Global Youth Service Day, April 21 - 23

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and Youth Action Council will lead young people on Global Youth Service Day, an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to youth. This year GYSD will be on April 21 - 23.

Many communities use Global Youth Service Day as a component of youth service. “Needs in our community are particularly great right now. Addressing the challenge of mobilizing youth and resources to solve community problems will take a sustained effort, and we hope many who are serving on April 21 - 23 will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year,” said Jean Seeland, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Youth Program Coordinator.

Each year, millions of youth around the world work together with schools, youth organizations, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations, volunteer and national service programs, government agencies, faith communities, and other individuals to address critical issues and change their communities on Global Youth Service Day.

Global Youth Service Day is held during National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 23. Through programs such as this, youth volunteers are recognized for the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round. 

Locally, Global Youth Service Day will be celebrated on April 21. Students are invited to participate from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 505 Franklin, Waterloo. Participants, from kindergarten through 5th grade, will complete projects that will be donated to community agencies. In addition, middle and high school age students from the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley’s Youth Action Council will meet at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to volunteer from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism and to serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and community partnerships.

Please contact Jean Seeland at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to express interest in participating or to secure additional opportunities by calling 319-272-2087 or emailing jean_seeland@vccv.org. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org.