From April 21-27, 2013, the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA will recognize National Volunteer Week – a time to honor individuals who dedicate themselves to helping strengthen their communities. As the Y joins the nation in recognizing and celebrating volunteers, it also encourages everyone to find ways to give back and make a difference.

“Volunteering and giving back are critical to helping more individuals and communities be healthy, connected and secure,” said Becky Shipley, Executive Director, YMCA in East Cobb. “At the Y, volunteers help drive our cause of strengthening community by nurturing the potential of youth, improving the nation’s health and well-being and supporting our neighbors. The programs and services we offer to men, women and children of all ages are made possible in large part by volunteers who donate their time and talents.”

The Y, one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, offers individuals and families opportunities to volunteer in ways that let them connect and develop meaningful relationships, all while making an impact in communities they care about. Here in East Cobb the Y’s volunteers helped create sport programs for children with disabilities, built the largest youth soccer program in the state, and raise money to support YMCA operations and programming in the community.   Many more opportunities exist for others to help make a difference.

National Volunteer Week is a great time to get involved. Here are five ways individuals can take an active role at the Y and in their community:

1. Join a special committee that matches your skills or interests.
2. Coach a sports team, teach a class or ask about other ways to get involved with a program of your interest.
3. Help with fundraising efforts to ensure that essential programs and services are accessible to everyone in need.
4. Get involved with a mentoring or tutoring program to help motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential.
5. Inspire others to find ways they too can give back to the community.

Each year, more than half a million people volunteer their time to the Y. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policy makers, the Y fosters the care and respect all people deserve.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities in our community visit www.volunteermatch.com or check with local non-profits.

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