Find ways to volunteer and help others

Volunteers United is a group convened by the United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce Counties and is open to any organization interested in networking around volunteer recruitment, retention and development. Meetings take place the second Wednesday of every other month from 11 a.m. to noon at the Red Wing Family YMCA. The next meeting will be March 14.

For more information, contact Tonya Roth (651) 388-6309 or tonya.roth@uw-gwp.org.

For a full listing of area volunteer opportunities visit United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce Counties’ website at www.uw-gwp.org and click on VOLUNTEER. New opportunities will be added continuously so please check back often.

Check this page in the Republican Eagle the last week of each month for volunteer opportunities that fit your time and talents. Themes will be:

March: Hunger and nutrition

April: Abuse prevention and awareness

May: Serving older Americans

June: Special needs and transportation

July: Public safety and other community needs

August: Children and youths

September: Education

October: Arts/history

November: Emergency services/holiday needs

December: Meeting the needs of families

January: Business/finances

February: Health

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run of Bluff Country is here to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer coaches for the spring 2012 running season, which starts the week of March 5 and culminates with the annual Girls on the Run 5K Saturday May 19. Girls on the Run will provide you with materials and program curriculum, and will train you to be an inspiring and impactful coach.

You do not need to be a runner or a competitive athlete to be a successful coach. We have opportunities in the following communities: Red Wing, Goodhue, Northfield, Prescott, Ellsworth and Hager City.

Apply today by going on line to www.girlsontherunbc.org for a volunteer application or call Martha at 651-528-3166.

Girls on the Run has other opportunities to help throughout the season, from helping put supplies together in bins, working at the 5K, picking up snacks for sites, and many other jobs. Visit the website or call for details.

SARA

The SARA board of directors is seeking dedicated and energetic individuals to join them in serving the agency. The board meets six times a year on the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m.

Board responsibilities include: long range planning, fundraising, and representing the agency within the community. A three year commitment is required.

SARA, formerly Goodhue Wabasha Sexual Assault Services, welcomes people from diverse backgrounds with a variety of personal and professional experiences.

For information, contact program coordinator Katherine Cross at 651-388-9360 ext. 15 or kcross.gwsas@hotmail.com.

RideAbility

RideAbility needs volunteers for the 2012 season.

Volunteers will be working with children who have special needs and special love to offer. Volunteers also will be working around horses, although the most important job – walking next to a student during a horseback riding lesson – does not require any horse experience.

RideAbility offers four sessions each year. Training for new volunteer will be the week of March 19-22, further volunteer training will be offered during the week of March 26–29 and final spring volunteer training will be Monday April 2. A volunteer normally comes out to RideAbility once a week for five weeks, serving for at least one session.

RideAbility’s mission is to serve families who have children with special needs: physical challenges, special learning styles, emotional need, etc. The program uses indoor and outdoor arenas as well as a sensory trail.

For information, call 507-356-8154.

Urgent needs

Here are some needs and one-time requests by organizations with Volunteers United:

Red Wing in Bloom

Red Wing In Bloom is looking for volunteers who truly enjoy watering, weeding and deadheading plants. The program encourages businesses and organizations to do community service for Red Wing. This is a great way for employees to bond and help keep Red Wing beautiful. Call Donna Dummer at 651-388-6998 for more information.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys is looking for volunteers to share their time and talents in the following areas. Please contact Nicole Anderson at 507-645-6603 or nicole.anderson@girlscoutsrv.org for more information.

• Centennial Take Action coordinator

Duties: Coordinate troops and volunteers in Goodhue County to execute River Valleys' Centennial Take Action Project and orchestrate project Oct. 13. In addition, this coordinator will motivate and excite girls and adults about making an impact locally and globally.

• Great Girl Gathering

Duties: One- or two-day volunteer opportunity with a variety of time slots throughout a celebration March 10 and 11 at the Mall of America. Visit http://www.gsrv100.org.

Tags: red wing, goodhue county, lifestyle, community