Community News
»Employees and high school students can get involved in the Bigs in Schools program. Bigs in Schools matches children one-on-one with caring, carefully screened adults or high school volunteers to be a friend, role model, and guide.

Source: http://newsroom.usd259.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/1521178/1517498/File/1112Express/20110919Express.pdf?sessionid=1feed603fdd87b2a456f19dbe288fb5a


»Less than a year after the long-running and popular Biddy Basketball program was dropped by the Salvation Army, it has found a new home.  The program, that has helped groom some of Wichita’s finest athletes, will be based at Champion Church, 1156 N. Oliver.  They’re currently recruiting players, coaches, officials and volunteers for a season scheduled to begin November 1.

The league is open to players ages 4 – 14 with a cost per person of $90.  Registration continues through Oct. 15.

 An initial registration session held in August netted more than 120 individuals and 10 teams.  It was dwindling participation and economic losses that led to the Salvation Army cancelling the program it has sponsored locally for nearly 50 years.  The league had dwindled down to about 60 teams, a long way from the 200 plus teams the league boasted during the height of its popularity.

 To help players get off to a good start, the league has scheduled a basketball fundamentals skills clinic, Oct. 12 – 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.  The workshop is for players ages 4 – 8 and the cost is $25 per person.

 In addition to players and coaches, the league is looking for officials, gym supervisors, score keepers and learning center teachers.

 Want to learn more about the league, stop by their open house, Sat., Sept. 17, Noon to 3 p.m., at 1156 N. Oliver.  League representatives can be reached by telephone at 807-7717.

 Source: The Community Voice, September 8, 2011

»A new local non-profit has organized, and partnered with the City of Wichita, to offer free after school programs at McAdams Recreation Center.  The program which begins Mon., Sept. 12, will be open from 3:30 – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.  McAdams Recreation Center is located at 1329 E. 16^th St.

Organized programs will include academics, nutrition, fitness and sports.  In addition, there will be homework assistance, tutoring, fitness challenges, mentoring and programs for those with developmental challenges.  Daily snacks will also be provided.

 All regular activities will be provided free of charge.  Some special programs, offered on an occasional basis, may involve a fee.

 Students must register for the program by calling 648-2237.  Volunteers are also needed.  If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Jose at 648-2237.

 Source: The Community Voice, September 8, 2011

 See also: http://wichita.craigslist.org/vol/2567725820.html

»Currently we are seeking 5K Race Day Volunteers for the weekend of November 6, 2011.

Day of Event Volunteers Needed:

• Food/Drink Stations
• Cheer Zone Stations
• Event Set Up/Clean Up
• Managing Water Stations
• Medical/Aid Station Standby
• Registration/Packet Pick Up
• Course Leader and Assistants
• Course Marshals and Followers
• Awards/Posting Results
• Finish Line Assistants
• ...and much more!

 Source: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp908003.jsp

»For Juniors and Seniors

Wichita Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers to help with their play day on Saturday, September 17^th.  This is a free event that will benefit families in the Wichita community.  Volunteers are needed to help set-up (8a.m.-12p.m.), to work the event by running games (1p.m.-4p.m.) and for clean-up (4p.m.-6p.m.)  Please contact Stacey Hamm by e-mailing her at shamm@wichita.gov to register to volunteer. 

 Source: http://www.bcchs.org/dailybulletin/daily%20bulletin%2008-31-2011.doc

 See also: http://www.wichita.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E41C21D9-35D9-46AB-A0FD-76E81F23066A/0/PlayDayFlier2011.pdf

»Wichita, KS – Wichita Independent Neighborhoods, Inc. (WIN) is proud to announce registration is open for the 10th Annual 2011 WIN Neighborhood University Conference taking place on September 17, 2011 at Century II Convention Hall. The one day conference provides an excellent opportunity for neighborhoods and communities from across the state to share their knowledge, experience and vision on how to make Sedgwick County and Wichita, Kansas communities and neighborhoods-the neighborhoods of choice. This year’s conference theme is “Waves of Change – Oceans of Opportunity: for Good Health, Good Living & Good Relationships”, and will feature plenary session speaker City of Wichita Vice Mayor and Councilwoman LaVonta Williams and keynote speaker Congressman Mike Pompeo, information-packed workshops, networking opportunities, exhibits, and a component for engaging youth in their communities called the Youth Summit.

Source: http://www.win-nuconference.com/pb/wp_f9c267dd/wp_f9c267dd.html

»FREE Nonprofit Training Workshop, September 20-23 2011 (various locations)
The Kansas Volunteer Commission is pleased to host a free workshop, facilitated by Dr. Sue Hyatt, founder of Business Nonprofit CONNECTIONS, Inc.  The workshop will be held in four different locations - topics to be announced soon!

Sept 20:  Dodge City, KS/Dodge City Public Library/1001 N 2nd Avenue
Sept 21:  Hays, KS/Fort Hays University, Memorial Union, Stouffer Lounge, Rm 222/ 600 Park Street
Sept 22:  Wichita, KS/Big Brothers Big Sisters/310 E 2nd Street (meeting room)
Sept 23:  Lawrence, KS/Maceli's Ball Room/1031 new Hampshire

 Source: http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=4549