Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

Project Overview

The Website Improvement Project provides students with the opportunity to support The Little Wind Phone Project by helping improve the organization's public website. Volunteers will review assigned pages on the organization's Wix website and provide recommendations that enhance accessibility, usability, content quality, and overall visitor experience.

This project helps ensure that community members can easily access information about Wind Phones, grief support resources, volunteer opportunities, and the organization's mission.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will:

Review designated pages on the organization's Wix website. Evaluate website content for clarity, accuracy, and readability. Identify opportunities to improve UI/UX and accessibility. Assess website navigation and user experience. Review page formatting, images, links, and overall presentation. Document recommendations in a structured report. If assigned, make approved updates directly within Wix under supervision. Deliverables

Volunteers must submit:

Option A: Website Review Report

A written report summarizing findings. At least 10 specific recommendations for improvement. Explanations supporting each recommendation. Screenshots or examples when appropriate.

Option B: Website Page Update

Complete approved revisions to a designated Wix webpage. Ensure all changes meet organizational standards. Submit a summary of changes made. Skills Developed Website evaluation User experience (UX) analysis Accessibility awareness Technical writing Digital communications Problem-solving SSL Credit One completed webpage review report meeting all requirements = 3 SSL Hours If approved, one completed Wix webpage update meeting all requirements = 3 SSL Hours Note: The website has several webpages and there is potential to earn more than 3 SSL hours. 

To receive SSL credit, volunteers must:

Be registered and approved by The Little Wind Phone Project before beginning work. Complete all assigned tasks independently. Submit projects by established deadlines. Meet quality standards and project requirements. Respond to feedback and make revisions if requested. Follow all organizational policies and guidelines.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Project Overview

The Community Resource Research Project helps The Little Wind Phone Project identify new opportunities to expand its impact. Students will conduct research to locate potential Wind Phone installation sites, community partners, grief support organizations, sponsorship opportunities, or grant funding sources.

The information gathered by volunteers directly supports the organization's outreach and growth efforts.

Responsibilities

Volunteer will:

Research assigned topics using reliable online sources. Identify organizations, businesses, parks, schools, faith communities, or agencies that may align with the mission of The Little Wind Phone Project. Gather contact information and background information. Evaluate how each resource may support Wind Phone installations or grief support initiatives. Organize findings using a provided template. Potential Research Topics Parks and public spaces suitable for Wind Phone installations Schools and universities Hospitals and hospice organizations Grief support organizations Community foundations Corporate sponsorship opportunities Grant opportunities Mental health organizations Veteran support organizations Senior living communities Deliverables

Volunteers must submit:

A completed research template. Information on at least 10 relevant opportunities. Contact information when publicly available. A brief explanation of why each resource may be a good fit. Skills Developed Research methods Information analysis Community engagement Data organization Written communication Critical thinking SSL Credit

One completed research project meeting all requirements = 3 SSL Hours

To receive SSL credit, volunteers must:

Be registered and approved by The Little Wind Phone Project before beginning work. Complete all assigned tasks independently. Submit projects by established deadlines. Meet quality standards and project requirements. Respond to feedback and make revisions if requested. Follow all organizational policies and guidelines.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Project Overview

The Graphic Design Project allows students to create visual materials that educate the public about Wind Phones, grief awareness, community healing, and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers will design professional-quality promotional and educational materials using organization-provided branding guidelines.

These materials may be used in community outreach events, social media campaigns, fundraising efforts, and educational programs.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will:

Review project requirements and branding guidelines. Design educational or promotional materials. Ensure designs are visually appealing and easy to understand. Incorporate organization-approved messaging and logos. Revise materials based on feedback when necessary. Examples of Eligible Projects Event flyers Educational brochures Informational handouts Social media graphics Fundraising materials Presentation graphics Deliverables

Volunteers must submit:

A draft of the document before creation, which includes a brief summary describing the intended audience and purpose of the design. The draft needs approval before creation.Final design files in PDF, PNG, JPG, Canva, or other approved format. All source files if requested. Quality Standards

Projects should:

Be original work. Follow organizational branding guidelines. Contain accurate information. Be free of spelling and grammatical errors. Be appropriate for public distribution. Skills Developed Graphic design Visual communication Creativity Digital media production Branding awareness Marketing fundamentals SSL Credit

One completed design project meeting all requirements = 2 SSL Hours (and up to 2 additional hours depending on the amount of revisions needed)

To receive SSL credit, volunteers must:

Be registered and approved by The Little Wind Phone Project before beginning work. Complete all assigned tasks independently. Submit projects by established deadlines. Meet quality standards and project requirements. Respond to feedback and make revisions if requested. Follow all organizational policies and guidelines.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.

Project Overview

The Content Development Project provides students with an opportunity to contribute written materials that educate, inform, and engage the community about grief, remembrance, mental wellness, and the mission of The Little Wind Phone Project.

Volunteers will create written content based on topics assigned or approved by the organization.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will:

Research assigned topics when necessary. Draft original written content. Follow organizational writing guidelines. Incorporate accurate information and reliable sources. Edit and revise content based on feedback. Examples of Eligible Content Blog articles Newsletter articles Educational resource pages Spotlight stories Community partner profiles Awareness campaign content Website content updates Deliverables

Volunteers must submit:

A brief summary describing the purpose and target audience of the content article.  Approval is needed before the content piece can be written.An original article or content piece. Minimum length of 500 words unless otherwise specified. Proper citations for any referenced sources. Quality Standards

Content should:

Be original and plagiarism-free. Be grammatically correct. Reflect the organization's mission and values. Be respectful and appropriate for public audiences. Meet all assigned requirements. Skills Developed Research Writing and editing Storytelling Public communication Content marketing Community engagement SSL Credit

One completed article or content project meeting all requirements = 2 SSL Hours (and up to 2 additional hours depending on the amount of revisions needed)

To receive SSL credit, volunteers must:

Be registered and approved by The Little Wind Phone Project before beginning work. Complete all assigned tasks independently. Submit projects by established deadlines. Meet quality standards and project requirements. Respond to feedback and make revisions if requested. Follow all organizational policies and guidelines.

Please note the following guidelines for student service through live virtual platforms:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.

Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.

Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.

The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.

Virtual sessions will not be recorded.

Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.

Students’ email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.