Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Volunteer Orientation for Spanish Speakers


By Erika Zambello

Duke Gardens will hold a volunteer orientation session in Spanish for Spanish-speaking volunteers next month!

The Spanish-speaking population makes up an important and vibrant part of Durham, and we love for our volunteer team to reflect the community that it serves. Would you like to be part of our volunteer family, or do you know someone who would?

As a volunteer, you will not only become more involved in the Gardens, but you will also help share all that Duke Gardens has to offer with others in the community. In addition to working in the Gardens and with adult programs, Spanish-speaking volunteers can work with children's programs offered all year. 

We are looking for people who are willing to share their knowledge and who want to learn and develop interpersonal, leadership and gardening skills. Volunteer hours are flexible; whether you want to come in a few hours a month or a few hours a week, we have a volunteer opportunity that is perfect for you.
In order to become a volunteer at Duke Gardens, you must attend an orientation session. The first volunteer orientation session in Spanish will be held on Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. The orientation will be at the Doris Duke Center here at Duke Gardens, located at 420 Anderson St. in Durham. At this session, you will learn the benefits and opportunities available for volunteers.

In order to attend this volunteer session, you must be at least 16 years old and conversational in English and Spanish.

Read or share our Spanish-language PDF here
    If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Chuck Hemric, director of volunteers, at 919-668-1705 or chemric@duke.edu.

    Thursday, January 8, 2015

    Photo Contest: Fall Colors

    The Spring Woodland Garden. Photo by Charles Twine.


    Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Duke Gardens, not only for the fall blossoms but also for the amazing foliage. Show us your favorite fall photos in our newest photo contest, Fall Colors. These photos may feature fall plantings or vistas, or fall color schemes featured in clothing or other elements -- as long as they are set in Duke Gardens.

    Please don't be shy. This contest is open to photographers at all levels and all ages. It's just a fun way to share your love for the Gardens with others who love it here, too. Your photograph can be recent or from past years.

    Here's the scoop:

    HOW TO ENTER: Email up to 3 photos to DukeGardensPhotos@yahoo.com. Please send one per email. We will post them in an album on Facebook, with your Facebook name in the photo description. You may then add more information about the photo in the comments if you like, and encourage your friends to come see it and vote by clicking "like." You may also post your photo on our wall, but be sure to email it as well, so that it's officially in the contest and albums. Only "like" votes on the album photos will count in vote tallies, though (polite) comments are welcome, too. 

    Please be sure to see our etiquette page before posting, too, as we will not include photos of people climbing trees, playing sports or engaging in other activities that are not permitted in the Gardens.

    DEADLINE: Photos must be submitted by noon Friday, Jan. 30. Voting will end at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

    HOW TO VOTE: It's simple. Just click "like" for all your favorite photos.
     
    PRIZES: We'll have prizes for most "like" votes, as well as judges' awards, and an extra prize for the best photo featuring a Duke student or students dressed in Duke logo clothing. Prizes will include Terrace Shop discount coupons, Duke Gardens note cards or other Duke Gardens-related gifts.
     
    SHARE: Even if you're not interested in prizes or contests, we'd love for you to share your photos just for fun, and share our contest photo album with your own Facebook friends. We look forward to seeing your favorites.

    ELIGIBILITY: Anyone of any age may share Duke Gardens photos in this contest. The only people not eligible to win a prize are Duke Gardens employees.

    NOTE: This contest is not administered, endorsed or operated by Facebook.

    LEARN MORE: Please check out our education and event listings for photo courses that you may enjoy. We also have a Nature Photography Certificate program that may interest you.
    Photo by Rick Fisher