National
Volunteer Week is April 6-12, 2014 a great time to take action and discover
opportunities to give back and make a difference in your community. During
National Volunteer Week, the YMCA of San Diego County joins the nation in
encouraging individuals to seek ways to give back, while honoring those who
dedicate themselves to helping strengthen communities.
¢âÂÒAt
the Y, volunteers play such a key role by 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,¢âÂå said Baron
Herdelin-Doherty, President and CEO, YMCA of San Diego County. ¢âÂÒIn fact, a
recent Gallup poll showed that nine out of 10 people said they receive an
emotional boost from doing kind things for other people. When activated, that
kind of emotional boost from contributing to the community goes from something
you do to a part of who you are.¢âÂå
As
one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, the Y
offers
individuals and families opportunities to volunteer in ways that let them
connect and develop meaningful relationships, all while making an impact in
communities they care about.
Recently here in San Diego County, over 2,600 fundraising volunteers from 14 Y branches
and YMCA Youth and Family Services participated in our annual campaign designed
to help make sure that YMCA programs are affordable and available to all people
in San Diego County. With their dedication and effort, the Y raised $5.9M to make a lasting difference in our community.
National
Volunteer Week is a great time to get involved. Here are five ways individuals
can take an active role at the Y and in their community:
- Join a special committee that matches your
skills or interests. - Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask
about other ways to get involved with a program of your interest. - Help with fundraising efforts to ensure that
essential programs and services are accessible to everyone in need. - Get involved with a mentoring or tutoring
program to help motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential. - Inspire
others to find ways they, too, can give back to the community.
To
learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA of San Diego County
contact Cristina Ballesteros at 858
292 9622 ext.125 and/or [email protected]. Get started at ymca.org/volunteer.