What's Happening at the Rancho? |
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NEW! Winter 2020 Hours at the Rancho
12:30 to 4:30 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday
As the days get shorter, the Rancho is opening earlier. Visitors now have a lighter (and warmer!) opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our gardens and grounds.
As always, we'll continue to send email reminders 1-3 days prior to your scheduled shift, and we'll contact you in the case of closures due to inclement weather. If you expect to volunteer but haven't heard from us the evening before, please check VICnet or call the Rancho Office to confirm your shift.
Thank you for your continued support!
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Volunteer Enrichment Opportunity: Understanding DEI
Saturday, November 14, 9:30-noon
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Volunteer Program: Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
in the "Place for all Times"
The challenges and unrest of this moment in history have affected us all, but differently. Please join your volunteer family on Saturday, November 14th for meaningful conversation about how current events impact the Rancho and our Volunteers. We will develop a shared language for understanding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and explore how our diverse qualities contribute to an environment that is welcoming to all.
This volunteer enrichment program has been customized specifically for the Rancho's VSC by the Aspire Group, and the program will be an engaging opportunity to learn together. There will be a Zoom presentation, a variety of small group interactions and ways to participate throughout the Zoom meeting.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2020
Time: 9:30am to Noon
Zoom: Instructions will be provided with RSVP
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During this virtual workshop, we will:
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Consider how we support each other during times when multiple crisis situations may impact our personal and professional lives.
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Reflect on the diversity each participant brings to the Rancho and how our qualities can be used with intention to create and sustain an inclusive volunteer environment.
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Examine our biases, and learn how we can identify, interrupt, and recover from challenging situations.
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Identify action steps that can be taken as individuals, as leaders, and as an organization to integrate equity values in all aspects of RLA’s operating culture - for staff, board, volunteers, and visitors.
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"We're all in the same storm,
but we're not all in the same boat."
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New Volunteer Opportunities |
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Weekly Potted Plant Waterers
We are seeking volunteers to help water the Rancho's many potted plants.
There are hundreds of thirsty plants onsite and volunteers have an opportunity to make a big difference by helping with this seemingly small task. This opportunity is open to any interested volunteer, and training will be provided by Garden Volunteers and Grounds Staff.
Volunteers will be set up for a regular schedule, on Mon, Wed, or Fri mornings from 9-11 am. We are asking interested volunteers to sign up for one day weekly, however more or fewer set days can be accommodated. This position may include some light lifting of watering cans and hoses.
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Virtual Tour Camera Volunteer
Interested in making our field trips for local fourth-grade students into engaging virtual experiences?
Join our school programs team as a Camera Volunteer!
This volunteer will further the Rancho's educational mission by filming school docents live on location in the Gardens, Ranch House, or Barnyard.
You don't need to be a docent, but you should be comfortable (or willing to learn) operating an iPad connected to Zoom during live school tours on Thursday and Friday mornings this fall (10:30-11:15 am). Camera Volunteers will attend a training session before filming a live virtual field trip.
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Looking for more ways to share your dedication to the Rancho?
Consider becoming a VSC Steering Committee Member!
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VSC Steering Committee Reps work within a set of VSC Guidelines, and serve as leaders in our volunteer community for up to two 2-year terms. We are currently seeking several Service Area Representatives. The available positions are listed below and current Reps will help with the transition and "on the job" training.
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2020 Positions:
- Volunteer Enrichment Rep
- Tour Docent Rep
- Greeter Rep (new)
- Public Programs Rep (new)
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2021 Positions:
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VSC President
- Community Outreach Rep
- Garden Volunteer Rep
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Joining the Steering Committee is a fun opportunity to learn and create new ways to support the Rancho's mission and vision, and engage our Volunteers and the public. If you're interested in learning more about becoming a Service Area Representative, contact any of the Service Area Representatives, or Ambyr or Katie.
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Join our Book Club!
Christmas Eve at RLA by Katharine Bixby Hotchkis
Monday, November 30
10:00 am on Zoom
All are welcome to join the RLA Reading Group led by docents Roberta Rogoff and Patrick Coil on Zoom. Please email Roberta at rrrogoff@yahoo.com for a copy of the book and to join the fun!
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HOLIDAY UPDATE! 'Tis the season to be jolly!
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November 16 & 17: Holiday Decorating: We will have physically distanced holiday decorating opportunities in the Barnyard at 10-1 or 1-4 both days. RSVP required*
- Winter Wander: postponed until 2021
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Saturday, December 12: Cool Crafts for the Holidays: Volunteers needed 9:45-1 or 1-4:15. RSVP required*
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Saturday, December 19: Virtual VSC Zoom Meeting: Join your volunteer family for a special holiday Zoom meeting. RSVP required*
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Saturday, November 7: Site Closed for Boy Scout Work Day
Saturday, November 14, 9:30 am DEI Volunteer Zoom Meeting: This is a curated learning opportunity to explore how current events impact the Rancho and our Volunteers. RSVP to ambyr@rancholosalamitos.org
Saturday, November 14, 1:30 pm: New Volunteer Orientation Zoom: Do you have friends interested in volunteering at the Rancho?
November 26 & 27: RLA Closed For Thanksgiving. Have a safe & wonderful holiday!
December 21: RLA Closes for the Winter. Some staff and volunteers may continue to work during this time, but the Rancho will be closed to the public. Happy New Year!
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If you need to cancel your scheduled volunteer shift or have an urgent matter,
please contact the Rancho Office or Duane.
Please reach out to Ambyr or Katie with volunteer scheduling or activities inquiries.
If you have livestock questions or concerns, you may contact
the Ranch Office, Ambyr or Katie, or
Livestock and Grounds Manager, Karen Thompson.
Thank you for being our most valued resource!
RLA Office (Mon-Fri, 9-5): (562) 431-3541
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