Find Ways to Improve Community During National Volunteer Week, April 21-27

From April 21-27, 2013, the YMCAs on the Eastside will recognize National Volunteer Week – a time to honor individuals who dedicate themselves to helping strengthen their communities. As the Y joins the nation in recognizing and celebrating volunteers, it also encourages everyone to find ways to give back and make a difference.

“Volunteering and giving back are critical to helping more individuals and communities be healthy, connected and secure,” said Vicky Hinds, Volunteer Director for the YMCAs on the Eastside. “At the Y, volunteers help drive our cause of strengthening community by nurturing the potential of youth, improving the nation’s health and well-being and supporting our neighbors. The programs and services we offer to men, women and children of all ages are made possible in large part by volunteers who donate their time and talents.”

The Y, one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, 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. In 2012, 3,913 volunteers on the eastside donated 51,227 hours to improve 19,856 young people’s health and success, engage 50,575 individuals in activities that supported well-being and healthy habits, and raise $573,321 in scholarships. Many more opportunities exist for others to help make a difference.

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:

1. Join a special committee that matches your skills or interests.
2. Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask about other ways to get involved with a program of your interest.
3. Help with fundraising efforts to ensure that essential programs and services are accessible to everyone in need.
4. Get involved with a mentoring or tutoring program to help motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential.
5. Inspire others to find ways they too can give back to the community. 

Each year, more than half a million people volunteer their time to the Y. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policy makers, the Y fosters the care and respect all people deserve.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA, contact Vicky Hinds at vhinds@seattleymca.org.