2 foundations back community organizing

Two Chicago-based foundations see it as part of their mission to assist community organizing efforts: the Woods Fund of Chicago and the Wieboldt Foundation. For more information, go to http://www.woodsfund.org/ and http://www.wieboldtfoundation.org/index.htm. People often ask what foundations are funding grassroots activities. These two prominent Chicago foundations are among them.

Volunteering is worth $17.55 an hour

The Indepdendent Sector has issued its annual report that says the value of one hour of volunteering is now $17.55 in the United States. See http://www.independentsector.org/media/20050324_time_value.html for the analysis.

Illinois Campus Compact works with colleges, universities

The Illinois Campus Compact is a coalition of Illinois colleges and universities that forms partnerships with community, government and business leaders. It promotes public policy that supports community service and service learning. It believes in integrating public service as a valued element of undergraduate education, enhancing students' sense of responsibility, citizenship and awareness of the community; and reinvigorating higher education's concern for improving the quality of life in our society. For more information and a list of participating colleges and universities, go to http://www.illinoiscampuscompact.org.

Major study about engagement in Illinois

The benchmark survey about the civic engagement of Illinois residents describes the levels of civic engagement in Illinois. It also provides 68 recommendations for how different groups can become more engaged in the private, public and nonprofit sectors of Illinois. Read the complete report at http://civic.uis.edu/report/release.html.

Lobby day in Springfield for Illinois students

College and university students can learn how to lobby in Springfield and meet their state legislators! The interactive workshop is Sunday, April 10, and the Day at the Statehouse is Monday, April 11. Illinois Campus Compact, in partnership with UIS Office of Student Volunteer and Service Learning and Illinois Issues magazine, have opened registration for the first annual "Day at the State House." Registration includes three meals, t-shirt, conference packet, and attendance to all conference activities. This is a great opportunity for all Public Administration and Political Science majors, and ALL students interested in civic engagement.

The DEADLINE to register is April 4.

Students can download a registration form from the UIS Office of Student Volunteer and Service Learning Website at http://www.uis.edu/servicelearning/.