton!

Are you Prepared for a Disaster?

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the recent tropical storms on the East Coast remind us that you never know when a disaster might strike. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, people want to help as much as possible. Volunteers are most effective with prior training, direction and specific expertise. Below you will find links offering options to become trained prior to a disaster striking:

Join your local CERT.
Community Emergency Response Teams was a concept developed in Los Angeles in the 1980's. The local fire department recognized the need to educate citizens of what to do in the event of a disaster. After the Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) also recognized the importance of preparing citizens in disaster response. There are now 7 different training sessions offered by local CERTs. Get involved and learn what to do in all types of disasters. Then when a disaster strikes, you and your family will be prepared to care for yourselves and you can assist others. Click here to learn more.

Join HandsOn in the Emergent Volunteer Center
Well intended people come out to help in the event of a disaster. However, they can often cause more harm than good to the first responders. HandsOn and Marion County have developed a place to organize all of do-gooders of our community. The Emergent Volunteer Center is open to all who want to volunteer in an disaster. Once first responders have had a chance to assess their needs, they inform the center and HandsOn helps volunteers find the perfect opportunity for them. This is a new concept for us so we need your help to test the system. Join us on October 22nd for an Emergent Volunteer Center Drill. Help us ensure we can help others when disaster strikes. Act Now!

Save National Service! Make your Voice Heard!

National service programs are on the chopping block in Congress, their future in doubt. National Service brings vital resources to many of the social service organizations across the country and out community. National Service includes programs like AmeriCorps, RSVP and the Foster Grandparent Program. All programs under the Corporation for National and Community Service face devastating cuts in Congress in these tough times. But tough times are exactly when our nation should invest in these programs to create jobs, deliver results, and strengthen communities. That's why Save Service is organizing a national Call Day on September 15. Together, we can make thousands of calls and ensure that our leaders understand that funding national service must be a priority. Pledge to call and show your support. September 15 is also the same day that hundreds of service leaders are coming to DC to meet with Members of Congress. Calls made the same day amplify our message and ensure that we won't be ignored.

ACT NOW!