As National Volunteer Month approaches, Northern Arizona University (NAU) is gearing up to inspire its community to embrace volunteerism with the launch of its inaugural Spring into Service Challenge. This initiative, running from April 1-22, is not merely about logging hours but creating meaningful impacts through a variety of community service events.
NAU’s Center for Service and Volunteerism (CSV) is spearheading this endeavor, offering fresh volunteer opportunities and community-focused events, culminating in a celebration filled with raffle prizes, food, and entertainment. The goals for this challenge are ambitious: 1,000 volunteer hours and 100 new users registered on the Axe of Service website.
Engaging the Lumberjack Spirit
Erin Kruse, the director at the Center for Service and Volunteerism, highlights the community’s past achievements, stating, “To date this academic year, 470 volunteers have recorded 3,588 hours on Axe of Service.” She encourages the Lumberjack community to continue this trend and demonstrate their spirit by hitting the April targets.
The Axe of Service website serves a dual purpose: it allows NAU employees to utilize their paid volunteer hours and connects students and community members with local organizations. This platform makes it easier for individuals to find volunteer opportunities that fit their schedules and interests, effectively lowering the barrier for community involvement.
Opportunities to Make a Difference
Kruse elaborates on the benefits of volunteering: “People volunteer to feel like a part of their community and better understand complex issues, to meet people who have shared interests and to build connection, to support a cause or issue they care about, to develop the skills that can help them with their careers, to explore possible career paths and so much more.”
With National Volunteer Month in April, the CSV’s timing for the challenge is intentional, offering students a chance to give back to Flagstaff before the summer break. Among the notable volunteer events are the Flagstaff Fashion Flip Community Clothing Exchange on April 4, a Special Olympics track and field competition on April 7, and a Día del Niños event hosted by Chicanos por la Causa on April 12. Additionally, ongoing opportunities such as food distribution at the Flagstaff Family Food Center and clothing sorting at Sharon’s Attic Thrift Store are available.
Joining the Challenge
To participate in the Spring into Service Challenge, volunteers can simply visit the Axe of Service website, sign up, and explore the available opportunities. The event concludes with a recognition gathering on April 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the du Bois Center, celebrating the efforts of all participants.
For additional information, contact NAU Communications at (928) 523-2282 or email jill.kimball@nau.edu.
Read More Here
