thedrifter
10-20-06, 05:33 AM
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Marines go ‘‘Beyond the Gates” to Serve Their Community
Installation Volunteer Program Office
Marine and Family Services
Operating since 1997, the Installation Volunteer Program “Beyond the Gates” fulfills its mission statement by ''providing information, resource, and referral services to Marines, families, and civilian Marines on volunteer opportunities throughout the National Capital Region (NCR)” explains Volunteer Programs Assistant, Linda Gawthrop. “While promoting select events throughout the year, the program will continually assist volunteers in making their service hours “count” by maintaining volunteer service record logs, participating in the Presidential Volunteer Service Award programs, and recognizing and rewarding volunteers on a regular basis. The Marine Corps has a long-standing history of volunteerism and it is the purpose of Beyond the Gates to assist Marines in continuing that tradition.''
The Community Volunteer Program will be making a shift in operations to promote one volunteer opportunity per month, mainly with a focus on events and agencies that support or contribute to the military community.
“The exception will be agencies we have had long-standing relationships with and events where the Marines gain pleasure and satisfaction from volunteering, such as the Special Olympics,” said Anna-Marie Daley, Volunteer Coordinator.
Individuals looking for volunteer opportunities in their neighborhood or in a specific area of interest can contact the Program and the Coordinator will assist in researching appropriate volunteer opportunities to meet their needs. The program will maintain a listing of ongoing and seasonal opportunities.
“One of the most important things the program can offer the Marines and their families is assisting to make their volunteer service hours ''count'',” said Daley.
If a Marine or family member performs community service work, he or she can submit a request to have the program log those hours. It is as simple as filling out a brief form or sending an e-mail. Running logs are maintained as long as the Marine is stationed in the NCR. Volunteer service hours can be credited towards the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program.
““Beyond the Gates” can also assist high-school age dependents in achieving the community service hours that many public schools now require,” said Daley. “All volunteers will be eligible to receive a certificate of appreciation annually in April and all will earn a free Henderson Hall Volunteer Program tee-shirt with their first volunteer event.”
Additionally, the Installation Volunteer Program is teaming up with the Single Marine Program (SMP) to facilitate community service events for SMP participants.
Daley believes the SMP is already making a great name for theirselves with repeated success volunteering with veterans through the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
“It is a great example of Semper Fit and Marine & Family Services programs partnering to ensure that Marines and Marine families are well served and have the opportunity to serve others,” said Daley.
Currently, “Beyond the Gates” is undergoing changes; Linda Gawthrop is going on to work for an environmental non-profit foundation in McLean, VA which is in keeping with both her educational and professional background. While her interests lie with environmental issues, she is certain her heart will be here with the Marines, their families and the civilian staff.
“My new job is closer to home, but Marines and Civilian Marines here will always be closer to my heart,” said Gawthrop.
The Marine and Family Services family believes that Gawthrop has made such an impact on the Installation Volunteer Program.
“Our volunteers really connect with her,” said Daley. “Sometimes when I answer the phone callers only want to speak with Linda.”
Daley will be moving to Camp Lejeune, NC where her husband, a United States Marine, has been assigned duty.
Currently both positions are vacant.
“For volunteer opportunities and notice of new staff coming aboard, volunteers should read the Henderson Hall News and the Daily Gouge,” said Gawthrop.
Marine spouses, former Marines transitioning from service, and civilian Marines are encouraged to contact Carol LaVoy, Information & Referral Specialist at 703-614-7200 about position vacancies.
''We would love to know that our replacements have some connection to the programs,” said Daley. “The Coordinator position is ideal for a Marine spouse with volunteer experience, particularly within the Marine Corps Family Team Building programs. The part-time Assistant position is a great opportunity, too - it has more flexibility and does not necessarily need to be a spouse. It would be terrific to fill these positions with candidates from our own Marine Corps population.''
Daley believes the program will continue to thrive as it always has.
“This is just a changing of the guard,” said Daley. “It always happens within the military community - people move on, Marines PCS. The program will stay on no matter who is here to run it.''
Upcoming volunteer opportunities for “Beyond the Gates” are: The Marine Corps Marathon where volunteers are needed at a variety of places throughout the race weekend and on race morning, including water stations, hospitality areas, baggage tent, medical stations & information tent. An adult must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. For more info or to sign-up, please visit www.marinemarathon.com⁄volunteers⁄jobs-by-date.tcl?event_ID=2061 and The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Emergency Winter Shelter opens its doors again this month. With recent funding cuts, the shelter is in great need of volunteers this year. Volunteers should attend one of two trainings sessions: Oct 24th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm or Oct 28th, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. WEEKEND VOLUNTEERS ESPECIALLY NEEDED. Groups are also welcome to volunteer time for special projects. Please call Azita, APAN Volunteer Coordinator, at 703-820-4357 or e-mail to: aspanvolunteer@aol.com for info & sign-up. Check out www.a-span.org for shelter schedule and a list of volunteer opportunities. Former volunteers are especially encouraged to return. MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS COUNT! Log your volunteer hours through the Henderson Hall Volunteer Program, Beyond the Gates - call 703-614-7200 for more information.
