Get Involved
Donate | Volunteer | Become an Advocate | Regional Advisory Council | Meetings
Donate
Wayne Metro accepts both monetary and in-kind support from individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the community. To make a donation, click here.
Volunteer
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency relies on volunteers to help promote and support programs and services in the community. Our newly formed Wayne Metro Community Corps puts community in action, working across Wayne County in a variety of capacities to combat the causes and conditions of poverty.
The agency has a number of one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities available open to volunteers of all ages and ability levels. For an up-to-date list of volunteer opportunities, click here.
If you have any questions about Wayne Metro Community Corps or would like to sponsor a volunteer event, please contact Mallarie Gainer at mgainer@waynemetro.org or 313-324-7920.
AmeriCorps/Service Programs
Wayne Metro is proud to have been awarded a grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) to host AmeriCorps VISTA members and act as administrators of the Strengthening Wayne County Communities VISTA Intermediary Project.
AmeriCorps FAQ
What is an Americorps Vista?
AmeriCorps VISTA is one of CNCS’s many service programs. AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission of raising individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that are dedicated to addressing the causes and effects of illiteracy, improving health services, fostering economic development, and otherwise assisting low-income people and their communities. To learn more you can visit the official Americorps Vista website.
What is the strengthening Wayne County Communities Vista Project?
CNCS does not provide VISTA members to organizations free of charge. Organizations seeking the services of a VISTA member must submit an application to be a member host site. Often, being a host site requires a cost-share agreement of at least $7,500 per VISTA member. Each year Wayne Metro applies for a grant that allows us to reduce the cost-share amount for our project host sites and cover a portion of administrative costs. A request for proposals is issued annually for current partner host sites to renew their applications to continue hosting a VISTA member and new host sites to join the AmeriCorps VISTA project.
Who are the partner host sites?
Wayne Metro is currently partnering with the following organizations to carry out the VISTA Project:
- Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
- Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry
- Operation Refuge
- Redford Interfaith Relief
- Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services
What have Vista members done?
Wayne Metro’s VISTA members and those that have served at partner host site organizations and agencies have been instrumental in advancing the programs and services we collectively provide to the people and communities of Wayne County.
Some of the valuable work that VISTA members have performed at Wayne Metro over the past year includes:
- Creating a Mortgage Product Matrix adapting Wayne Metro Homeownership programs to better serve clients
- Launched a new fundraising campaign bringing in additional funds to assist clients
- Recruited and increased client attendance at the Wayne Metros Homebuyer Club monthly education class by over 50%
Highlights of VISTA member achievements at our partner host site organizations include:
Detroit Food Academy
- Developed the Elementary Cooking Class led by our High School Cohorts where 90 meals were served and 24 bundles of healthy food choice groceries were distributed
- Fostered a new collaborative relationship that connected the DFA with YMCA, Osborn High School, Detroit Cristo Rey High School, Central High School and Henry Ford High School
Green Living Science
- Assisted in the advancement of the agency’s internship programs
- Developed and launched a new agency volunteer and contract educator database
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation
- Participated in the 2015 Motor City Makeover event, resulting in the planting of 15 trees in partnership with the Grandmont Neighborhood Improvement Association
- Created outreach materials and graphics for a fundraising campaign to secure funds to create seven outdoor community mosaics on the top of baseball dugouts at a local park
- Produced several renderings and plans for a visioning workshop to get resident input for a green infrastructure project on vacant lots
The Senior Alliance
- Contributed to the development of policies and procedures for the agency’s Safety-At-Home program
- Took lead role in securing a grant funding for the completion of safety repairs and modifications to the home of a local elderly couple
Fish and Loaves
- Recruited volunteers and secured financial sponsorship for agency’s annual Santa’s Magic Forest event
- Took on liaison duties organizing local school field trips to the event
- Assisted in the production and distribution of 8,000 event flyers
Operation ABLE
- Collaborated with local employers and civic groups to raise awareness of the agency’s 0% Home Repair Loan Program
- Collaborated with agency job coaches to formulate new strategies to better serve clients in their job searches
How Can I Join?
If you are an organization interested in hosting a VISTA member, please visit our RFP page to apply. Requests for Proposals are published every Fall. We will also hold two open sessions to submit interest and learn more about the project.
If you are interested in serving as a VISTA member, please learn more at the CNCS page. Our Project openings are listed below. They are always changing so make sure to check back regularly.
Current Vista Openings:
Neighborhood Legal Services, Detroit is seeking a full-time VISTA to help with outreach, program development, conducting a community needs assessment and fundraising. Apply today! Neighborhood Legal Services VISTA
Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry and Operation Refuge are seeking a full-time VISTA to share between their two sites. The individual will help with volunteer engagement, fundraising and marketing. Apply Today! Food Pantry VISTA
Become an Advocate
SUPPORT HR 1655
Contact your representatives and ask them to support HR 1655! This bill amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to revise the Act and reauthorize it through FY2023.
