Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Cavaliers Care? What is Cavaliers Care?Club leaders often share the sentiment that a strong desire exists among alumni, families, and friends in their area for organized service projects. Cavaliers Care meets this need while continuing the University’s core values of public and volunteer service. The Cavaliers Care program makes an impact in both arenas—in the local clubs and at the University. Cavaliers Care is a worldwide volunteerism initiative based on one of the core principles of a Jeffersonian society—citizenship. This tie that binds together President Casteen has called the Cavaliers Care initiative “one of the best ideas I have ever encountered.” The How does the program work?Between Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 30, participating UVaClubs will execute a volunteer/service project(s) in their local communities. Current students will participate through projects sponsored by Madison House as well. A high level of participation in the program by your alumni, families, and friends may dictate the need for multiple volunteer projects. A program timeline can be found at the end of this document, but the basic structure of the program is as follows: you may begin inputting specific project details online on the Project Detail Registration Form; an item in your regular monthly club e-newsletter or as a separate e-invitation will promote 2008 Cavaliers Care Worldwide from the month you have the details until April; volunteers will begin registering online on March 1. Your club’s specific project(s) can be posted on the website anytime. Can my club hold a volunteer initiative anytime or only around Mr. Jefferson’s birthday?Although the timing of the initiative is the same each year—to coincide with our celebration of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on April 13—many clubs have found that the volunteer and service programs borne out of this initiative carry on throughout the year. Traditionally, Cavaliers Care volunteer initiatives were held around April 1–15 in order to also capitalize on the feeling of worldwide participation and unity. But today, many How many alumni, families, and friends should I expect to participate?We encourage your club to set a goal of participants that serves the project needs of your community. Whether your club serves a greater metropolitan area or a region of its state, successful events result from solid participation, good communication, and rewarding experiences. What is expected of me as a club leader?As a club leader, you are expected to take an active role in supporting the initiative at the local level. This support will entail promoting the program via your club communication vehicles; executing a volunteer project, or projects, in your community during the designated timeframe; and providing follow-up information on the project’s success in your community, including volunteer names and number of hours volunteered for the sake of recognition. The value your work will bring to your club and your community will far outweigh the amount of time and effort you put into it. But please don’t underestimate the amount of time this project will take to ensure success. Even with the resources being offered by the Office of Engagement, this program requires significant attention and effort from you and your club if it is to be successful. If one is not in place already, we strongly recommend you identify an enthusiastic person to chair a Cavaliers Care committee for your club. We are happy to help you to contact Madison House alumni in your area to become involved with the club on this initiative. Their involvement in Madison House while at U.Va. indicates a predisposition for interest in this project. This effort may also assist you in bringing in some fresh faces to the club. How can my Regional Engagement Officer help with my club’s volunteer initiative?If your club’s volunteer initiative is a new one, your REO can offer tips on finding and planning a worthwhile and rewarding group volunteer project. No matter if your club has given its time and energy to an ongoing project or is adding a new one, your REO will help you to promote the program to your club members through tried-and-true communication tools, such as the UVaClubs website, regional postcards, and broadcast e-mail. Your REO will also encourage you to provide follow-up information on the project’s success in your community. Successful events are often featured in the online alumni magazine and your club website. Your faithful reportage of actual participants and hours served also allows your club and our office to better plan and execute future Cavaliers Care campaigns. The amount of time you put into this project is reflected in its success and the friendships you and other club members gain along the way. Because of the significant attention and effort required for success, your REO will help you to identify enthusiastic alumni, families, and friends to chair and serve as committee members for your club’s Cavaliers Care project. Do you have tips for finding relevant and rewarding service projects?We have several suggestions for finding the right fit.
Who are the program leads at the University?The Cavaliers Care initiative is being led by your Regional Engagement Officer and the Cavaliers Care Advisory Board in the Office of Engagement. |
Alumni, families, and friends: 