February 2009 issue

President’s Message

Liza McFadden

Dear Friends:

In August 2001, I had the opportunity to join then-Governor Bush and Colin Powell to announce the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative in Florida.

When we first announced the Initiative, mentoring was hardly even a concept. No one knew the term “mentee” and there was no data. We frantically searched to learn about mentoring; California claimed to have 100,000 mentors, so without any idea on the number of mentors in the state, Governor Bush called for Florida to raise 200,000 mentors.

From 2001 to 2009 we’ve just about doubled the number of mentors in Florida, and currently do have over 200,000. About 125,000 are in one-on-one mentoring relationships; 50,000 are group mentoring; and the remainder are involved in innovative programming like e-mentoring. Each year the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative, now often called the Florida Mentoring Partnership, surveys school districts, community organizations and state entities, like Guardian ad litem, to determine the number of mentors in Florida.

The Florida Mentoring Partnership also acts as a non-dues paying membership group. All of the major mentoring entities are part of the effort, as well as key businesses, and leaders. Each year, we focus on ways to bring the mentoring partners together to coordinate mentoring resources. In the past, this created our city mentoring effort; one year it resulted in a focus on mentors in F schools and this year we are in the initial stages of working on a pilot to recruit mentors for foster care homes in Central Florida.

We are taking this mentoring movement across the southern U.S. We’re doing it through a program we call Teen Trendsetters™ Reading Mentors. Launched by Governor Bush in 2002, the program started with 30 teens. It currently has 2,256 teens mentoring struggling third-graders (our data is collected from a web-based system). As you can imagine the program was first started to ensure that third-graders taking the FCAT for the first time were receiving extra reading assistance.

We think the program is something to be proud of. First off, this program is run extremely cost-effectively. We estimate the cost per student (mentor and mentee) at $93.93 a year. These funds cover our curriculum, Brainstorm. It starts students at a high second-grade reading level and moves them through a low fourth-grade level. All the third graders receive the curriculum as well as 9 to 18 books annually to take home. The curriculum is science-based; we’re teaching the children about animals, weather, and famous leaders in science.

I take pride in the fact that last month we opened 30 brand new Teen Trendsetters™ programs in 11 southern states. We’re seeding the programs with private funds but, as in Florida, we hope this develops into a close partnership for both schools, local businesses and community partners. I’m pleased to report that we’re collecting a lot of information on the teens, and while I won’t have a full report to share until this summer, one of the interesting aspects involves the leadership skills that this program helps develop. 69% of our seniors report earning a Bright Futures Scholarship (in Florida this is a college scholarship paid for by the state) as compared to a statewide average of about 39%, and we’ve great anecdotal evidence that starting a club or leading a club is a great college application builder, especially for teens who need community service hours. Over half our teens tell us that the hardest part of building this program is learning how to best teach reading skills. We spend a lot of time teaching them the importance of the National Reading Panel findings.

We know Teen Trendsetters™ is a lot of fun; kids get trained at Universal and we even have a FaceBook page. Representative Marti Coley joined us this summer when we hosted our annual training event at the Radisson and Universal Studios. The energy of the students is amazing, and their compassion is wonderful. We thank those supporting this effort including the Florida Legislature, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, Universal Studios and Florida Trend. Be sure to visit Florida Trend’s unique high school magazine “NEXT” at www.floridanext.com.

I think Teen Trendsetters™ is one of the most cost-effective and innovative mentoring programs in the nation. It’s been awarded the Harris Wofford award nationally for best youth program, and its potential to grow and get even better is remarkable. Our application process is now open – we’re looking for 30 dynamic teens to start new programs in the southern US; check us out at www.teentrendsetters.org

Liza McFadden

Our Board of Directors

Barney Bishop
Chairman, Volunteer USA Foundation
Associated Industries of Florida

Gwynn Virostek
Vice-Chair, Volunteer USA

Tim Gage
Comcast

David Griffin
David Griffin Consulting

Brad Meltzer
Author

William S. Simon
Wal-Mart U.S.

