Community Volunteer Team (CVT)
What started it all...
The Chinle Community Volunteer Team (CVT) was one of the first programs of Chinle Planting Hope. We wanted to build relationships and community by giving back to the community together. Volunteers filled out an application, went through training and could then work at a variety of local organizations such as the Nursing Home, Chinle Senior Center, local elementary schools, ADABI Domestic Violence Shelter, and Canyon de Chelly Clean Up Days. They could earn awards and incentives for hours worked, build their resumes and confidence, and serve with friends and family. The number of CVT members and lists of places to volunteer grew each year...
2017 - 20 adults and 10 Junior Volunteers served over 600 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2018 - 40 adults and 25 Junior Volunteers served over 1000 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2019 - 50 adults and 30 Junior Volunteers served over 1500 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2020 - The CVT was cancelled because of Covid lockdowns
2021 - The CVT began again in September of 2021. Now because of the HOPE Community Store we'll be able to run the program year round instead of just in the fall. We are so grateful for this change and can't wait to start volunteering again!
2024 - The CVT is OPEN for new volunteers! Just last year Iesha Tsosie stared volunteering with the CVT and was then hired as the Bookmobile Intern! She is making an amazing difference as our newest staff member running the Bookmobile and serving the community.
The Chinle Community Volunteer Team (CVT) was one of the first programs of Chinle Planting Hope. We wanted to build relationships and community by giving back to the community together. Volunteers filled out an application, went through training and could then work at a variety of local organizations such as the Nursing Home, Chinle Senior Center, local elementary schools, ADABI Domestic Violence Shelter, and Canyon de Chelly Clean Up Days. They could earn awards and incentives for hours worked, build their resumes and confidence, and serve with friends and family. The number of CVT members and lists of places to volunteer grew each year...
2017 - 20 adults and 10 Junior Volunteers served over 600 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2018 - 40 adults and 25 Junior Volunteers served over 1000 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2019 - 50 adults and 30 Junior Volunteers served over 1500 hours from Sept 1st to Nov 30th
2020 - The CVT was cancelled because of Covid lockdowns
2021 - The CVT began again in September of 2021. Now because of the HOPE Community Store we'll be able to run the program year round instead of just in the fall. We are so grateful for this change and can't wait to start volunteering again!
2024 - The CVT is OPEN for new volunteers! Just last year Iesha Tsosie stared volunteering with the CVT and was then hired as the Bookmobile Intern! She is making an amazing difference as our newest staff member running the Bookmobile and serving the community.
Kevin Frazier Helps Develop the Junior Volunteer Program
(Story from 2017 CVT)
K.J. Frazier may only be 9 years old but he is already practicing being a community volunteer and organizer. After attending the Volunteer training in August 2017, K.J. informed his mom and dad on the car trip home that he would also like an application and I.D. badge. He wasn’t at all discouraged when his mom told him the program was only for adults.
“Why can’t kids be Junior Volunteers or something and also serve?” he challenged. A good question indeed!
The next day the Junior Volunteer Community Team began! Children 14 and younger can now fill out their own application, receive a photo I.D. and log hours with partnering organizations just like the adults. But instead of Walmart Gift Cards to prepare their families for the holidays, they will receive a special thank you bag with fun treats at our Volunteer Team Family Celebration in December 2017. We are thankful for K.J. and each person that has participated and given input to making the Community Volunteer Team a success. We believe that each and every person’s voice and story are important and everyone has something important to give and share with others!
Congratulations to CVT Member Phillica Yazzie (Story from 2018 CVT)
My name is Phillicia Yazzie. I started as a Parent Volunteer at Mesa View Elementary in September 2018. As a parent volunteer I learned a lot of valuable information. I learned what events are planned at the school, how to work with parents, answer questions, assist with teacher work orders and much more.
This fall the current Family Specialist accepted another job and I decided to apply for the open Family Engagement Specialist position. Through my volunteer experience, I knew what duties were expected. I was hired and am now the Family Engagement Specialist at Mesa View. It was through this group I gained my confidence, and my professionalism, and it’s just what I needed to get where I am today. I am definitely enjoying my job and love my new full time job!
In addition to being with the students, the Chinle Planting Hope Community Volunteer Team was another reason I really enjoyed volunteering. This volunteer group really gave me a lot of motivation, a sense of belonging and a great boost of confidence within myself! I felt like I had a solid reason to volunteer knowing I was expected to be on time, I had to smile and be professional. I know this can make a difference in the lives of others and I want this same opportunity for other volunteers within the community of Chinle.
2021 Update - Phillicia is now a part of the Chinle Planting Hope Leadership Team and we are SO excited to be hiring her part time to be the Director of the Community Volunteer Program in Chinle! She is an amazing mom, teammate and organizer!
My name is Phillicia Yazzie. I started as a Parent Volunteer at Mesa View Elementary in September 2018. As a parent volunteer I learned a lot of valuable information. I learned what events are planned at the school, how to work with parents, answer questions, assist with teacher work orders and much more.
This fall the current Family Specialist accepted another job and I decided to apply for the open Family Engagement Specialist position. Through my volunteer experience, I knew what duties were expected. I was hired and am now the Family Engagement Specialist at Mesa View. It was through this group I gained my confidence, and my professionalism, and it’s just what I needed to get where I am today. I am definitely enjoying my job and love my new full time job!
In addition to being with the students, the Chinle Planting Hope Community Volunteer Team was another reason I really enjoyed volunteering. This volunteer group really gave me a lot of motivation, a sense of belonging and a great boost of confidence within myself! I felt like I had a solid reason to volunteer knowing I was expected to be on time, I had to smile and be professional. I know this can make a difference in the lives of others and I want this same opportunity for other volunteers within the community of Chinle.
2021 Update - Phillicia is now a part of the Chinle Planting Hope Leadership Team and we are SO excited to be hiring her part time to be the Director of the Community Volunteer Program in Chinle! She is an amazing mom, teammate and organizer!
The Community Volunteer Team is taking new volunteers and would love to have you join the CVT Family!
Contact Janice with questions or stop by the CPH office for more info. We will work with your schedule and availability.
All are welcome to apply.
Build work skills, meet new people
and serve our community!
Fun incentives and gifts for volunteers each month.