Global Youth Service Day – April 26

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley ISU Extension and Outreach, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley, and Green Iowa AmeriCorps 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 youth. GYSD is celebrated each year in over 100 countries. This year GYSD will be on April 26-28.

 

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 the world’s most critical issues and change their communities on Global Youth Service Day.

 

The ISU Extension and Outreach, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley, Green Iowa AmeriCorps and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley have planned an activity that contributes to the well-being of the community. The Garden Project is an activity for youth of all ages and is designed to prepare gardens in Waterloo. Youth are asked to meet in front of Walnut Court Apartments, 315 Walnut Street, Waterloo at 4:00 on April 26. The event will conclude at 6:00 p.m.  All materials needed for the project will be provided although students should wear work clothes. Refreshments served to participants following work.

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 26 will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year, said Jean Seeland, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Program Coordinator.

 

Global Youth Service Day is held during National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27. 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.