Released by Volunteer Florida …
| As you may know, Governor DeSantis declared April 2019 as Volunteer Month in Florida. At Volunteer Florida, we have the privilege of promoting volunteerism and community service throughout the state, so we’ve been celebrating with several different initiatives, including daily volunteer recognition on social media and our annual service project at the Capitol. During Florida Volunteer Month, we recognized a different volunteer on social media every day, sharing details of their service and the impact they’ve had on their neighbors and communities. We’re grateful for all of these men and women – young and old – who selflessly dedicate their time and skills to help others. Click here to see a full gallery of the 2019 #VF30in30 volunteers. Suits for Session On April 11, we hosted the fourth annual Suits for Session service project at the Florida Capitol. In partnership with Uber, we collected new or gently-worn business attire from legislators and staff, state agency employees and other local professionals. Lieutenant Governor Núñez even stopped by to drop off a few items! In the end, we were proud to announce that we collected 5,769 items, which are currently being distributed to organizations in the Florida Panhandle that are supporting youth and adults entering the workforce after Hurricane Michael. On behalf of everyone at Volunteer Florida, thank you to those of you who donated your clothing and/or time to help make Suits for Session a record success. Check out this video for an inside look into the service project: Florida Volunteer Month PSA Once again, we worked with Comcast (a longtime sponsor of Volunteer Florida), to develop a PSA encouraging Floridians to engage in community service – from coaching children’s sports teams to helping veterans find jobs. It aired throughout the state during Florida Volunteer Month, but in case you missed it on TV, be sure to watch it here: Comcast Cares Day Comcast Cares Day will be held on Saturday, May 4. Now in its 18th year, this initiative engages volunteers to “make change happen” in communities across the country and around the world. Click here to find a project in your area! Volunteer Opportunities Portal All of us at Volunteer Florida are very excited about the upcoming launch of our statewide volunteer opportunities portal. It will provide public and private nonprofit organizations with an easy-to-use platform to share opportunities and engage individuals, families and groups in community service. The portal will launch to nonprofits first, allowing them to register as participants and begin posting volunteer opportunities. Then it will open to the public, and interested individuals and groups can search through the opportunities, filtering by interest, skillset and more before signing up to volunteer. For more information or to be a part of the nonprofit launch, please contact us at (850) 414-7400 or volunteer@volunteerflorida.org. April was officially Volunteer Month in Florida, but volunteering should be an integral part of every month. I challenge you to take some time to engage in community service, whether it’s during your lunch break at work or a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. Find inspiration in the #VF30in30 volunteers or, in the coming months, utilize the volunteer opportunities portal to get involved in a cause you’re passionate about. Together, we can make Florida a better place for everyone to live. Yours in Service, Clay Ingram CEO, Volunteer Florida |
|
About Volunteer Florida
Volunteer Florida is Florida’s lead
agency for volunteerism and national service, administering more than
$32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver
high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida.
Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet
critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as
Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during,
and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.
Nominate a Champion of Service
The Champion of Service
Award was established in 2013 by Volunteer Florida to honor
individuals and groups for their outstanding efforts in volunteerism
and service. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis and stay
active for a calendar year. Nominate a Champion of
Service today! |