The University Retirees Volunteer Center maintains a vibrant mix of volunteer projects, both to satisfy our volunteers’ many interests and to contribute to our communities. Some projects are challenging, and others meet our need for civic responsibility. Each of us has special skills. Let's find ways to use them in helping others. Here are a few projects URVC is promoting this month.

Urban Debate League’s Middle School Tournaments: Judging. February 20, March 1, 8, 13, 14, 15, with city championships March 20. The time frame for each is 3 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided. Each event is at a different metropolitan area school; conference championships on March 13, 14, and 15 are at the University of Minnesota. Training for judges and scoring rubrics are online, plus one-half hour before debate.

Project for Pride in Living (PPL):  Develop a meaningful relationship with a young person. Following background check and phone interview, PPL staff will provide required training and support. Three projects:

• Tutor/Mentor for youth (K-8^th grade): one-on-one in the Payne-Phalen area in St. Paul. Twice-weekly commitment until mid-May on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. Structured literacy tutoring supplemented by enrichment activities.
• Tutor/Mentor (as above): in Highland Park in PPL’s Fort Road Flats Apartments, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
• Digital Archive Volunteer:  Office specialist to scan documents to transfer paper filing system to digital archives; assist the Compliance Department at the PPL Service Center, 1035 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis. Minimum commitment of four to eight hours per week for two months during office hours.

Usher at Rarig Center: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Evening performances (6:30 p.m. for ushers) February 22, 23, and 24, and March 1, 2, and 3. Matinee performances (1 p.m. for ushers) February 25 and March 4.

Fresh Produce Distribution (Second Harvest Heartland): Friday afternoons at St. Paul City School (1:30 to 5:30 p.m.) OR Food Sorting and Packing at Second Harvest, Golden Valley or Maplewood warehouses (two- to three-hour shifts to fit your schedule).

Contact [email protected] or 612-625-8016 to register for any of the above or for additional information.

— Alan Kagan, URVC coordinator