Pando News – August 2023

Empowering Students Through Mentorship

Join The Pando Initiative as a Pando Volunteer!

Education is more than just textbooks and classrooms; it’s about fostering growth, inspiring dreams, and creating a supportive environment for students to thrive. The Pando Initiative is on a mission to make a lasting impact on young lives, and you can be a part of this journey by becoming a volunteer or mentor.

The Importance of Mentoring. Why Volunteer?

Mentoring plays a pivotal role in the personal and academic development of young individuals. By being a mentor, you provide a safe space for students to voice their concerns, explore their aspirations, and receive guidance from someone who genuinely cares. Your mentorship can boost their self-confidence, help them set goals, and equip them with the tools needed to overcome obstacles.

Volunteering with The Pando Initiative offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young individuals. By dedicating your time, skills, and compassion, you become an essential part of shaping the future. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a recent graduate, or someone passionate about guiding the next generation, we have volunteer roles that suit your strengths.

Volunteer Opportunities

  1. One-to-One Mentoring: Build a meaningful and personal connection with a student. Share your experiences, offer guidance, and be a reliable friend who helps them navigate the challenges of growing up.
  2. Lunch Buddies: Spend quality time with students during lunch breaks. These informal interactions provide a casual setting for mentorship, where you can offer advice, listen actively, and offer a supportive presence.
  3. Group Facilitators: Lead or assist in group activities that focus on specific skills or topics. Whether it’s leadership, communication, or a hobby you’re passionate about, group facilitation allows you to engage with students in a dynamic way.
  4. Guest Speaking: Share your insights and experiences by being a guest speaker to our PandoKids. Your stories can inspire and motivate students to explore their potential.

How to Get Involved

If you’re ready to make a positive impact on students’ lives, we invite you to join The Pando Initiative as a volunteer. To apply, simply visit bit.ly/pandovolunteer and fill out our volunteer application form. Your commitment, no matter how big or small, can contribute to a brighter future for the students we serve.

Cooking For A Cause – Be A Chef!

Share your culinary expertise or even just your favorite family recipe with Cooking guests! You will serve bite-sized samples of your dish at the event, and compete for Top Chef status by collecting tips and decorating your Chef Station. Chefs also enjoy benefits including; free unlimited tastings and drinks, hospitality, branded Chef apron, and invitations to exclusive Chef gatherings before the event.

Sign up to be a Chef at bit.ly/pandochefs23

To learn more about participating as a Chef, contact Daniel Morford at dmorford@pandokids.org

Pando is excited to announce this year’s Kick-Off party, hosted by KansasCOM.

 

Pando Chefs will gather to discuss important event details, kick off fundraising, and have fun! This event is for both confirmed Chefs and those interested in participating in Cooking for a Cause as a Chef.

 

Space for this event is limitied. Please RSVP by September 18.

RSVP to Daniel at  785-713-0581 or dmorford@pandokids.org

Reality U™ Begins Local Season

As local schools gear up to have Reality U™ visit their students, we are looking for volunteers to help facilitate the event. This 75 minute financial literacy simulation for middle and high school students allows them to imagine their life as a 26 year old. Students travel to 12 volunteer staffed booths to experience monthly expenses and financial decisions. Volunteering at Reality U™ is fun, flexible, and takes no special skills!

Check out our upcoming local Reality U™ event dates:  (dates subject to change, advance notice will be given)

 

Marshall Middle – Oct. 24

Meade Middle – Nov. 3

Campus High – Nov. 6-7

Horace Mann Middle – Nov 16

Allison Middle – Nov 17

Brooks Middle – Dec. 14

 

Interested in volunteering for Reality U™?  Join our volunteer list at bit.ly/RUvolunteer, or contact our Reality U™ Manager at jbentley@pandokids.org

Upcoming Events

Posted in News on August 29, 2023.

Help Our Children Succeed

Gifts to Pando support the 1,800 students on our caseload and the 25,000 students we serve annually through our PandoKids™ and RealityU™ programs.