Celebrating Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
Interested in volunteering but don't know where to start? Need some
help managing volunteers? April 2006 is National Volunteer Month, a time
dedicated to thanking volunteers and all they do for our communities.
In Grant County, community groups are working together to coordinate
service projects around the county—and to celebrate Grant County's volunteers.
Groups include The Volunteer Center, Wellness Coalition, Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Citizens Corps Council of Grant County,
the American Red Cross and others. Three volunteer initiatives will be
held during the month:
- Starting March 1, the Volunteer Center will establish
a volunteer referral line to coordinate volunteers and service projects.
Individuals can call the referral line for a list of projects. Service
projects may be short-term (for example, building a walkway) or ongoing
(such as mentorship or tutoring). Sample projects currently include
building a walkway for the Silver City Museum, helping out at a 5K
run to benefit El Refugio, Inc., and spiffing up the grounds at Penny
Park.
- On Friday, April 21, internationally recognized volunteer
management trainers Steve McCurley and Rick Lynch will offer a full
day of workshops on recruitment, retention, recognition, interviewing,
dealing with problem volunteers, and marketing and promotion. This
full day of training, networking and resource sharing is aimed at anyone
who works with volunteers. All events will take place at Western New
Mexico University's Global Resource Center.
- On Saturday, April 29, participating volunteers are
invited to a celebration and recognition dinner. In addition to dinner,
there will be certificates, T-shirts, and recognition awards. Organizations
can also nominate volunteers who provide ongoing service for recognition
at the dinner.
Call the Volunteer Center at 388-2988 if you are interested in registering
for the Volunteer Management Training Day, participating in the month
of service opportunities (either as a volunteer or service site), or
if you have any questions.
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March 2006