National Volunteer Month is an awesome time for the Larimer County community to recognize the work our amazing volunteers do every day to keep our communities great.

Communities across the United States have celebrated National Volunteer Week since 1974, when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the second week of April as an annual celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S. president has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.

In Larimer County, which is recognized as one of the top mid-size cities in the country for volunteerism rates, the celebration is expanded from just one week to the entire month of April.

This National Volunteer Month, we have a whole variety of activities and events coming up that you, your friends, your family members, and even your company can participate in.

Here are 8 ways you can get involved with National Volunteer Month:

1. Volunteer With a Local Nonprofit or Community Organization.

There are many one-time volunteer projects happening in April and early May, and we're looking for volunteers! Opportunities range from building demolition, to garden planting, and even event support.

2. Receive Training on Becoming a Nonprofit Board Member.

If you have ever considered volunteering your time and expertise as a nonprofit board member, United Way’s Board Bank training can help you learn more about board member responsibilities and get matched with local nonprofits that need your help. UPDATE: The training has already happened; Please click the link below for information on Board Bank and future trainings.

3. Participate in a Community Poverty Simulation

If you have never participated in a community-wide poverty simulation with United Way of Larimer County, you have got to try this! Challenge your assumptions and learn about the everyday reality facing one in seven Larimer County residents living in poverty. The Community Poverty Simulation, co-hosted by the Coloradoan and generously sponsored by Columbine Health Systems will take place on Tuesday, April 18^th from 5-8 PM at the Drake Centre in Fort Collins. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. UPDATE: The event has already happened; To learn more about Poverty Simulations, click the link below.

4. Donate a new or gently-used book to local kids.

United Way of Larimer County is partnering with dozens of local businesses to collect books for local children as part of the statewide Colorado Business Reads Book Drive. Donated books will be distributed to local nonprofits, childcare providers, and other Larimer County organizations that serve local families. To learn more and see a full list of book drop-off locations, click below.

5. Celebrate CSUnity on April 22.

CSUnity is a yearly event hosted by the Student Leadership Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) Office at Colorado State University. On this yearly day of service, thousands of CSU students participate to help local residents with yard work and community nonprofits with projects including landscaping, wildland restoration, painting and more. UPDATE: This event has passed. Check out the CSUnity web page here.

6. Cast your vote for Volunteer Hero Awards.

Help United Way honor deserving volunteers who make our community a better place. Categories include Education Hero, Financial Stability Hero, Basic Needs Hero, and Corporate Hero. UPDATE: Voting for this is now closed. Winners will be announced at the Pancake Breakfast on May 6. For details, see #8 below!

7. Celebrate volunteerism in Larimer County.

During the week of April 23 - 29, the City of Fort Collins will recognize its more than 10,000 volunteers each year with a lineup of free activities, including free entry and guided tours of several City facilities, and exclusive volunteer opportunities.

8. National Volunteer Month Pancake Breakfast Celebration

This year we are hosting our second National Volunteer Month Pancake Breakfast, where we celebrate volunteers who are making a difference in our community. We'll be honoring 4 exceptional volunteers with Volunteer Hero Awards for their dedication to the community. This year, it will be hosted on May 6 at 8:30 AM at Block One. The Fort Collins Lions Club will provide pancakes, and the Human Bean will provide coffee. It is free to attend, but registration is required.

			Elizabeth Simons Elizabeth Simons is the Digital Marketing Manager at United Way of Larimer County. An alumni of CSU, she has worked in marketing, technical support, and blogging for the last five years. Elizabeth is also an artist working primarily in fiber arts, watercolor painting, and fashion design.