National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is April 6-12 – a great time to take action and discover opportunities to give back and make a difference in your community. During National Volunteer Week, the Door County YMCA joins the nation in encouraging individuals to seek ways to give back, while honoring those who dedicate themselves to helping strengthen communities.

“At 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,” said Tom Beerntsen, CEO of the Door County YMCA. “In fact, a recent Gallup poll showed that nine out of ten 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.”

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. Here in Door County, the Y’s volunteers provide many opportunities for others to help make a difference.

We are fortunate to have terrific families that volunteer at both of our Y locations. Many of these families are actively involved in helping with our Annual Campaign- from decorating our buildings, walking or running in one of our many family friendly races, baking and serving soup and baked goods to our members and countless other activities/events we have going on.

One of our volunteers, Heather Andersen, said “Initially, my family became involved at the Y because we love it so much and it is such a big part of our life. An unexpected, significant benefit that we have gained along this journey is the amazing people we have met at both locations and the sheer joy of working with others who are so passionate about what they do.” Families, like the Andersens, exemplify leadership by their example for their children and they inspire others to want to volunteer as well.

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 event 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. Help inspire others to find ways they, too, can give back to the community by sharing volunteer success stories with others.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Door County YMCA contact Nancy Felhofer at [email protected].