Featured Story - April 2007

In April, VolunteerLEON joins with thousands of organizations and individuals in Florida to celebrate and recognize volunteers who are changing lives and strengthening communities throughout our state. Proclaimed Florida Volunteer Month by Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet, April is the time to promote the spirit of volunteerism. The month long Florida Volunteer Month campaign provides an opportunity for organizations to showcase the benefits of volunteering, share their achievements and to engage more citizens in volunteer service. Now more than ever, people play a vital role in making a difference in our communities. VolunteerLEON applauds the achievements of the thousands locally who devote their time to serving others and encourages more people to become involved in local volunteer activities. Join us in celebrating volunteerism and at one our events this month:

Signing of Florida Volunteer Month Resolution: Governor Crist and the Florida Cabinet members signed a Resolution on Tuesday, April 3 during the Cabinet meeting in Tallahassee proclaiming April as Florida Volunteer Month! Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson introduced the Resolution. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage all Floridians to give the gift of time during April and beyond! The Resolution is available on both the Florida Association of Volunteer Centers and the Volunteer Florida web sites as soon as it is signed that day

Come Together Day: VolunteerLEON Youth Corps is hosting “Come Together Day,” a youth volunteer recognition event for youth volunteers in Leon and its surrounding counties on Saturday, April 14 from Noon - 4pm in the auditorium at Godby High School. Come Together Day celebrates the commitment of youth in the Leon County area who take an active role in aiding our community. Youth Corps members, youth organizations, and youth volunteers from throughout Leon County will celebrate our community of young volunteers on April 14. This fun event will include free – entertainment, live music, refreshments and giveaways, for the Teen volunteers, a $2 donation will be accepted to other attendees, which will benefit Guardian Ad Litem – The Voice for Florida’s Abused & Neglected Children. REGISTER TODAY!

2007 WFLA Volunteer-A-Thon: As you've heard on 100.7 The Morning Show, and throughout National Volunteer Week on WFLA, we are asking you to pledge your time to help Make A Difference in your community.

Florida State Hospital -

Street of Service: This annual event sponsored by VolunteerLEON and the Directors of Volunteers Association will be held in conjunction with Kidsfest Fest at the Leon County Fairgrounds. Features community based organizations recruiting volunteers to serve. Come find out how you and your family can serve the organizations who serve our community.

Presidential Volunteer Service Awards: Thousands of volunteers around the country and 7 from Leon County will receive presidential recognition for their service. VolunteerLEON is one of the only local certified nominating organizations.

National Volunteer Week: National Volunteer Week is about thanking our community’s most valuable assets – volunteers – and calling the public’s attention to all that they do to improve our communities. The Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network and was first designated as an annual observance by Executive Order by President Richard Nixon in 1974.

Volunteer of the Year Awards: Congratulations to Bruster's Real Ice Cream! This business is a finalist for the Tallahassee Democrat’s Business Volunteer of the Year. Owner, Marilyn Soble will be recognized along with hundreds of other volunteers who make an impact on our community. This 29th annual volunteer recognition event sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat which recognizes local youth, businesses, government agencies, schools, civic service, and human service volunteers. Call 850-599-2100 for ticket information.

Spread the word about Florida Volunteer Month. Post a story about volunteering on your web site. Additional information and promotional materials are available in the Florida Volunteer Month Tool-Kit.