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This Bonner Foundation-led summer service project that builds on the “Know Your Issue” modulesfound on the Bonner wiki. We are looking for students from across the Bonner Network, ideally two or more per campus, who will: a) research and write local issue briefs related to their service, b) post their research on the PolicyOptions Wiki as part of a local policy information hub, and c) prepare to lead other Bonners next year in further policy research and discussion forums.
This summer project will begin the week of May 25th and will include regular trainings, team planning, and group discussions led by the Bonner Foundation President Bobby Hackett. Interns will gain experience in researching issue briefs, interviewing leaders of local and national organizations, and editing the PolicyOptions Wiki. We will develop video tutorials, lesson assignments, and discussion prompts. We will be using an online platform called the Bonner Learning Community to stay in touch and to build and deliver the Know Your Issue curriculum online.
Participants do not need to have prior experience to be included in this initiative; the only qualification is enthusiasm and the willingness to work hard, try new things, and learn with others in a collaborative environment with other Bonner students, staff, and Foundation staff.
This remote summer service opportunity is open to any Bonner student who is eligible to complete summer service as part of their Bonner Scholar or Bonner Leader Program. If you have any questions about summer service requirements and funding, please contact your Bonner Program director or coordinator. Unfortunately, the Bonner Foundation does not have additional funding to support Bonners serving on this project this summer. However, it can be used for you as a summer internship if you already qualify for campus or program funding.
Download internship information, including FAQ and application questions here.
If you have any additional questions, please email Bobby Hackett at rhackett@bonner.org.
Keep on Partnering: excellent example of local engagement resources page in Richmond, Virginia by Virginia Commonwealth University
GivePulse: online platform used by many campuses and their local community partners to manage their volunteers. GivePulse has posted information on remote/virtual volunteer opportunities and other resources.
Tutoria: https://tutoria.io - Offer free tutoring in these two areas: 1) Practice conversational and/or written English with clients 2) Prepare clients for the U.S. Naturalization exam
UN Volunteers: https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/opportunities - choose from multiple opportunities such as creating educational videos for small children, translating documents in various languages, creating social-media campaigns
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: https://transcription.si.edu - Become a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer and help them make historical documental and biodiversity data more accessible.
Translators Without Borders: https://translatorswithoutborders.org/volunteer/ - You can volunteer with TWB if you are fluent in at least one language other than your native language. Whether you are interested in translating medical texts or translating for crisis response, there are engaging projects available to suit all preferences.
7 Cups of Tea: https://www.7cups.com - 7 Cups of Tea is an online emotional support service. Through a secure, anonymous bridging technology, they connect those in need of emotional support with their network of Active Listeners. If you are interested in volunteering as an active listener with this organization, complete the active listening course and create your listener profile.
Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com - As a sighted volunteer, you can help just by installing the Be My Eyes app. A blind or a low-vision user may need help with anything from checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions or navigating new surroundings.
Chemo Angels: https://www.chemoangels.com/angel-pre-app - As a chemo angel, you will send your assigned patient at least one card, letter, or note a week. Being a Card Angel is a long-term commitment, depending on the patient's treatment.
Delivery of food to someone by setting food on doorstep
We have developed a section of the wiki here for in-reach projects for individual or student teams to complete.
These project ideas are listed below:
Working now to get a webinar series for these modules up on the Bonner Learning Community in the next 2-3 weeks
Really helpful information for any online course, including the slides that accompany the webinar
Online Courses – https://www.coursera.org/:
Content (readings, videos, discussion questions, quizzes) for the following courses is available for free, so students/AmeriCorps members could use that content to write their responses, and submit their work on Bonner Learning Community to count toward training and service hours.
Coursera is joining with partners to provide free access to Coursera for Campus for any impacted college or university.If you are part of the faculty or administration at an impacted university, please complete this form to start the application process. If you are a student at an impacted university, you can ask your university to apply for this program or visit coursera.org to find individual courses you can start today.
Free Courses
Community Organizing for Social Justice – University of Michigan
Civic Engagement in American Democracy – Duke University
The Science of Well-Being - Yale University
With the help of a Bonner 2020 Working Group, the Foundation is also developing templates for commonly used waivers, MOUs, and other forms, which have been adapted to include language and guidelines related to COVID-19. Additionally, we are developing a range of resources and recommendations to support remote and online program management and community engagement projects. These will provide campuses with help for how to manage their programs and conduct key components (including Bonner Cornerstones, capacity building projects that are also capstones, recruitment and selection, and more). Visit the new Program and Risk Management page here.