Art Smith
Chef & Author

Jeb Bush
Honorary Chairman and
former Governor of Florida

Our Staff

Liza McFadden
President

Stina Brockmann
Special Assistant to the President

Elizabeth Hirst
Senior Vice President

Roxann Campbell
Director of Programs

Teecy Matthews
Director of Training

Michael Thompson
Program Coordinator

Heather Brinkworth
Regional Program Coordinator

Tracey Gallagher
Regional Program Coordinator

Jaimie Hudson
Regional Program Coordinator

Gerri Palmer
Program Assistant

Mark Nelson
Director of Strategic Partnerships

Jana Sterling
Trainer

Venita Dorsey
Finance Director

Brandi Brown
Special Events Coordinator

Charla Lancaster
Love.Read.Learn! Training/Event Coordinator-TN

Volunteer USA Foundation
www.volunteerusafoundation.org
850.562.5300

Volunteer USA Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the U.S. by meeting community and family
needs through volunteerism and community service. The Foundation serves as a catalyst by bringing groups together in partnership
to leverage assets to
their maximum effectiveness. Program partners include nonprofits, community organizations, national associations, faith-based groups, the private sector and state government. A 501(c)(3) organization.

CELEBRATION OF READING – SUCCESS STORIES, SECOND CHANCES AND SCHOLARSHIPS!

The 9th Annual Celebration of Reading proved to be a huge success this year, thanks to the many supporters who recognize that reading and a love of learning builds brighter futures for families. A great partner in our movement is the Florida Association of Post-Secondary Schools and Colleges, contributing an in-kind gift of $250,000 in scholarships to help adult family literacy students further their education. In addition, Florida Prepaid Foundation continues its enormous commitment to family literacy providing more than $50,000 in community college scholarships for the children of our winning students in the past year.

Jeb Bush presents Maria Segura with scholarships A highlight of the this year’s Celebration was the surprise awarding of a 4-year college scholarship by Governor Bush to an emotional Maria Segura, a former family literacy student now teaching preschool at the Jump Start Family Literacy Academy in Immokalee. In addition, Maria’s two youngest children were presented Florida Prepaid Scholarships.

Maria has inspired so many in her quest for a second chance at building a better life. For many years she worked, alongside her husband, as a migrant worker to help provide for her four kids. But she always knew an education was the key to future success. Once she heard about the local Family Literacy Academy she enrolled, “When I knocked on their door, they opened it wide. They encouraged my enthusiasm to learn. It was the best of both worlds; I could learn in a classroom while my four-year old learned right there at the academy too.” Today, Maria not only has her GED, but her child development certificate as well. She is now lead preschool teacher at the academy, and brings her youngest child to class with her. College is next on Maria’s list of accomplishments and we congratulate her hard work and perseverance.

George H.W. Bush and Jeb Bush Overall, the Celebration of Reading crowd of more than 500 was treated to another star-studded event which raised $1.4 million for Volunteer USA’s Family Literacy Initiative. Governor Jeb and Columba Bush hosted the event, along with former President George H.W. Bush. They were joined by best-selling authors including humorist A. J. Jacobs, Steve Doocy of Fox & Friends, children’s author Derrick Barnes, and Dr. Jeffery Engel.

Proceeds from the Celebration help fund the development of our network of strong family literacy academies, which provide programs for both parents and their young children. To learn more about how you can help or contribute to the family literacy movement see www.volunteerusafoundation.org. And be sure to visit www.celebrationofreading.org to view our photo gallery.

Be sure to see Governor Bush on Fox & Friends talking Celebration of Reading in support of our Family Literacy Initiative. Click to view Fox and Friends video interview one and two.

CELEBRATE BABIES AND LEARNING

~VUSA announces keepsake baby journal to send home with every new Mom in Florida~

Love, Read, Learn!

Take a look at our brand new Love.Read.Learn! Baby Journal. It’s a colorful, fun and informative multi-page scrapbook based on the recent findings of the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP). It will be provided FREE to parents in hospitals and birthing centers statewide in Florida. Beginning this month, new moms and dad will not only be able to use this baby journal to teach their child through fun activities, it also includes space for them to insert personal photos, stories and reflections as their baby grows.

