Maybe you have already heard the buzz. In January 2008, we will be
accepting CCB students as volunteers into the VITA program, a federal
income tax return assistance program. The Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) program is a cooperative effort by the Internal
Revenue Service and many individual states, including Massachusetts,
to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals,
handicapped or elderly. Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue
Service prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA
sites. Our local site is at the CEDC in New Bedford.
As I am starting to get inquiries into this program as the word as
leaked out, I want you to know that we will be having an information
session in a week or two and as soon as I have a date, I'll blast out
an announcement via email to all CCB students. Here's a link to an
IRS web page that describes the program:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html
This is a program that helps our local residents in two ways: it
gives them assistance in preparing their tax returns and it helps
them take advantage of the earned income credit - a bit of an
economic boost that can help these folks make ends meet. For a
student, this is a great way to give back to the community, create an
significant resume item that shows civic engagement and a desire to
learn something new (and practical), and allows you to achieve an IRS
exam certification. From this year's VITA program, There is a good
chance that we will be able to structure 2-or 3 internships for
juniors or seniors (3 credits for a business elective). For some who
participate in the VITA program and carry out this volunteer
commitment, there could be a small ($300-$400) tuition reduction
through a UMD program. However, the real motivating factor for your
participation in this program is not financial but rather, the
opportunity to help some people who need your help, while at the same
time learning a great deal about federal income tax and the workings
of a great nonprofit like the CEDC. For your information, the CEDC's
mission is as follows:
The Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern
Massachusetts seeks to create a more just local economy by building
bridges to resources, networks, and cooperative action for adults,
youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, working families, grassroots
organizations, and immigrant workers members of our community. The
work of the CEDC is created and directed by the people who will
benefit most from its success. CEDC challenges economic and political
institutions and policies that exclude full participation and access
to power by all members of our community.
The CEDC takes on many projects and the VITA program is one that they
have managed very well for some time now but they need our (CCB
students) help to carry on the good work of VITA. So if this is of
interest to you, please stay tuned as I will have an announcement
soon regarding an information session. You can also check in from
time-to-time with my internship blog
(http://www.businessinternships.blogspot.com/) as there will be
information posted there.
Thanks,
