NAU’s Axe of Service Connects Volunteers with Community Needs
The Northern Arizona University’s Axe of Service initiative has successfully logged over 6,800 hours of community service from 4,000 participants in the past year. Among these dedicated volunteers are Rachel Kanyur and Lydia Nelson, who have embraced the opportunity to contribute to the Flagstaff community. With four months remaining in the calendar year, the program encourages others to get involved.
Rachel Kanyur, who manages student recruitment in Continuing and Graduate Admissions, embarked on her volunteering journey with Axe of Service three years ago. She appreciates the flexibility it offers, allowing her to engage in both short-term and long-term projects. “I’ve been able to register for one-time meal prep or grocery distributions through the Flagstaff Family Food Center,” Kanyur shared. “Because there were so many dates and times available, I could pick the individual shifts that worked best for me. Although, having a regular long-term commitment is a special experience. Last fall, I was able to use my staff volunteer hours to coach for Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona. Being a mentor and helping girls find their inner strength was an experience I will never forget.”
Similarly, Lydia Nelson, serving as a senior records coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, has been volunteering at the Flagstaff Family Food Center for about a year. She sought to foster a sense of community connection through her efforts. “I started volunteering during work hours to use my staff community engagement hours, but when True Blue Fridays began over the summer, I used it as a way to start my mornings and get my weekends started on a productive cycle,” Nelson explained. “Once I began consistently volunteering, I was able to form connections with the other volunteers, Flagstaff Family Food Center employees and the people picking up food. Now that summer has ended, I can’t volunteer as often as I was, but I use my hours to fit in a few more volunteer opportunities before they reset next year.”
The Axe of Service platform is designed to seamlessly connect Flagstaff residents with local volunteer opportunities facilitated by NAU. With nearly 100 partnerships, participants can support various organizations while acquiring new skills. NAU staff are encouraged to use this resource to fulfill their community engagement hours. They can monitor their remaining hours via the Hours and Earnings section in Louie HR, which details the community engagement hours claimed year-to-date.
Kanyur emphasized the significance of contributing to a cause greater than oneself, stating, “It’s important to find your purpose in something larger than yourself. Every organization I’ve worked with through Axe of Service exists because there is a need in the community. Being able to take time off work and help somebody as a neighbor instead of an employee is a great feeling. I feel energized and ready to come back to work after volunteering because I know I’m doing something that contributes to a community that invests so much into me.”
For more information on how to get involved with Axe of Service, visit Axe of Service | Center for Service and Volunteerism or email axeofservice@nau.edu.
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