CVC-TC: Ways We Can Help Rebuild Our Communities

On May 18, 2021, the Corporate Volunteerism Council hosted a program, “Ways We Can Help: Rebuild Our Communities” with guest presenters, Tracy Nielsen from HandsOn Twin Cities and Eva Song Margolis with Greater Twin Cities United Way. Following is a recap of the program, a link to the presentation and ways you can engage to help our communities rebuild.

HandsOn Twin Cities

HOTC surveyed their nonprofit members in March 2021. They found the biggest challenges related to volunteer engagement were identifying virtual opportunities, constant need to shift on a dime, not able to have volunteers in person, limited capacity at our location, loss of long-term older volunteers, engaging and re-engaging with volunteers, finding safe and efficient ways to keep volunteer engaged, communicating to the community we have safe volunteer experiences, clients or volunteers uncomfortable using technology/Zoom and lack of needed technology.

They also identified these broader community needs: existing significant racial disparities and systemic inequities in the Twin Cities, community and businesses already significantly impacted by the pandemic, many without capacity to reach an audience online or rethinking their business model, an estimated 1,300+ businesses affected by the civil unrest and intermediary organizations need to quickly scale and change to support their members.

Provided these options for how to help:

• Visit www.handsontwincities.org to share volunteer opportunity database with your networks
 
• Watch the website for upcoming resources to share with volunteers (trainings, podcast, and 1 City, 2 Realities experience)
 
• Work with our team to provide responsive solutions to community needs (pro bono, hands on, virtual, etc.)
 
• Continue to re-examine how you support community, looking through equity lens, not reinforcing white supremacy culture and thinking about transformational capacity-building
 
Greater Twin Cities United Way
 
Greatest needs after a challenging year:
 
• Nearly 1,500 businesses in the Twin Cities damaged and estimated total damages exceed $500 million;
• Nonprofit organizational challenges: costs of supporting staff through transition and trauma, closing gaps in revenue and continuing to function as a holistic provider.
How are GTCUW helping serve these community needs: COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund, Holistic Support and United Way 211- Housing.
 
Provided these options for how to help:
 
• If you or someone you care about needs help with their rent go to RentHelpMN or call 211 and speak with Greater Twin Cities United Way’s fantastic new rent assistance team
• Support Greater Twin Cities United Way’s mission to unite as changemakers and make a difference in creating equitable solutions by making a donation or learning about other ways to give including our Giving Communities
• Learn more about and sign up for volunteer opportunities at Greater Twin Cities United Way
• Sign up to receive our Advocacy Updates
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