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Get Ready...
Spark's Volunteer Guide... ...is getting a MAKEOVER!
N E W LO O K COMING SOON! OPPORTUNITIES, OPPORTUNITIES EVENTS & STORIES To Empower Change in Your Community
February 2022
In This Issue: February & March Events .................2 Spark Kindness! Lunch & Learn ......3 Intro to Board Service .......................4 Global Volunteer Month: April ........5 Board & Virtual Volunteering .....7-8 Upcoming Events & Trainings .......10 POL Magazine: All Issues .................11 Marshall Wildfire Recovery .....13-14 Volunteer with Spark ................15-16 Our Resources ....................................17 Member Listings ...................6, 9, & 12 Contact Us .........................Back Cover
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y r a u r Feb Black History Month & American Heart Month Feb. 14th: Valentine's Day Feb. 17th: Spark Lunch & Learn Feb. 21st: President's Day
h c r a M National Women's History Month March 10th: Spark Community Conversations- Hunger March 17th: St. Patrick's Day March 17th: Spark Lunch & Learn March 29th: Spark Spring VETP Begins
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! S S E N D N I K SPARK Spark Kindness! e h t Be k! r a p S
Pass it on!
Share your Spark Kindness stories, kgeat more cards, and find ways to Spar little kindness everyday at:
rg .o o d ra lo o eC g n a h eC th rk a p S
Spark Kindness with us by volunteering in-person or virtually with your loved ones. There are so many ways to get involved! Download our new Spark Kindness Cards for fun and family friendly ways to spread a little kindness! Read about the 5 Benefits of Volunteering as a Family Find a volunteer project near you or a virtual opportunity Watch the Points of Light at-home DIY Projects playlist.
Share photos with us on social using #SparktheChangeCo, #VolunteerTogether and #VolunteerColorado!
Together, we can accelerate positive change across the globe!
It's a growing trend that volunteers are looking for ways to stay informed and learn more about the issues they care about most. Consider joining us this Thursday, Feb. 17th for our Spark Lunch & Learn all about Sparking Kindness!
REGISTER NOW! 3
e c i v r e S d r a o B o t Intro
Our Introduction to Board Service Training Returns! Board membership is an opportunity to connect the goals and aspirations of individuals to organizations making an impact on our society’s most pressing needs. If you are interested in joining a board but have little to no experience, this class is the perfect place to start. For those with previous board service experience, this program will help you expand your capacity to govern effectively. This training is also great for nonprofits seeking board members! It's a helpful resource for ideas on the types of processes, procedures, and support board candidates are looking for in a board position. Our recently updated Intro to Board Service program will train you to serve as a board member and help you choose a board that is the right fit for your interests. Registration is now open!
Thursday, Feb. 24th, 2022 3:00pm-4:30pm MST Virtual via Zoom Register Now!* *Premium members and BoardMatch Connection Event attendees receive a discount for this training. Contact Gabby Ewell once registration opens for details.
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h t n o M r e e t n u l o V l a b o l G : ! y d a e R Get
According to Points of Light’s 2021 civic engagement research, millennials believe companies should be actively involved in social issues and two-thirds visit corporate websites at least somewhat often to learn about their efforts. Global Volunteer Month during the month of April is an opportunity for nonprofits and companies to showcase their volunteer programs and the impact their work makes in the communities they serve. Follow along with Spark's website, blog, newsletters, and socials this Global Volunteer Month for stories, resources, and opportunities related to volunteering in Colorado. Want to start planning your GVM strategy? Download GVM toolkits for individuals, companies, and nonprofits from the Points of Light website!
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Listings Adult Education
The Master's Apprentice Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide urban young men a bridge to the skilled trades through on through basic training, on the job experience and the creation of a career path that will enable transition to financial independence. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Robert Maes, robert@themastersapprentice.org
Arts & Culture
Bullying Recovery Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To building a community of support to help families rebuild and recover together. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Dru Ahlborg, dru@bullyingrrc.org
Clothes To Kids of Denver Inc. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free school clothing to students from low-income or incrisis families in a warm, welcoming store-like setting. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Eileen Robinson volunteer@clothestokidsdenver.org
EnCorps STEM Teachers Program Multiple Location // View Profile ABOUT: To challenge current educational inequalities by connecting high needs schools with high quality STEM educators to eliminate the systemic injustice preventing children of color from entering the future STEM workforce. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Ashley Lentz, ashley.lentz@encorps.org
Denver Center for the Performing Arts // Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Whitney Testa, wtesta@dcpa.org
Children & Youth Education A Precious Child Broomfield // View Profile ABOUT: A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@apreciouschild.org
Listings give a brief overview of all our Spark Premium Members! The easiest way to find active opportunities with these great organizations is to sign up directly on our site!
Virtual Opportunities
History Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To create an informed and engaged Colorado citizenry through exploring Colorado's past and relating it to this state's present and future. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Emily Dobish, emily.dobish@state.co.us
Athena Project Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To empower women through the arts. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Astle, aastle@athenaprojectarts.org
What are Listings?
