Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council of Bartholomew County, Columbus, Indiana

The Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council of Bartholomew County has many opportunities for those who wish to offer services in place or in addition to financial support.

"Kids on the Block" Teen Volunteer Program

High school students are required to help with the "Kids on the Block" program performances. Kids who participate in the Teen Volunteer Program are provided:

• An opportunity for positive role modelling
• An outlet for positive expression
• A chance to work as part of a team
• A place to enhance skills, build self-confidence & self esteem
• An enjoyable way to earn community service credit for graduation by bringing live puppet performances to children in your community
• A prestigious service entry for college admission applications
• An introduction to careers in theatre arts
• A way to make a real difference by becoming a part of a worldwide network of volunteers.

The CAP Council worked with a team of 16 teen volunteers in year 2003-2004 and 19 teen volunteers in year 2004-2005. See a listing of the "All Star" Volunteer Team.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help with a number of activities, both year-round and especially as we prepare for April, Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Volunteers are encouraged to help with as much or as little time as they can afford. A weekly commitment of time would be wonderful. Help with a one-time event is also needed. Please contact us, if you can share a little of your time and talents to prevent child abuse and neglect. Thank you.

• Distributing Lifesavers on Lifesavers Day. 2005 Lifesavers Day in Bartholomew County will be Saturday, April 23 - volunteers are needed to work in pairs for 2 hour shifts from 10:00am to 4:00pm at various sites around Columbus to distribute free, mini-packages of lifesavers and collect donations for CAP Council.
• Assembling Kids on the Block Parent packets. We send home packets of literature with each child who views our Kids on the Block performances. Help is needed to make copies of some of that literature and to assemble the packages of literature.
• Assembling Kids on the Block Training Manuals. Help is needed to make copies, collate, hole punch and assemble these manuals.
• Delivering Prevention materials. CAP Council provides brochures and literature on child safety and parenting to numerous agencies and home visit programs in Bartholomew County. Volunteers are needed to check on literature sites, both by phone and in person, and to distribute literature as needed.
• Making Blue Ribbons and/or Distributing Blue Ribbons. Blue ribbons signify concern about child abuse and support for child abuse prevention efforts. In 2005, CAP Council would like to make the week of April 10 - April 16, "Blue Ribbon Week" in Bartholomew County. Help us to make the ribbons, distribute the ribbons and get the word out about Blue Ribbon Week.
• Help with Displays or Special Events. CAP Council will be creating special displays to be placed around the County during April, Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. If you are artistic, creative or if you work with a group of children who can create art work, we would love to talk to you about ways you can help promote child abuse prevention.
• Fairs and Festivals. CAP Council participates in a number of fairs and festivals to promote child safety, positive parenting and child abuse prevention and awareness. Volunteers may help by setting up a display, distributing literature, face-painting for children, and talking to people about the issues and ways to help.
• Mailings and Errands. Occasionally CAP Council may need assistance with making copies, stuffing envelopes, etc. We also occasionally may need assistance in purchasing or picking up supplies for a project.
• Transportation. Occasionally our Kids on the Block teen volunteers need assistance with transportation to and from rehearsals and performances. Due to risks involved, background checks and proof of insurance are required to transport our teen volunteers.
• Mural design and painting. We would eventually like to have a child-friendly mural painted on our hallway walls

Fundraising Committee

This committee develops and implements all fundraising activities for CAP Council. The committee develops a yearly work plan after the approval of the annual budget by the Board of Directors and helps with an annual sustaining membership letter. The current or former Board Treasurer is usually Chairperson for this committee.

Program Committee

This committee oversees and assists with the provision of all CAP program activities including School-Based Programs such as Kids on the Block, Act-Out Ensemble & Project Equality; Fairs and Festivals such as the Festival of the Young Child, Baby Fair & 4H Fair, all aspects of CAP Council newsletters, the development and distribution of parenting, child safety and prevention literature, and all April Awareness activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month. The committee will also assist with monitoring and assessing the needs of the community, recommendation of potential new programs and evaluation of current program outcomes.

Board of Directors

CAP Council also needs involved community members to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members serve minimum, three-year terms. CAP Council Board of Directors meets six times per year and Board members are expected to serve on a Committee of the Board which will meet three - six times per year. Anyone interested in volunteering for CAP Council, serving on the Board of Directors or one of its committees, should contact the office at (812) 314-2949 or email annblsmith@aol.com for an application and more information.