In Times of Need
Become a Mentor: Volunteers for Youth, a local nonprofit United Way agency emphasizing the prevention of juvenile delinquency, is in dire need of mentors. There are 85 young people waiting to be matched. Spend just two hours with an at-risk youth from Orange County and make a difference! The next mentor training is Wed, July 13, 6-9 pm. 205 Lloyd St., Suite 103, Carrboro. 967-4511, sad@volunteersforyouth.org (Scott Dreyer).
Datebook
100% Tobacco Free Schools: Wed, July 6, 9-10:30 am: Halfway point celebration and pep rally, with Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, public health leaders, teen advocates from across N.C., and entertainment. State Capitol, Raleigh. 882-1979 (L. Hester), 882-1906 (A. Hollins). Free.
American Tobacco Campus: Thu, July 7, 5:30 pm: The Arts & Business Coalition of Downtown is sponsoring a meeting with ATC developers to find out what’s been done and what’s planned for the future. 5:30 pm: Tour of the campus; 6:30 pm: Q&A with the property developer; 8 pm: Networking opportunity at an ATC eatery. Meet at Bay 7. 699-1992. www.ABCDdurham.com.
Spanish-Speaking LGBTQ Group: Fri, July 8, 5:30 pm: Meeting to discuss what we can do and what is needed to support Spanish-speaking LGBTQ-identified youth and adults living in the Triangle. Foster’s Market, 750 Airport Road, Chapel Hill. 401-2519, deebsoss@email.unc.edu (Natalia Deeb-Sossa).
Benefit Yard Sale: Sat, July 9, 8 am-5 pm: Raising money for the medical expenses of Bri’Anna Baker, a 9-month-old Fuquay-Varina girl who suffers from Failure to Thrive. Uncle Bob’s Self Storage, 2401 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh. Donations: 524-9377, williamjpjr@aol.com (Bill & Deborah Powell). Info: 834-7831 (Thomas Allen).
Another World Is Necessary–Developing Our Vision of the Global Community: Sun, July 10, 8:30 am coffee and treats, 9-10 program: Childcare is provided. Straley Summer Series at Community Church of Chapel Hill, 106 Purefoy Road. 942-0621 (Joan Garnett).
Weekly Death Penalty Protest: Mon, July 11, 5 pm: Maintaining a public witness against government-sanctioned killing, every Monday from 5-6 pm through Sept 19. Some signs and banners provided; other signs, creativity and props encouraged. Central Prison, 1300 Western Blvd., Raleigh. 833-4129, scott@langleycreations.com (Scott Langley).
Caravan to Cuba Kickoff: Mon, July 11, 6:30 pm: 16th annual IFCO/Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba hosted by SURGE, CITCA and Peace First. Pot-luck dinner (please bring a dish) followed by talk featuring caravanista Alvin Bailey. Take a stand against the immoral U.S. blockade against Cuba and learn how you can help create a people-to-people foreign policy. Church of Reconciliation, 110 N. Elliot Road, Chapel Hill. 960-6886, surgenc@yahoo.com. www.surgenetwork.org.
Support Smithfield Workers’ Union Efforts: Thu, July 14, 6 pm food, 7 pm public hearing: Lance Compa, author of the Human Rights Watch report “Blood, Sweat, and Fear” documenting workplace abuse at Smithfield Foods, will explain the findings, and workers will speak out. Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. To sign the workers’ “Witness: Justice at Smithfield” campaign resolution, contact 828-6501, bzelter@nccouncilofchurches.org (Barbara Zelter).
Free Citizenship Training Classes: After five years of legal permanent status most immigrants are qualified to apply for citizenship, but they must be able to read, write and speak English and pass a written exam on U.S. history and government. These classes will provide 35-40 hours of training on how to apply, speaking and writing English, and exam practice. Contact Harnett County Literacy for more info: 910-892-8128, 1-866-509-2863, CSN@dockpoint.net. Free.
