Special Event Volunteering
National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. president has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.
Here in Larimer County, National Volunteer Week is National Volunteer Month and volunteer events and happenings take place all throughout April.
Also during April, United Way of Larimer County will be recognizing the great things that people are doing surrounding volunteerism. See below to see how we’ll be “Celebrating People in Action,” as well as how you can get involved in volunteerism.
How do I to get involved?
VOLUNTEER
View our Current Volunteer Opportunities.
Create your own volunteer project. Check our website or contact us for project ideas and resources to make your project a success.
President’s Volunteer Service Award — Non-competitive award that all Americans are eligible to receive, determined by the number of volunteer hours served.
Daily Point of Light Award — Competitive daily award honoring one exceptional volunteer or volunteer effort from across the entire nation.
What else is going on?
Loveland Honors (Monday, May 19, 5:30-7:30pm, Rialto Center Community Room) - Award ceremony that recognizes 50 Loveland-area volunteers for the incredible contribution they make to our community.
Estes Park Volunteer Awards Ceremony (May) – Annual ceremony that recognizes local citizens for their volunteer efforts.
Speak Up: Freeing Your Inner Advocate (Monday, April 2, 5-7:30pm, Plymouth Congregational UCC) – United Way of Larimer County would like to invite you to attend this free event to learn what you can do to support and advocate for the issues you are most passionate about. It will feature an opening presentation on “What is Advocacy?” and a panel of elected officials available to answer questions relating to best practices for advocating. Dinner and childcare will be provided.
Monday, April 2
5-7:30PM
Plymouth Congregational UCC
916 W. Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526
RSVP here or contact Jamie Suess at vcvista@uwaylc.org or 970-407-7065.
Poverty Simulation (Saturday, April 14, 10-12pm, Vineyard Church of the Rockies) - United Way of Larimer County invites you to attend a FREE National Volunteer Month Poverty Simulation.
Saturday, April 14th
10AM-12PM
Vineyard Church of the Rockies
1201 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Poverty Simulations are an experiential opportunity for those not living in poverty to learn about and engage in poverty reduction. Each participant assumes the role of a low-income family member living on a limited budget. During the hour-long “month” participants must do their best to provide for their families, cover expenses and maintain their home. These goals are accomplished by interacting with community resources available in the simulation, which range from bill collectors to service providers. By participating in a simulation, volunteers increase their understanding of the dynamics of poverty and receive a more accurate portrayal of the struggle for self-sufficiency that more than 41,000 individuals face in Larimer County.
Please RSVP to Jamie Suess at vcvista@uwaylc.org or 407-7065.
CSUnity (Saturday, April 21)- Over two thousand CSU students gather for a day-long service plunge in and around the Fort Collins community! Join fellow students in planting trees, painting houses, visiting with senior citizens, sorting food, and more.
Global Youth Service Day (April 16-22)-Annual international event that highlights and celebrates the ongoing contributions of youth to their communities through volunteer service and service learning. Global Youth Service Day provides an opportunity to recognize young volunteers who are leading the next generation in service. In Larimer County, we extend this Day of Service to take place all week long.
Volunteer Program Manager Awards (Monday, April 16)- Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) of Larimer County is a professional affiliation of Volunteer Program Managers. DOVIA of Larimer County will honor a Volunteer Manager who exemplifies outstanding leadership of volunteers. Nominations are due Friday, March 30. Click here to download the nomination form.
Board Bank Training (Tuesday, May 1)-United Way’s Volunteer Center recruits and trains community professionals to serve as board and committee members for nonprofit organizations. Through its Board Bank program, the Center matches volunteers’ interests with a variety of board opportunities, and assist in matching volunteers with the needs of local nonprofits. Currently, there are more than 40 nonprofits in Larimer County that need skilled, passionate and enthusiastic volunteers to serve on their boards of directors.
Tuesday, May 1st
5p.m.-7p.m.
Good Samaritan Society
508 W. Trilby Road
Fort Collins, CO