Siouxland YMCA creates site for local volunteers
National Volunteer Week is April 6 – 12 and a great time to take action and discover opportunities to give back and make a difference in your community. During National Volunteer Week, the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA will join the nation in encouraging individuals to seek ways to give back, while honoring those who dedicate themselves to strengthening communities.
“At the Y, like so many non-profit organizations, volunteers play such a key role in supporting the vital programs and services we provide to individuals and families. We see firsthand how giving back impacts not only the community, but the volunteer involved,” said Kevin Engel-Cartie, CEO. “One of the challenges for volunteers and volunteer organizations though is getting connected to begin with.”
To help Siouxland volunteers and organizations engage and connect, the Y is introducing a new website: Siouxland.Join365.org. The online portal will offer volunteer seekers a way to post their volunteer needs and a way for community members to find opportunities and sign up to help.
“Volunteering can be extremely rewarding,” says Engel-Cartie. “Every day, everyone has the chance to make a positive community impact. So think what kind of a boost Siouxland would get if we all did something good, every day of the year.”
As a non-profit focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y – through Siouxland.Join365.org – will help bridge the gap between organizations and volunteers by facilitating a network where volunteers can find a community cause they are passionate about while allowing organizations to promote such opportunities to help.
National Volunteer Week is a great time to get started in getting involved. Here are five ways individuals can take an active role at the Y and in Siouxland:
1. Join a special committee that matches your skills or interests.
2. Coach a team, teach a class or ask about other ways to get involved with a program of your interest.
3. Help with fundraising to ensure that essential programs & services are accessible to everyone in need.
4. Get involved with a mentoring program to motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential.
5. Inspire others to find ways they, too, can give back to the community.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA or about Siouxland.Join365.org, contact Molly Hewitt at mhewitt@nwsymca.org.
