Rather than running around place-to-place looking for the right job, the fifth annual Volunteer Village is showcasing more than 60 non-profit organizations Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“It’s one-stop shopping for people who’d like to volunteer and come to one place at one time and visit different organizations,” said Connie Griffin, volunteer coordinator at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
The free event at the Alpert Jewish Community Center is open to the public to seek volunteers interested in working for the Greater Long Beach area.
Volunteer Village is a chance for students and community members to meet with representatives from a variety of non-profit agencies that are in demand.
Attendees can search and “shop” around the designated fields they are interested in and explore where their skills match the requirements of the participating organizations.
Volunteer Village provides the chance to get information directly from the representatives so volunteers can learn how to get training in their designated fields and how to network with joint organizations and develop resource skills, which is a great way for members and students to get firsthand experience and build up their resumes.
The event is open to anyone of all ages and is a great opportunity for all those attending to check out and explore different career paths.
“Each and every year it’s growing. It’s attracting more people and we’re trying to get more baby bloomers to join, so we encourage parents to bring their kids,” Griffin said.
The theme for this year’s Volunteer Village is “Imagine the Difference Even an Hour Can Make.”
The event has had the support of many collaborative non-profit agencies that promote service-learning experiences integral to communities by addressing youth, seniors and students to take advantage of actively participating and making a difference.
Volunteer Village started five years ago and has attracted over 500 volunteers for organizations such as American Red Cross, Aquarium of the Pacific, Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach Airport, Museum of Latin American Art, Retired and Senior Volunteering Program, and University Art Museum of Cal State Long Beach.
The event is sponsored by the Greater Long Beach Directors of Volunteers, a community-based group offering information, network opportunities, academic seminars and workshops.
