Youth Volunteerism, Leadership, and Voice!

Keep Manatee Beautiful Cigarette Butt Clean-Up

2009-08-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

The beach cigarette clean-up is a really good idea. I could not believe how many butts I picked up in one hour in such a small area. That cannot be good for our beaches and wildlife. I think putting a cigarette receptacle in will be good if we can get people to use it. Sometimes people are lazy especially at the beach, but if the location is good and a sign installed, I think it will help. Go ManaTEENs!

Written by Chris Bowen

New ManaTEEN Training Opportunity

2009-07-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

A group of ManaTEENs learned how to respond in emergency and disaster situations this past Sunday (July 26th) in order to be better prepared to care for their pets. That's right, for the first time in ManaTEEN history, youth had the opportunity to become certified in dog and cat CPR. The participants were informed about procedures for handling animal poisioning, practiced performing compressions on dogs and cats of various sizes, and tested their new life-saving skills in a disaster simulation. It is always good to know how to deal with certain disaster situations and whether you are a pet owner or not, the skills can come in handy. More trainings will be hosted by the ManaTEEN Club as this one was definitely a success. ManaTEENs not only had the chance to focus on disaster preparedness, but also on animal welfare, which made the experience a rewarding one.

Pets are often a key part of our lives. It is important that you have a plan for your pet in the event of a disaster! Do you know where the closest shelter is that takes pets? Do you have an updated record of your pet's vaccinations? Do you have a disaster pet kit? Learn how you can make sure your pet is safe in times of disaster by participating in ManaTEEN trainings and projects!! Check your ManaTEEN e-mails for more information or visit our website!

Learning to Save Lives

2009-06-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

(Above: ManaTEENs practice proper placement for AED pads.)

The Disaster Preparedness Training on June 20th was full of excitement as volunteers practiced CPR, first aid techniques and learned to use an automated external defibrillator. The group even had the opportunity to participate in a disaster simulation that required them to use their new life-saving skills. With another set of youth certified, Manatee County teens are definitely better prepared for this hurricane season. More trainings are scheduled to take place this summer and each one offers a wide array of skills and knowledge in addition to FUN! To learn more about 2009's Disaster Preparedness Training Schedule visit http://www.manateens.org/ under the Training Services section of Products and Services or check out the News page.

ManaTEEN Disaster Training

2009-06-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

On June 17th yet another group of ManaTEENs became CPR/AED and First-Aid certified. It was an interesting course, full of interactive activities and discussion. ManaTEENs even had the opportunity to get their hands a little dirty as they practiced the proper technique for removing used gloves. The training was made possible thanks to a generous grant from State Farm Youth Advisory Board and helped prepare youth for emergency/disaster situations. The disaster preparedness initiative will continue on this summer and ManaTEENs are encouraged to participate in the various trainings offered including CPR/AED, First-Aid, Emergency Response, Dog/Cat CPR, and more! For more information about ManaTEENs and trainings visit http://www.manateens.org/

Geocaching

2009-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Bored or have nothing to do? Have some fun no matter what the weather is and go geocaching!
Geocaching is a type of treasure hunting that you can do just about anywhere. Check out geocaching.com for more information. HandsOn Manatee has just created a geocache site at the coordinates N 2729695 W 08237776 Come and sign our logbook and if the office is open collect a prize.

Learn more about Target's Bulleye Gives Campaign and vote for HandsOn Network on facebook once everyday until May 25th! You can really help make a difference for those in the future. To vote visit www.facebook.com/target and find out more information by participating in the geocaching opportunity.

By:HandsOn Manatee

Rhythm and Rib Fest

2009-03-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, thousands of hungry rib lovers poured onto the Manatee Fairgrounds for the 3rd annual Rhythm and Rib Fest. Tickets were 10 dollars at the door, or 5 dollars for a pre-sale ticket, that is, if you were lucky enough to get one before they sold out. The 3 day event featured endless entertainment, including an array of unique vendors, thrill shows, musical performances and a 2 day car extravaganza. But the real highlight of the weekend was the announcement for the winner of this years “Greatest Ribs in America”.

Still the most impressive part of the event was the money it raised. All of the proceeds went towards the UnitedCommunity Center, located on 13th Avenue in Bradenton. Volunteer coordinator for the center, Dreena Green, felt satisfied with the turn out, remarking that “It keeps getting better every year”. Green was just one of the many individuals devoted to making the Rhythm and Rib Fest a success. Many volunteers showed up, including a few ManaTEENs, to help at the event. They also came, as they admitted “to have some fun”.As the fest continues its annual tradition next year, Dreena hopes, as I do, that ManaTEENs will take the opportunity to get more involved in this fun and beneficial event

By Sarah Bowermaster

Furry Friends

2009-03-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

Adorable dogs of all sizes circled the ring at Ellenton’s annual Mutt Strut event to raise both money and awareness for animal welfare. ManaTEENS attended the event to offer refreshments and information about our club, along with the Humane Society, Animal Health Services, and Animal Network. Volunteers even helped with the blessing of a future Seeing Eye dog.