Ellie
Marines go ‘‘Beyond the Gates” to Serve Their Community
Installation Volunteer Program Office
Marine and Family Services
Operating since 1997, the Installation Volunteer Program “Beyond the Gates” fulfills its mission statement by ''providing information, resource, and referral services to Marines, families, and civilian Marines on volunteer opportunities throughout the National Capital Region (NCR)” explains Volunteer Programs Assistant, Linda Gawthrop. “While promoting select events throughout the year, the program will continually assist volunteers in making their service hours “count” by maintaining volunteer service record logs, participating in the Presidential Volunteer Service Award programs, and recognizing and rewarding volunteers on a regular basis. The Marine Corps has a long-standing history of volunteerism and it is the purpose of Beyond the Gates to assist Marines in continuing that tradition.''
The Community Volunteer Program will be making a shift in operations to promote one volunteer opportunity per month, mainly with a focus on events and agencies that support or contribute to the military community.
“The exception will be agencies we have had long-standing relationships with and events where the Marines gain pleasure and satisfaction from volunteering, such as the Special Olympics,” said Anna-Marie Daley, Volunteer Coordinator.
Individuals looking for volunteer opportunities in their neighborhood or in a specific area of interest can contact the Program and the Coordinator will assist in researching appropriate volunteer opportunities to meet their needs. The program will maintain a listing of ongoing and seasonal opportunities.
“One of the most important things the program can offer the Marines and their families is assisting to make their volunteer service hours ''count'',” said Daley.
If a Marine or family member performs community service work, he or she can submit a request to have the program log those hours. It is as simple as filling out a brief form or sending an e-mail. Running logs are maintained as long as the Marine is stationed in the NCR. Volunteer service hours can be credited towards the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program.
““Beyond the Gates” can also assist high-school age dependents in achieving the community service hours that many public schools now require,” said Daley. “All volunteers will be eligible to receive a certificate of appreciation annually in April and all will earn a free Henderson Hall Volunteer Program tee-shirt with their first volunteer event.”
Additionally, the Installation Volunteer Program is teaming up with the Single Marine Program (SMP) to facilitate community service events for SMP participants.
Daley believes the SMP is already making a great name for theirselves with repeated success volunteering with veterans through the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
“It is a great example of Semper Fit and Marine & Family Services programs partnering to ensure that Marines and Marine families are well served and have the opportunity to serve others,” said Daley.
Currently, “Beyond the Gates” is undergoing changes; Linda Gawthrop is going on to work for an environmental non-profit foundation in McLean, VA which is in keeping with both her educational and professional background. While her interests lie with environmental issues, she is certain her heart will be here with the Marines, their families and the civilian staff.
“My new job is closer to home, but Marines and Civilian Marines here will always be closer to my heart,” said Gawthrop.
The Marine and Family Services family believes that Gawthrop has made such an impact on the Installation Volunteer Program.
“Our volunteers really connect with her,” said Daley. “Sometimes when I answer the phone callers only want to speak with Linda.”
Daley will be moving to Camp Lejeune, NC where her husband, a United States Marine, has been assigned duty.
Currently both positions are vacant.
“For volunteer opportunities and notice of new staff coming aboard, volunteers should read the Henderson Hall News and the Daily Gouge,” said Gawthrop.
Marine spouses, former Marines transitioning from service, and civilian Marines are encouraged to contact Carol LaVoy, Information & Referral Specialist at 703-614-7200 about position vacancies.
''We would love to know that our replacements have some connection to the programs,” said Daley. “The Coordinator position is ideal for a Marine spouse with volunteer experience, particularly within the Marine Corps Family Team Building programs. The part-time Assistant position is a great opportunity, too - it has more flexibility and does not necessarily need to be a spouse. It would be terrific to fill these positions with candidates from our own Marine Corps population.''
Daley believes the program will continue to thrive as it always has.
“This is just a changing of the guard,” said Daley. “It always happens within the military community - people move on, Marines PCS. The program will stay on no matter who is here to run it.''
Upcoming volunteer opportunities for “Beyond the Gates” are: The Marine Corps Marathon where volunteers are needed at a variety of places throughout the race weekend and on race morning, including water stations, hospitality areas, baggage tent, medical stations & information tent. An adult must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. For more info or to sign-up, please visit www.marinemarathon.com⁄volunteers⁄jobs-by-date.tcl?event_ID=2061 and The Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Emergency Winter Shelter opens its doors again this month. With recent funding cuts, the shelter is in great need of volunteers this year. Volunteers should attend one of two trainings sessions: Oct 24th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm or Oct 28th, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. WEEKEND VOLUNTEERS ESPECIALLY NEEDED. Groups are also welcome to volunteer time for special projects. Please call Azita, APAN Volunteer Coordinator, at 703-820-4357 or e-mail to: aspanvolunteer@aol.com for info & sign-up. Check out www.a-span.org for shelter schedule and a list of volunteer opportunities. Former volunteers are especially encouraged to return. MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS COUNT! Log your volunteer hours through the Henderson Hall Volunteer Program, Beyond the Gates - call 703-614-7200 for more information.
Ellie