Gov . Bev Perdue announced that AmeriCorps members and volunteers across North Carolina will participate in different service projects as part of National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21.
National Volunteer Week is an event sponsored by the Points of Light Institute and the Hands On Network. The Volunteer Week theme for this year is “Celebrating People in Action,” honoring ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the nation.
AmeriCorps members and volunteer centers will take part in activities across North Carolina by providing literacy services for children, feeding the homeless and other community service activities.
AmeriCorps is a national service program designed to increase both volunteering and civic engagement. Members of the program tutor and mentor the youth, improve the quality of care for preschool children and advocate the need for energy efficient housing for low-income families.
“National Volunteer Week is a time for North Carolinians to celebrate the service they provide to their communities. I encourage all North Carolinians to give back by helping a neighbor in need or volunteering with a local nonprofit organization,” Governor Perdue said in a press release.
A variety of volunteer activities will be conducted during National Volunteer Week. Several North Carolina counties have particular activities taking place that meet the specific requirements of their communities.
Alamance County AmeriCorps members will partner with Centro la Comunidad for their Access Project volunteer event. Access Project is an informational event for community members and provides activities for children, including group reading, arts and crafts projects, and much more.
Guilford County AmeriCorps will hold activities for their Partnership to End Homelessness event. Members of AmeriCorps will divide into groups for activities targeting homelessness and beautification projects.
Nonmembers of AmeriCorps will also be able to participate in the events. AmeriCorps will recruit volunteers to help plant a community garden at Youth Focus to increase awareness about gardening and produce benefits to those in need.
“There are so many ways to get involved, I think it’s really great. It’s also cool nonmembers of AmeriCorps are able to take part in helping their communities,” Stephanie Johnson, freshman in engineering, said.
Volunteers will also be needed to help cook and serve meals for the homeless during other events. AmeriCorps will be hosting a “Community Awareness Cookout for Homelessness” as well.
During National Volunteer Week, participating counties will also acknowledge those who are active in their communities.
Stokes County AmeriCorps and Children Together members will collaborate with high school volunteers to honor volunteers that serve at different non-profits across Stoke County.
All volunteers will be recognized for their service during a dinner provided by members of Stoke County AmeriCorps.
Stock County AmeriCorps members will also assist families and children to promote social issues ranging from early care and education to healthcare for children during the Week of the Young Child event, held at the Little Folks Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 21.
N.C. State and other Wake County residents can volunteer with Wake County AmeriCorps Access JobLink members to assist with setup of Spring Fest 2012. Other volunteer duties include supervising games and other activities during the event. Spring Fest 2012 takes place on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Along with Spring Fest 2012, Wake County AmeriCorp members will also be assisting with HELPscotch, a Triangle-wide day of volunteering and helping others, from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.
“I think National Volunteer Week is a good idea, as long as people are aware of it, and it’s accessible for everyone to participate. Some people may want to help out, but are unable to participate because of the locations of events, which can prevent perspective volunteers from not participating,” Genevieve Vernon, sophomore in fashion design, said.