Strictly Voluntary
LGBT HelpLine: Fri, July 8, 6:30-9:30 pm and Sat, July 9, 9 am-4 pm: Volunteer training; must attend both sessions. See last week’s Act Now for details. 410 N. Boylan, Raleigh. RSVP to 256-3672, volunteers@tcworks.org.
Durham Board of County Commissioners: Seeking applicants to fill positions on various citizen boards and commissions and on the Emergency Medical Services Council; see last week’s Act Now for details. Applications and info: 560-0027, www.co.durham.nc.us. Application deadline: Mon, July 11, 5 pm.
HopeLine: Tue, July 12: Volunteer training classes begin. See last week’s Act Now for details. 832-3326, hlysc@aol.com.
Women’s Center of Chapel Hill: Wed, July 13 & 20, 4:30-7:30 pm: Six-hour mandatory training for First Response Volunteers. Provide a welcoming atmosphere at the Women’s Center, assist clients with understanding the Center’s services, assess clients’ needs, refer clients to appropriate services. Must fill out application and meet with coordinator prior to enrolling. 210 Henderson St. 968-4610, volunteer@womenspace.org.
Make an American dream come true: Aspect Foundation is seeking volunteer host families for international high school students from over 30 countries. 460-3958, nusilusi@yahoo.com (Holly). 1-800-US-YOUTH, www.aspectfoundation.org.
Summer Food Service Program: May 25-Aug 12, weekdays: This is Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s first year in the SFSP, the summer extension of the free and reduced-price school lunch program. The Food Shuttle needs numerous volunteers to package, deliver and distribute meals in Wake County. Shifts are approximately two hours long; community service volunteers are welcome. Info: www.foodshuttle.org. Volunteer: 250-0043, summerfeeding@foodshuttle.org (Shae Taylor).
Witness for Justice: Provide legal outreach to migrant camps through the Farmworker Unit of Legal Aid of N.C. Spanish helpful but not required. Commit two evenings per month, Monday-Thursday, June-October. 856-2180 x17 (Callie Kozlak). www.legalaidnc.org/Programs/FWU.
Hunger Bike Ride: To raise awareness and funds for third world hunger and illiteracy, Chuck and Laura Richardson of Chapel Hill are bicycling from VA to CA. Money raised goes to Pratham, an NGO dedicated to getting every child in school and learning well in India. Find out how to donate at altruisticaction.com.
Pet Foster Network: Provide short-term, in-home care for dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. 425-2330, www.petfoster.org.
Read Seed, Inc. : Community Outreach Program gives gently used books to organizations serving at-risk youth, particularly those with limited school readiness skills. To apply: 688-8035, www.readseed.org.
Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital: Volunteers 55 years or older are needed in the new Family Room of the Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill. Welcome, register, and be helpful to new families. 686-3314, rsvpdurhamnc@durhamtech.edu.
Ten Thousand Villages: Interested in fair trade and helping artisans in 32 countries? Seeking volunteers to help with Raleigh store sales and upkeep. Minimum 3 hr/wk. 821-1100, Caroline@villagesofraleigh.org.
Triangle Land Conservancy: TLC is now a registered organization with Food Lion’s Shop & Share program. Every time a TLC-registered MVP customer shops at Food Lion, a portion of the total purchase goes to TLC. Register your MVP card online at www.foodlion.com, or call 704-633-8250 x3810.
Peace, y’all
Peace Vigils: Chapel Hill: Mondays, 5-6 p.m., Franklin Street P.O.; Fridays, 5-6 p.m., East Franklin Street and Elliott Road, 942-2535. Durham: Saturdays, noon-1 p.m., Gregson and Main streets opposite Brightleaf Square, 402-0424 (Bill Jeffries). Raleigh: Fridays, 5 p.m., NCSU Bell Tower, 833-4685 (Dante Strobino); first Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m., Fayetteville Street Mall P.O., 821-2014 (Slater Newman).