Vicki Shannon from Animal Network greatly appreciated the event and the effort of the volunteers. “It’s a really nice thing to do for animals,” she said. Shannon also does nice things for animals, such as rescuing feral cats and providing them with shelter and shots for rabies. Both Shannon and ManaTEENS agree with “saving what needs saving,” which, according to Shannon, includes people in financial turmoil to abandoned animals.

By Erica Earl

HOLLA Pics / ManaTEEN Leaders

2008-09-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Just last weekend weekend I went to the HOLLA council photoshoot and I had a lot of fun :) The entire HOLLA council came and we took group pictures out on the beach. We took pictures walking down the beach, in the water, some funny jumping pics and since there are so many members we were able to spell out the word HOLLA! Not only was this a great way to get new pictures up on our website, it was a great bonding experience too! Emily

Kitty Donation

2008-08-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

This summer the ManaTEEN Club has held 2 Kitty Donation Drives to help support the foster kittens at the Humane Society. These drives have been extremely successful and were very beneficial this kitten season! Thanks to all the ManaTEENs who donated kitten formula, bottles, and other supplies- you have truly made a difference and we really appreciate your contributions!!!

posted by Alycia Bower

Children's Summit

2008-08-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I spent the day at the 14Th Annual Children's Summit. I've been a regular at the Children's Summit for the past several years, volunteering my time for a variety of causes. I can usually be found at the Volunteer Services Booth for ManaTEENs. This year in particular not only did I assist at the booths, but I worked with METV on a special project to interview some of the most important and interesting guests! As always, the Children's Summit is a popular project for ManaTEENs, which isn't hard to see due to the abundance in volunteer needs, the entertainment, good food, and most importantly the cause!

Weeki Wachee Springs

2008-07-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Just recently I attended the ManaTEEN SOS project at Weeki Wachee Springs. What an experience it was! Along with some of my fellow ManaTEENs, I was given the opportunity to explore the fresh water springs of Weeki Wachee as we snorkeled and scuba dived to find debris along the bottom. Being that I am Bubble Blower Certified, I was allowed to snorkel through the crystal clear water collecting trash on my way. Although the water was clear, you had to swim along the bottom and look closely to find things like bottle caps, glass, and plastic. I was shocked when I pulled up a huge chunk of clear glass that was hard to see at the bottom. It could have easily sliced someones foot! After a break to get some rest and pizza, we all jumped back in the water to continue our search for debris. We even got to kick around to pull some of it up to grab easier! Not only did we find debris beneath the surface, but I also came into close encounters with a turtle, and even some fish! This was by far one of my favorite projects!
- Patrick

ManaTEEN Alum

2008-07-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that I became a ManaTEEN member nearly eight years ago, when I was an eigth grader at Lee Middle. Volunteering was something I was used to doing with my family, but it quickly grew into a passion and hobby of mine. One of the first ManaTEEN sponsored opportunities I participated in was Adopt-a-Pet at the local Petsmart. My sister, and a friend of mine helped dogs and cats from the Humane Society get adopted and provided care for the animals too. For those like me who love animals there are always new opportunities to work with them and the Humane Society is always looking for foster families- just check your ManaTEEN e-mails each week! While animal welfare is a popular foci in the ManaTEEN Club, there are also many more opportunities that are interesting!

As a ManaTEEN member, you have the ability to volunteer at projects that deal with health and human services, disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response, the environment, and even technology! In the past I have been able to work with children at school festivals, serve food to Meals on Wheels recipients, and organize donations for those in need such as soldiers, expectant mothers, and senior citizens. Another project that I will never forget took place in Arcadia after Hurricane Charley hit. As a member of the ManaTEENs Advisory Council (MAC), I traveled to Arcadia with the rest of the council to restore a home that was severely damaged by the storm. Seeing the wreckage in the area was upseting, but I am very glad I had the chance to help out those who were affected. Even though the work we did in Arcadia was somewhat difficult and it was hot outside, I will always think back on the day and remember how much fun we had as a group! As for environmental projects, beach-cleanups are always exciting. The large amounts of trash collected from the beach really make you feel good about making these public spaces cleaner for visitors and the animals that live there.

The ManaTEEN Club gives youth the opportunity to make a difference in the community, but it does much more than that. When I first joined the club, I was very nervous. I was quiet and lacked confidence in myself. All of this changed when I started volunteering and when I participated in the trainings the club offers! The first training I attended was a Points of Light Youth Leadership training(PYLI) taught by ManaTEEN Club founder, Laura Lockwood. This training brought me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to people that became my best friends and whom I still talk with today! These people were like a second family to me and together we traveled to Tallahassee to conduct our own training on youth volunteerism, civic engagement and advocacy called Service Learning Impacting Citizenship(SLIC). The memories I have made as a ManaTEEN are incredible! As a ManaTEEN member I finally had friends and the doors that were opened to new opportunities were endless!