What you can do:
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ACTION NEEDED: EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit continues to be under threat as it is part of the House road funding plan and both the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader have indicated their desire to eliminate this credit that helps low-income working families. To oppose these efforts, the Save Our EITC campaign has been launched, and hopes to get 10,000 emails to our state legislators asking them to save Michigan’s EITC.
What you can do:
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PROTECT FUNDING FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
On Wednesday, the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee approved a FY16 funding bill that proposes drastic cuts to national service, jeopardizing services for students, veterans, military families, and communities recovering from natural disasters.
While limited information about the bill is public at this time, we do know the House Subcommittee’s proposal specifies a dramatic reduction in support for national service programs, as well as the National Service Trust Fund, and would cut the Corporation for National and Community Service’s (CNCS) overall budget by 34%.
What you can do:
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Regional Advisory Council
Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Volunteer Description
Volunteer Title: RAC Representative
Scope:
- Responsible for acting as an ambassador of Wayne Metro by advocating for the community and advising the agency on the needs of the community while promoting the agency’s services and mission to empower low-income people and strengthen communities.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a liaison between the community and the Agency.
- Follow the Operating Procedures and Bylaws of Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
- Provide recommendations and advice concerning the needs of the respective communities.
- Advocate for services to meet emerging community needs.
- Participate in and promote The Walk for Warmth, Community Baby Shower and other agency events.
- Approve funds awarded to non-profit agencies through the Community Funding Initiative.
- Develop and organize one major community project per year.
- Attend regular meetings at least six times per year.
- Elect and/or serve as a representative and alternate to the Board.
Opportunities:
- Community organizing.
- Networking with community leaders.
- Resource knowledge development.
- Planning and organizational learning opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Be a resident of the area or provide assistance to low-income populations on a volunteer basis in a region served by the RAC.
- Be able to attend regular meetings as required.
- Be willing to work as part of a team to discuss the community.
- Be motivated to provide information to the community.
- Be enthusiastic about the idea that one voice can bring about positive change.
Volunteer Hours: Approximately 1 to 2 hours per month.
Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Membership Application
To apply for membership to the DDAC or one of the RACs please click here.
RAC Service Areas
2016/17 RAC Calendar
Regional Advisory Council Operating Procedures
The Regional Advisory Councils serve as consumer advisory boards to Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, herein referred to as “the Agency” and are held to the bylaws of the Agency.
At a minimum and as outlined in the agency bylaws, the Board will convene five Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). Each such council shall be composed of persons representing individuals or organizations residing in the geographic area included in a region.
PURPOSE
- Advocate for services to meet the needs of communities and residents within the region.
- Advise the agency on emerging needs in the communities of the region.
- Promote the services and mission of the agency.
- Plan, develop, and implement an annual project in concert with agency staff.
- Actively participate in the planning and implementation of the agency’s Annual Walk for Warmth and Community Baby Shower.
- Award funds to eligible organizations through the Community Funding Initiative.
- Elect a representative to serve as a member of the Agency Board of Directors.
MEMBERSHIP
- The RAC shall maintain a minimum membership of 10 persons.
- Membership in a RAC shall consist of the following: Residential, Organizational, and Consumer members.Residential Membership:
- Residential members are any person who resides or works within the region.
- Organizational Membership: Organizational members are representatives of any agency, business, school, church, organization, unit of government, or community club that serves the residents within the region.
- Consumer Membership: Consumer members are persons who reside or work within the region and are eligible for agency services under federal and state guidelines.
- At least 50% of each RAC membership shall be consumer members.
- RACs shall maintain a policy of non-discrimination in membership and activity.
- RAC members serve as volunteers and shall not receive compensation.
- RACs shall assure representation of each political subdivision and membership category within the region.
- Members shall:
- Sign and submit a RAC Membership Application.
- Attend at least 2 meetings in a fiscal year (membership is conferred at the second meeting).
- Regularly attend meetings – any member missing three meetings in a fiscal year after being identified as a member shall have their membership revoked.
- Sign in sheets must be completed by each attendee at each meeting to verify attendance.
- Attendance lists will be maintained by agency staff.
- Membership lists will be maintained and updated after each meeting by agency staff and available at each RAC meeting to verify membership in the case a vote of members is necessary.
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
- Frequency
- The membership of this organization shall meet with a quorum at least six times per year. Meetings will be held in the months of October, January, February, April, June and August.
- Location
- Meeting locations shall be set by the RAC Coordinator and may rotate. The designation of a location(s) shall take into account accessibility for all communities in the region.
- Notice of Meetings
- An annual printed calendar, stating the place, day and hour of scheduled meetings shall be provided in September of each year and shall be available on the agency’s website.
- Quorum
- At least five members in attendance shall constitute a quorum.
- Facilitation
- The RAC Coordinator shall be an agency staff person who shall convene and facilitate each meeting.
- The RAC Coordinator shall not be eligible to vote on any RAC business. Facilitator duties include, but are not limited to, calling the meeting to order, adhering to the agenda, managing available time, and adjourning the meeting.
- Administrative Support
- Administrative functions, such as minute-taking, food provision, and agenda distribution, shall be performed by an agency administrative staff person. Administrative support staff shall not be eligible to vote on any RAC business.
- Agenda
- Meeting agendas shall be set by the RAC Coordinator in consultation with the RAC Representative to the Board of Directors.
- Communication with the Board of Directors
- The RAC shall provide the Board with copies of minutes of all meetings and regular reports of activities at board meetings.
- Voting
- All members in good standing shall be eligible to vote on issues presented to the RAC for approval. Members are designated as in good standing if they have:
- submitted paperwork as described above (see membership) and
- were a member in good standing at the beginning of the fiscal year and have not missed 3 or more meetings in the current fiscal year; or
- have attended at least 2 meetings in the current fiscal year.
- All members in good standing shall be eligible to vote on issues presented to the RAC for approval. Members are designated as in good standing if they have:
MEMBERSHIP ROLES
- Positions
- Membership positions of the RAC shall be:
- Board Representative
- Alternate Board Representative
- Walk for Warmth Committee Representative
- Website Committee Representative
- Special Projects Coordinator.
- The Board Representative and Alternate Board Representative may also serve as Committee Representatives. Members shall serve in all positions without compensation
- Membership positions of the RAC shall be:
- Election and Terms of Office
- All positions shall be filled annually by election by eligible members at the June meeting.
- Members elected to any position will serve a one year term beginning October 1st.
- If a quorum is not present at the June meeting, the election for all positions will take place via mail and/or email under the direction of the RAC Coordinator.
- Vacancies
- A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by any member for the unexpired portion of the term by special election.
- A person filling a vacant position by special election will not have that term counted towards their lifetime limit for that position (see terms of office above).
- Duties of the Board Representative
- The Board Representative shall:
- Attend meetings of the Agency’s Board of Directors.
- Report RAC activities to the Board and report back to the RAC the Board summary provided to them by the Agency’s Administrative Coordinator.
- Arrange for the Alternate Board Representative to attend any meeting of the Board of Directors the Board Representative is unable to attend.
- Confer with the RAC Coordinator on the agenda for each RAC meeting.
- Live in the region for which they are representing.
- The Alternate Board Representative shall:
- Attend Board meetings in the event the Board Representative cannot attend.
- The Walk for Warmth Committee Representative and the Community Baby Shower
- Committee Representative shall:
- Be active members of said committees, perform all duties prescribed to them by the agency committee coordinator,
- Report back to the RAC on committee activities, and
- Engage RAC members in the duties of carrying out the event.
- The Special Projects Coordinator shall:
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of the annual RAC community project which is separate from the Community Baby Shower and Walk for Warmth.
- The Board Representative shall:
- Attendance
- Any officer or committee representative missing 2 consecutive meetings or 3 meetings in a fiscal year shall be removed from the officer position.
- If a position member loses his/her RAC membership, he/she loses his/her position.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
- Nominations
- Annual nominations for all RAC positions shall be made at the April meeting.
- Each nomination must be affirmed to be finalized.
- Elections
- Elections shall take place at the June meeting by a simple majority vote of those present and eligible to vote. Should a quorum not be present at the June meeting, voting will take place via mail and/or email under the direction of the RAC Coordinator.
- Members that are elected for Board Representative must reside in the area they are to represent.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Membership in the RAC shall not give any member an advantage over non-members in receipt of services provided by the agency.
- Members must declare any potential conflict of interest on all issues considered by the RAC and must abstain from voting in any circumstance where a conflict of interest can be construed to imply that the member is benefiting either directly or through other relationships from actions taken by the RAC.
AMENDMENTS
- Changes in these Operating Procedures may be made by the agency as the agency deems necessary per ongoing assessment.
MEETING ETIQUETTE
- Meetings shall be agency and community focused.
- Meeting attendees shall be punctual and respectful of each other.
- Cell phone ringers shall be turned to silent or vibrate during meetings.
- Speaking during meetings shall be limited to one voice at a time.
Seeding Wayne County
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is pleased to operate the Seeding Wayne County Mini-Grant program. This program supports Wayne County based organizations that share the common goal of addressing the causes and conditions of poverty in their community.
The awarded funding is used by grassroots community organizations to support programs and services in the areas of Youth and Adult Education, Nutrition, Health, Employment, and Neighborhood Improvements.
Winning organizations are selected in part with direct input from members of Wayne Metro’s six Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). RAC members have direct contact with community and neighborhood leaders, and possess knowledge of the needs and service gaps residents confront every day. RAC members are advocates for their communities and have sound insight into the unique conditions and needs of low-income residents and the homeless. Grant entries are judged individually on the applying organization’s project goals, design, and budget.
Applications for the Seeding Wayne County Grant program are currently closed. Check back here for grant information.
Meetings
For a list of upcoming RAC Meetings, click here. These meetings are open to the public.