Arizona Centennial Volunteer Challenge
In recognition of the important role that service and volunteer efforts have played in the development of our state and to strengthen the civic engagement of Arizona’s citizens, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism in partnership with 3TV, has created the Arizona Centennial Volunteer Challenge designed to promote volunteerism and civic engagement leading up to Arizona’s Centennial in February 2012.
Goals
Create and implement a cross platform statewide campaign that links Arizonans’ commitment to service to the state’s Centennial Celebration that will result in 100,000 Arizona volunteers each logging 100 volunteer hours for the period between now and February 2012, resulting in a cumulative total of 10,000,000 hours of volunteer service. Second, create a statewide network of volunteers and strengthen the civic engagement of Arizonans.
Background
- In the Volunteerism in America report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2010, Arizona ranks 44th in the country for volunteerism; www.volunteeringinamerica.gov .
- Volunteerism in Arizona is tracked on a very regional basis (predominantly in the Tucson and Phoenix population centers), if at all.
- Currently, there is no vehicle available in Arizona through which any kind of unification of volunteer efforts can take place.
- Service to community and volunteerism has played a central role in Arizona’s development as a state.
- Tough economic times elevate the importance of social responsibility. Volunteering is a no-cost way to make a high impact difference. The benefit of volunteering is that everyone can do something, and even small contributions of time and effort can make a world of difference in the lives of others.
- In the Civic Life in America report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2010, 24% of Arizonans volunteer, 7.6% reported working with their neighbors and Arizona ranks 49th in the country for voter turn-out; civic.serve.gov .
- In a collaborative partnership with state agencies, local governments, faith and community based organizations, non-profits, business, federal agencies, community colleges, and universities, Arizona’s first Summit on Volunteerism and Service-Learning was convened in December. The Summit attracted representatives from 46 Arizona communities, 150 organizations, 50 peer-to-peer professional development workshops delivered by representatives from across the state, issue forums that addressed critical issues Arizona is facing, including education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures (obesity in youth), economic opportunity and serving veterans.
Put your passion into action and take the Arizona Centennial Volunteer Challenge!
This Week's Highlighted Volunteer Opportunity:
Do you have some extra time on your hands? If so, we have something that might work for you. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 12th and plan on joining us at the Luther Life Center to learn more about the Arizona Centennial Volunteer Challenge and how you can get involved. The campaign encourages Arizonans to pledge and serve 100 hours before Arizona’s Centennial! click here.
Featured Video