There are so many trainings that the ManaTEEN Club has. I have been extremely fortunate because I have been able to take not only the leadership trainings, but also aging sensativity training, Volunteer Reception Center training, journalism training at Poynter Institute, and Toastmasters, a public speaking course(a SPECIAL THANKS to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation). My writing skills, communication skills, leadership skills have all improved! These trainings have been helpful in college as well. The experiences I had as a ManaTEEN have built my character and allowed me to have an idea of what I wanted to pursue a career in.

After graduating from high school I was able to serve as an AmeriCorps* Summer VISTA because of the ManaTEEN Club. I have continued to serve my community and I am so grateful to the ManaTEEN Club!!!! I would not be the person I am today if it were not for my involvement in the Club and the amazing people! Now as a junior at the University of South Florida, I work for Volunteer Services of Manatee County, Inc and get to watch all the new members who join! Life couldn't be any better! I want to thank the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center, Adraine LaRoza, ManaTEEN Club founder and Program Director, Laura Lockwood, and the rest of the staff! I love you guys!

It is great to be a ManaTEEN Alum! I will always cherish my time as a ManaTEEN and the people whose lives I impacted, AND those who impacted mine! I could probably write a novel about my time as a ManaTEEN, but I'll bring this blog to an end- JOIN ManaTEENS!

posted by Ashley Bower

The ManaTEENs H.O.L.L.A. Council

2008-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

My name is Emily, I am a junior at Manatee High School and I am the vice president of the Helping Others Lead Learn and Acheive (HOLLA) Council. What the HOLLA Council is, is a teen led group that are members of the ManaTEEN club chosen to represent all ManaTEENs. Members of the HOLLA Council are from almost every school in Manatee and Sarasota county, public and private. So when I joined the HOLLA Council almost 2 years ago, I have had the opportunity to make so many friends that I would have never had the chance to meet. By being a part of the HOLLA Council I have also done some great volunteer projects! Not only are the projects fun, but so are our monthly bonding activities. For our bonding activities we usually choose a beach clean up/BBQ or bowling, we always have a great time! Before the HOLLA Council I was a very shy person but thanks to the Toastmasters training provided by the John S and James L Knight Foundation that was offered to the HOLLA Council, I have learned to become a great public speaker and have also become more outgoing! The HOLLA Council is not only a great group, it has also become a family, which I am proud to be a part of.

Beach Clean-up

2008-07-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

My name is Tina and I am a 10th grader at Southeast High School!
Yesterday I did the beach cleanup and I had so much fun. Who knew, cleaning up a beach could be so exciting? We had a competition to see who could pick up the most trash. My bag was so full! I found bottles, food wrappers, ciggarette buts, and even a shoe! It has definitely made me more concerned about our beaches. I hope people will start realizing how important it is to save Florida's beaches, and not pollute as much!

West Palm Beach Reflection

2008-07-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

West Palm Beach was SO much fun! My day started out at the pool in Hotel Biba where I was given the opportunity to be Bubble Blower Certified by trainer Rick Smith! I never knew being an enviromental snorkeler had so many components, such as the giant stride you must take when jumping from the boat, but I am proud to say I am now certified! Next, we headed to the dock where along with a few other ManaTEENs, staff members, and John S and James L Knight Foundation representatives (Jose, Julie, and Meredith) we were briefed by Captain CC on boat and underwater safety. He even taught us what to do in case of a lionfish,stingray, or baracuda injury! Then we all loaded the boat (The Narcosis). It was a very beneficial opportunity to meet Jose, Julie, and Meredith who along the way were all extremeley nice! Finally the boat made it to our first dive destination called Horse Shoe. The ManaTEEN group of scuba divers which consisted of Mandy Forsberg, Matt Meador, Paul Steinke, Travis Jorgenson, Captain CC, and Rick Smith, along with divers Jose and Julie made their way into the water and began their underwater clean-up. From atop the water, Ashley Bower and myself dived into our first snorkeling experience. Along with schools of fish, and the scuba divers we saw at the bottom, the most exciting site was the giant sea turtle that seemed to be making its way right toward us! We were astonished by the large amount of trash they collected including an abundance of fishing line .We even got to enjoy tons of different snacks and drinks provided by Suzie Forsberg. Thanks! A few short hours later after another dive at Casino, we all made it back to the dock where we loaded up our equipment and headed home, all with our own exciting personal stories!
posted by Alycia Bower

Summer of Service

2008-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to each and every person who made the West Palm Beach trip a great one! Thank you: Randy, Paul, Matt, Travis for diving with the folks from Miami and showing them the power of youth and you did a wonderful job representing the ManaTEENS. Thank you Mandy and Suzie for trying - you did a great job TOO! Thank you Ashley and Sister for snorkeling around the surface and watching our backs for the sharks. THANKS to Capt. CC - even if you scared Ms. Adraine to death with the stories - especially about how to get the eel off of our arm when attacked!! Thanks to Ms. Laura for starting such an awesome program "The ManaTEENS" and thank you to Ms. Adraine for allowing this cool stuff to happen in the 1st place!! I know she slept well after the SAFE and Completed dives!!! Everyone did an awesome job and I will let you know when I get the raw DVD footage from the dive!!