Tim Shanahan, chair of the NELP, joined Governor Bush at a Celebration press conference to talk about the importance of programs like Love.Read.Learn! that are beneficial to both parents and for those who teach young children. According to Shanahan, “This gives them a useful outline of the types of things that need to be taught in the early years; the things that have worked effectively to help children succeed in learning.” www.nifl.gov/nifl/NELP/NELPShanahan.html

A special thanks to our sponsor Carnival Cruise Lines for the generous gift of underwriting the printing and shipping of this journal, and to DDB Miami for lending their creative design talents to the project. The baby journal can be provided to hospitals outside of Florida for the cost of printing and shipping. Please call 850.562.5300 for more information if you are from outside of Florida.

CELEBRATE...ART TO CAPTURE THE HEART!

Edna Hibel's "Reading Garden"

Speaking of babies, renowned artist Edna Hibel has spent her long career capturing their innocence and beauty. The talented Florida artist has created a one-of-a-kind oil painting on behalf of the Family Literacy Initiative. Proceeds from its sale will go to support our literacy efforts. The “Reading Garden” was unveiled at the Celebration event and will become the centerpiece artwork for our 10th Annual Celebration of Reading event in 2010!

Lovers of Hibel’s art now have the opportunity to be the proud owner of the original “Reading Garden” The painting is valued at $100,000 and for a donation of $600 we will send supporters a beautiful limited edition glicee. Collectors may contact bonnieb@hibel.com

Hibel’s popular “mother and child” artwork is recognized worldwide. At 92-years of age, Ms. Hibel - a wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of one – remains the most collected female artist in America.

HITTING THE AIRWAVES, ENCOURAGING SERVICE & SUCCESS AMOUNG YOUTH

The Teen Trendsetters™ Reading Mentors (TTRM) movement is making waves…airwaves that is! A Public Service Announcement is now airing on TV stations throughout the south, thanks to our sponsor Comcast. The PSA features one of our own TTRM high school grads who now attends college and continues to support this youth mentoring program.

Quintin Haynes is currently a student at Florida A&M University and works part-time with State Farm’s governmental affairs office. When he’s not busy studying and working, Quintin helps spread the good word about the Teen Trendsetters™. By the way, Quintin was a natural on camera – no surprise since as a child he appeared on terrific television programs like Barney and Gulla, Gulla Island. Thank you to Evolution Media and the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend for helping us produce this message. To view the PSA (click here).

LOOKING FOR NEW TEEN MENTORS!

Volunteer USA is recruiting 30 new students and high schools to start up a Teen Trendsetters™ program for the 2009-2010 school year. Students and advisors may apply at www.teentrendsetters.org until March 31, 2009. The lead teens and advisors will attend an all-expense paid trip for one student and one advisor from each school to Orlando and Universal Studios this summer for a fun-filled training session!

RALLY FOR READING...GO TEAM TRENDSETTERS!

2009 National Mentor Month Kickoff in Savannah, Georgia 2009’s National Mentor Month kicked off with a bang for Volunteer USA. The expanded Teen Trendsetters™ program has grown by leaps and bounds. Eleven southeastern states now have brand new programs.

Savannah, Georgia represents one of our largest Teen Trendsetter™ contingents, with eight high schools and eight elementary schools participating in a single school district. Together, the partner schools held a kickoff pep rally focused on the theme of one of the books the students will read together, "Teamwork" by Peter Golenbock. Even Nate the Gnat joined the reading fun and festivities as a special guest from the local minor league baseball team, the Savannah Sand Gnats.

FYI:

Grant Opportunities

Volunteer USA Foundation, in partnership with GrantStation, brings you the weekly GrantStation Insider. The GrantStation Insider provides you with the latest information on new funding programs, upcoming grant deadlines, conferences, trainings, industry news and relevant information for grantseekers. To access this week’s issue and to sign up for future issues, please click the following link: http://www.grantstation.com/insider_cobrands/Volunteer_USA_Foundation.asp.

Florida Trend's "Daily Pulse"

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We are grateful for the generosity of our 2009 Celebration of Reading sponsors!

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy