Community Connections

One of the most important goals of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women is to help our attendees connect with community involvement opportunities. We are pleased to feature the following organizations and initiatives with which Conference participants (speakers, supporting organizations, and exhibitors) are involved, and we hope that you will take the time to learn more about their important work—and make a difference!

FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

Bucks County Women’s Fund, Inc.
The Bucks County Women’s Fund (BCWF) is a nonprofit public foundation, managed by women, and dedicated to raising money to fund and support programs and policies that impact, empower and improve the lives of women and girls. The Fund also educates the community about the needs of women and girls, and is part of a global network of women’s funds with a common vision. We invest in women’s lives and girls’ futures to achieve a society that values, respects and supports all women.

Volunteer opportunities: We are looking for women who are passionate about improving the lives of women and girls in Bucks County to get involved in making our vision a reality. There are opportunities for board membership and service on committees. We are also interested in individuals hosting an “Endowa” – a house party for their friends and colleagues where we can introduce the Women’s Fund to new people, building awareness and support. Finally, we need concerned women from Bucks County to participate in one of three public forums in February/March to identify priority needs for women and girls. Check our website for dates.

Donation opportunities: The BCWF is a vehicle for social change, enabling women to pool their resources to target the most pressing community-identified issues with interventions that address their root causes for lasting impact. It is also an engagement vehicle to get women at every income level involved through contributions, education, and mentoring. The BCWF has the potential to be a practical and innovative solution to community problems. Your support will help us realize the potential of the Fund to reach women and girls across the County. Please help us help them by making a gift online today at www.bcwf/donor.html.

Chester County Fund for Women and Girls
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls is a grantmaking and education foundation established in 1996 to address the critical needs of women and girls in Chester County. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded $642,000 in grants to 35+ nonprofit organizations in Chester County. The Fund is one of only 130 women’s funds around the world.

Donation opportunities: Donations to the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls can be made via our website at www.ccwomenandgirls.org, via telephone at (484) 356-0940 or via regular mail: Goshen Executive Center, 1450 East Boot Road, Suite 400B, West Chester, PA 19380. We accept gifts of cash, or gifts made by check, credit card, stock or other financial instruments. Please make all checks payable to the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls. Please contact Lisa A. Baehre Connor, Director of Development and Programs, regarding any inquiries pertaining to stock or credit card gifts to the Fund.

Feel Your Boobies Foundation
The mission of the Feel Your Boobies Foundation is to utilize innovative marketing methods to raise awareness, primarily among women between the ages of 20-40, about the importance of being breast aware and proactive in knowing their own body. Our awareness efforts utilize methods such as funky apparel and innovative media outlets to carry our message.

Volunteer opportunities: Boobies Bash is our fall fundraiser, and that is when we seek most of our volunteers. We are also looking for volunteers to help coordinate a local run or walk to help us raise money for the foundation.

Donation opportunities: Boobies Bash 2008 corporate sponsorships are available. We welcome all levels of financial contributions from individuals or companies looking to support our mission. We offer “boobies in a box” kits to help those interested in fundraising. We are also looking for media/ad space to be donated for our 2008 awareness campaign.

First Book
First Book is an award-winning nonprofit organization with a simple mission:  to provide children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.  Since 1992 First Book has distributed more than 50 million new books to programs serving children in need in thousands of communities nationwide.

Volunteer opportunities:
1) Join a Local Advisory Board: First Book Advisory Boards are committees of volunteers, representing a community or campus, that come together to raise awareness and funds in order to provide new books to local literacy programs serving children from low-income families. Together, Advisory Boards make up a grassroots network of literacy advocates in more than 270 communities nationwide.  To learn more, please contact: staff@firstbook.org.

2) Volunteer at a Book Distribution: Help us ship and distribute books from warehouse locations across the country.  First Book relies on the support of volunteers like you to help bring books to children in need in cities nationwide.  To learn more about upcoming book distributions near you, please contact fbnbbvolunteers@firstbook.org.

Donation opportunities:
Right now through December 31st, you can provide even more new books to kids in need. Every dollar you donate to First Book will be matched by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing with one new book -- up to 1,000,000 new books.  Act today to give the gift of reading to children who need brighter holidays -- and lots more books in their lives.

Girl Scouts of Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Inc.
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  Through Girl Scouting, girls become leaders by: Discovering – Understanding themselves and their values, and using their knowledge and skills to explore the world; Connecting – Caring about, inspiring and learning with others locally and globally; and Taking Action – Acting to make the world a better place.  The council serves nearly 2600 girls and 800 adult volunteers in Beaver and Lawrence counties.

Volunteer opportunities: Adult support and guidance has, and always will be, at the heart of Girl Scouting.  Troop/group leaders are always in high demand, but there is also a need for volunteers who would like to be program consultants, cookie chairs for the troop, mentors for girls ages 11-17, trainers, board members, and much more.  Volunteers can serve full time, or in short term roles.

Donation opportunities: There are a variety of ways one can donate to the Girl Scouts.  We have an annual campaign, as well as specialized campaigns throughout the year such as Family Partnership where families are encouraged to donate back to the council.  You can also honor or pay tribute to a loved one through the tribute fund.  Or, leave a legacy for years to come by naming the Girl Scouts in your estate.  The Girl Scouts also accept clothing and other items for their resale boutique, Juliette’s Closet.  Learn more about all of these opportunities on our website at www.girlscouts-wpa.org /bcgsc/d_bcgsc_fgs.htm.

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
IAAP provides education, networking, and leadership opportunities for administrative professionals to assist them in becoming valued employees and individuals who can assist their employers in meeting their bottom line.

Donation opportunities: In March 2008, the Harrisburg Chapter of IAAP will be hosting a one-day education seminar and on April 23, 2008 will be hosting an Administrative Professionals Day dinner. Donation of location and/or door prizes for either event would be welcome, since we are a non-profit organization.

National Alliance of Women Veterans
The National Alliance of Women Veterans is a Philadelphia-based organization that acts as an advocacy and referral organization for military women.  This organization began in an effort to address the needs of women who have been sexually assaulted in the military. We have been extremely successful in promoting the culture of the military as it relates to transitioning women who are abused back into civilian life after serving in the armed forces.  Our “Women Veteran’s Day Tribute” of 2006 was instrumental in allowing individuals who were sexually assaulted to share their stories and for providing support and encouragement to other women who have been withdrawn and in some cases left feeling alienated by the bureaucracy and the tedious process that exist as a result of these experiences through various forums and venues.

Donation opportunities:  We seek sponsorship for upcoming events, including a January bowling party, a February information/resource forum on minority business women’s contracts and the SBA, and our annual Veteran's Day Tribute and related activities.

PA Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy
The Center, at Chatham University, is a non-partisan center devoted to fostering women's public leadership through education, empowerment, and action. The Center conducts candidate and advocacy trainings, offers educational programs in applied politics, and provides timely analysis on women's issues through its Hillman Chair in Politics and Regional Women's Initiative.

Volunteer opportunities: Join us for The Winning Edge Campaign School January 25-27, 2007 to learn the basics of how to run for office or how to help run a campaign.  This intensive 3-day seminar uses a campaign simulation to show the techniques of fundraising, message development, and communication strategies that help give you the winning edge in any race. Scholarships available. Download an application from our website.

Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund
The PWCF is a bipartisan, state chartered political action committee whose sole purpose is to support the election of progressive women to the state legislature. We need more qualified women to run for public office, including the state legislature.  Toward that end, we will be sponsoring a campaign school in partnership with Chatham College and the Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy in Pittsburgh January 25-27, 2008.  For more information on how to get involved in making a difference in Pennsylvania's future, visit www.pwcf.com.

Donation opportunities: Women need to support other women who are trying to become leaders in our government. Financial contributions are needed to help support candidates as well as to sponsor campaign schools. Contributions can be sent to PWCF, PO Box 621, Lewisburg, PA 17837. If you are interested in volunteering to help raise funds, serve on a committee or serve on our board, please send an e-mail to info@pawcf.com.

Philadelphia Development Partnership
Philadelphia Development Partnership (PDP) is a non-profit micro business development organization dedicated to helping at-risk individuals develop economic self-sufficiency through business ownership. Established in 1989, PDP supports low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs in the greater Philadelphia region through the provision of microfinancing and business skill development. PDP provides more than 400 entrepreneurs annually access to:

• Business education and skills training
• Topic workshops and seminars
• One-on-one business counseling
• Small business loans
• Peer lending training and capital
• Networking events

Volunteer opportunities:
PDP often has volunteer opportunities and internships available, from outreach and fundraising assistance to other special project support. Please call in order to inquire, and you will be invited to explain why you are interested in micro business development and to provide more details about your availability for the desired short or long-term project.

Donation opportunities:
Thank you for taking action to support our community, our local economy, and the livelihoods of hardworking entrepreneurs! All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Ways you can contribute:

• Mail an individual donation
• Provide in-kind services
• Donate appreciated securities
• Give via the United Way Campaign: PDP is affiliated with the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, a United Way designated institution. You can make a contribution to PDP by selecting Donor Option #1323, indicating on the form that this gift is in support of PDP.

Society of Women Engineers, Philadelphia
SWE is an organization of professional engineers in the Philadelphia area, as well as graduate students, women in academia, and women in government. We are focused on professional development opportunities for all of our members, including collaboration with other professional or service organizations. We also focus on outreach to school-age girls, collegiate students, educators, and parents of future engineers in order to demonstrate the value of an engineering education and profession as a positive career choice for women.

Volunteer opportunities: Our outreach activities include supporting the Girl Scouts, area science fairs, and engineering competitions for middle school and high school students.  Please see www.philaswe.org

Donation opportunities: SWE is a 501(c)3 organization and encourages personal and company donations to support our outreach and professional programs.  We annually request funds for our collegiate scholarship program and Engineering Girls Camp at Widener University. Other donations can be tailored to specific events such as professional speakers or support of our Regional Conference and/or career fair.

Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition (SWPAPC)
SWPAPC conducts needs assessment and plans HIV/AIDS care and prevention services for 11 counties in southwest Pennsylvania; provides technical assistance and training to regional providers and Coalition members.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are needed to serve on various Coalition planning committees in order to bring the respective constituents' voices/inputs to the regional planning processes and to assist in planning and implementing special events related to national and international HIV/AIDS celebrations such as World AIDS Day, National HIV Testing Day, etc.  Individuals living with HIV/AIDS are especially encouraged to volunteer.

Donation opportunities: Please send donations to SWPAPC to further the work of the Coalition in outreach and in engaging a broader based participation in its HIV/AIDS planning processes.

Touch A Life Foundation
Touch A Life Foundation helps desperate children in faraway places, such as financing shelters for children who are abused, handicapped, living on the street, or orphaned by AIDS in Cambodia, Ghana, and Vietnam.

Donation opportunities:
You may send donations to:
Touch A Life
400 Fox Ridge Drive
Joplin, MO 64801

The Women's Business Forum of Bucks County
The Women's Business Forum is a non-profit organization providing support, mentoring and inspiration to women entrepreneurs. We differ from many traditional networking organizations in five ways:

• Free, twice-monthly meetings   
• Focused on you - not on referral quotas   
• No industry exclusivity   
• Cutting edge speakers   
• Get jazzed up not bogged down
   

Donation opportunities: It is the goal of the WBF to always keep meetings FREE and open to everyone. Anyone can attend, and anyone in business is encouraged to check our Web site and calendar and join us. However, we do incur some operational expenses to host our meetings, and we welcome your support at the highest level you can contribute. We offer three levels of membership, each with associated benefits:

• Free Member
• Supporting Member ($75 per year donation)
• Margaret Mead Lifetime Sponsor (One time $500 donation) 

If you have experienced our meetings and have seen firsthand the passion and nurturing spirit of those who attend we ask that you take this opportunity to "give back" by joining as a Supporting Member.  

Volunteer opportunities: We also welcome members at all levels to participate on our committees:

• Communications
• Development and Finance
• Expo
• Long-range and strategic planning
• Meeting coordinator
• Membership
• Programs
• Social
• Women's conferences

YWCA of Greater Harrisburg
Since 1894 the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg has been on the cutting edge of programs and services that enrich and enhance the lives of women and children.  The YWCA helps thousands of women in the area access jobs and locate housing.  It also provides them with shelter for their families when fleeing abusive homes.  We are dedicated to strengthening the community and improving opportunities for women to have an active role in the community.

• Violence Intervention and Prevention - Safe Shelter, Crisis and Counseling.
• Violence Prevention Education, Legal Services, Family Visitation
• Child Development Programs - Childcare programs on the East and West Shores
• Residential Programs - Emergency Shelter, Single Room Occupancy, Transitional/Bridge Housing, Permanent Housing

Volunteer opportunities:
Children and Youth: read stories, play games with the children, clean children's toys and play area, help the teachers update classroom bulletin boards

Fundraising and Special Events: solicit in-kind and monetary donations, staff the registration desk at events, represent the YWCA at local health fairs, stuff and label for bulk mailings

Housing and Homelessness: instructing life skills classes, maintaining clothing bank, providing childcare for life skills classes, adopting a shelter suite for cleaning and decor (great for a group activity), resident volunteer coordinator

Community Education: office assistants, librarians, personal computer class assistants and instructors, stuffing and labeling newsletters and other mailers, technology center lab proctors

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh empowers women to lead a productive and successful life.  Throughout all of its programs, the YWCA seeks to eliminate racial discrimination so as to provide an equal opportunity for every woman to realize her dreams.  Programs include housing and support services; child care services; business and financial development; teen and after school programs; legal services; and women’s counseling.

Volunteer opportunities:  Volunteers are an essential part of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh and are necessary in helping us in our work.  For more information on current volunteer opportunities, please contact the YWCA’s Development Office at 412-255-1258.

Donation opportunities:  There are several ways to make a donation to the YWCA:  The Annual Fund, the Liz Prine Fund, and In-Kind Gifts.  The YWCA accepts Annual Fund donations all year long.  Annual Fund gifts may consist of a general donation, honorariums, memorials or matching gifts, which are matched by an employer.  The Liz Prine Fund provides a one-time grant for YWCA participants who are in a crisis situation.  In-Kind Gifts can include donated goods and services to support the mission of the YWCA.