Global Youth Service Day – April 20, 2012

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and the Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County will lead young people in 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 is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. GYSD is celebrated each year in over 100 countries.

Each year, millions of children and 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 the world’s most critical issues and change their communities on Global Youth Service Day.

The Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley have planned a simple activity that will contribute to the well being of our community. The Great Sweep is an activity for young people of all ages and is designed to “spring clean” Lincoln Park and downtown Waterloo. Youth are asked to meet at Lincoln Park at 3:30 on April 20 and they will clean Lincoln Park, 4^th Street, 5^th Street, and Park Avenue from the park to the river. The event will conclude at 5:00 p.m. All materials needed for the project will be provided.

Many communities use Global Youth Service Day as a component for youth service. “Because of the economic downturn, 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 20 will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year, said Jean Seeland, Program Coordinator.

Global Youth Service Day is held during National Volunteer Week, April 15 – 21. Through programs such as this, volunteers are recognized for the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round.

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. To secure additional volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.