Ready to put those paid community engagement hours to use, Lumberjacks? With National Volunteer Month just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to (ahem) spring into action.
NAU’s Center for Service and Volunteerism (CSV) is hosting its very first Spring into Service Challenge from April 1-22, bringing to campus some fresh volunteer opportunities, community-enriching events and a recognition party with raffle prizes, food and fun.
Center Director Erin Kruse said Spring into Service has two lofty goals: 1,000 volunteer hours logged and 100 new registered users on the Axe of Service website. She believes the generous Lumberjack community is more than up to the task, based on its past generosity.
“To date this academic year, 470 volunteers have recorded 3,588 hours on Axe of Service,” Kruse said. “They have responded to volunteer needs 2,500 times and supported 59 partner agencies. We invite you to help us hit our April goals and show our Flagstaff community what the Lumberjack spirit is all about!”
Kruse pointed out Axe of Service isn’t just for NAU employees looking to use their paid volunteer hours—it’s also a great resource for students and local community members who want to make a difference. The website helps connect generous people of all ages with local organizations that need assistance, allowing users to easily find opportunities that align with their schedules, skillsets and values. The website’s aim is to lower the barrier of entry for people who want to donate their time but don’t know where to start.
“People volunteer to feel like a part of their community and better understand complex issues, to meet people who have shared interests and to build connection, to support a cause or issue they care about, to develop the skills that can help them with their careers, to explore possible career paths and so much more,” Kruse said. “Any time someone volunteers, they have the opportunity to learn and grow personally while supporting a local organization to deliver on their mission, whatever that may be. And whether they volunteer one time or many, that time given makes a difference.”
The CSV chose April for the challenge to coincide with National Volunteer Month—and to give students one last opportunity to show some love to Flagstaff before leaving campus for the summer. They’ve gathered plenty of fun volunteer opportunities for the challenge, including the Flagstaff Fashion Flip Community Clothing Exchange on April 4, a Special Olympics track and field competition on April 7 and a Día del Niños event hosted by Chicanos por la Causa on April 12. Plus, there are several ongoing volunteer opportunities available, including food distribution work at Flagstaff Family Food Center and clothing sorting at Sharon’s Attic Thrift Store.
Want to join the Spring into Service Challenge? Simply visit the Axe of Service website, click Sign Up and then start browsing and registering for opportunities. Don’t forget to join the post-challenge recognition event on April 25, happening from 2-4 p.m. at the du Bois Center.
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | jill.kimball@nau.edu