Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Volunteering in America

Today was a good day for Shreveport volunteers. The newly released Volunteering in America report from the Corporation for National and Community Service has shown that our city has the highest rate of volunteerism in the state of Louisiana. Not only that, but the rate at which we volunteer here in Shreveport exceeds the national average. That is exciting news.



However, although the numbers are good and encouraging, we should not allow ourselves to be complacent. Rather, we should view Shreveport as a shining example for the rest of the state and work even harder to increase the number of volunteers in the city and the number of hours that they volunteer. Through the new Northwest Louisiana Volunteer Center which was launched in April 2009, we hope that we can capitalize on our momentum and make Shreveport a better place through service by connecting and enabling volunteers and agencies.



If you are a volunteer and reading this blog, we need your help to do this! Go and register yourself as a volunteer on http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/ so we can help connect you to great volunteer events and needs. Thank you for volunteering and congratulations Shreveport!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

2009 Day of Caring

What?
Day of Caring is a one-day, community-wide volunteer event that allows people an opportunity to see first-hand the needs in this community and work together to make a real difference.

It connects volunteer groups from local business and industry with non-profit agencies in need of assistance. It is the best, most organized way for individuals to make a difference in their community.

Day of Caring will be the most visible community event of the year!

When?
Friday, May 1, 2009. Kick-off breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Riverdome.

Service projects should begin between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. The time commitment for each project will vary from 4-6 hours.

Why?
The needs in this area are great and we have energetic and compassionate individuals who want to help.

Projects offer volunteers a first-hand opportunity to learn about health and human service needs in northwest Louisiana.

Volunteers will experience the broad reach of United Way in the community and how their hard work is making a difference in the lives of people throughout northwest Louisiana.

Participating in this service day will enhance team spirit and employee morale.

The day offers a greater understanding of how the commitment of time and teamwork can make an impact.

For more information please contact Liz at (318) 677-2504 Ext. 26 or liz@unitedwaynwla.org