Youth Opportunities Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Group Opportunities
Civic & Community Children's Literacy Center Colorado Springs // View Profile ABOUT: To build a life of success through a foundation of literacy...ONE child at a time. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Pamela Polke, pamela@childrensliteracycenter.org
Dinosaur Ridge Morrison // View Profile ABOUT: To educate the public about, and ensure the preservation of, the natural and historic resources of Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and the surrounding areas. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Farley, barbara.farley@dinoridge.org
"I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County // View Profile ABOUT: To empower children from underresourced communities to succeed in school, college, and career by providing academic, social, and emotional support from elementary school through college, along with post-secondary tuition assistance. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Carla Maniscalco,
Aero Angel Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free, lifesaving longdistance medical flights for critically ill children on private jets at no cost to their families. INTERESTED? CONTACT: carla.maniscalco@ihaveadreamboulder.org Dan Paladino, dan@aeroangel.org
Youth Celebrate Diversity Denver // View Profile ABOUT: Youth Celebrate Diversity is dedicated to educating and empowering youth in order to advance inclusion and equity for all. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Caleb Munro, cmunro@ycdiversity.org
DID YOU KNOW? ir e th to d te c e n n o c l e fe to ly ke li Youth who volunteer are more in e g a g n e to ly ke li ss le re a d n a communities, do better in school, risky behavior.
Community Resource Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities, tools and strategies to develop nonprofits and community groups to strengthen Colorado. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Drew Bowling, bowling@crcamerica.org
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s e i t i n u t r o p p Board O So many organizations are seeking nonprofit board members! 5th Element Center for Dance AgeWise Colorado Alamosa Live Music Association The Art Garage Athena Project Benchmark Theatre *NEW Colorado Association for School-Based Health Care *NEW
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative DOVIA Colorado Eckhart Tolle Foundation Envision:You
*NEW
The Health Education and Resources Institute Human Services Network of Colorado Volunteer Today!
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s e i t i n u t r o p p Virtual O m o r f r e e t n u l Vo e s e h t h t i w e hom l a u t r i V ! s e i t i n u t r o p Op
*NEW Central Visitation Program is looking for... Masters in Social Work Mentor The Colorado Center For Aging is looking for... Older Adults Policy Advocate &/or Researcher Colorado Consumer Health Initiative is looking for... Medical Bill Coding Auditor Volunteer - From Home & Bilingual Volunteers
*NEW EnCorps STEM Teachers Program is looking for... Virtual Volunteer: EnCorps STEMx Math Tutor History Colorado is looking for... Transcription Human Services Network of Colorado is looking for... Training Team Member Eckhart Tolle Foundation is looking for... Eckhart Tolle Foundation Finance Committee Chair Hulk Industries is looking for.... Attorney
*NEW Mountain Mamas is looking for.... Climate Advocate Search & Rescue Dogs of Colorado is looking for... Social Media Professional
Volunteer Today! 8
Listings Civic & Community Continued Extreme Community Makeover Denver, Multiple Locations // View Profile ABOUT: To coordinate volunteer teams to partner with underserved people to improve their own homes and neighborhoods. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Angela Bomgaars,
Health & Wellness Foster Source Thornton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide relevant training, resources and support to foster parents from a trauma-informed approach, giving them the skills and confidence to spark healing in vulnerable children. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Renee Bernhard, info@fostersource.org
Benefits in Action Lakewood // View Profile ABOUT: Dedicated to improving the understanding, access, and utilization of healthcare INTERESTED? CONTACT: Jane Barnes, jbarnes@benefitsinaction.org
Hunger & Homelessness
angela@extremecommunitymakeover.org
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To help homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Bethany Brown, bbrown@habitatmetrodenver.org
Family Services
Goodwill Colorado Statewide // View Profile ABOUT: To help people reach their highest of personal and economic independence. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Grace Vigil, gvigil@goodwillcolorado.org
Jewish Family Service of Colorado Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To restore well-being to the vulnerable throughout the greater Denver community by delivering services based on Jewish values. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Nancy Benyamin, nbenyamin@jewishfamilyservice.org
All-Stars Club Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: To provide a place of belonging for individuals with special needs, along with a place of rest and support for their families. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Scott Russomanno, scott@allstarsclub.org
Denver Children's Advocacy Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To prevent abuse, strengthen families and restore childhood. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Michelle Davis, mdavis@denvercac.org
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Karis Community Denver // View Profile ABOUT: Karis Community is a therapeutic community for people who are recovering from serious and persistent mental illness. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Lisa Andersson, lisa@kariscommunity.org
Night Lights Littleton // View Profile ABOUT: Night Lights creates safe and accepting environments by providing respite care for children with special needs and their siblings. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Kristin Steadman, kristins@nightlightskids.com
Clinica Colorado Westminster // View Profile ABOUT: To provide low cost health care for those who are indigent, without health insurance or unable to obtain primary care services. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Jill Schneider, jschneider@clinicacolorado.org
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To advance the consumer voice to improve access to health care for all Coloradans by working statewide for progress toward equity, affordability, and quality. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cynthia Wadle, cwadle@cohealthinitiative.org
Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry Greenwood Village // View Profile ABOUT: To address the food security needs of seniors, disabled individuals, and the unemployed or underemployed households in our community in a compassionate, dignified and secure environment. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@covcupboard.org
Food Bank of the Rockies Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To ignite the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cortney Paddock, cpaddock@foodbankrockies.org
Envision:You Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support, educate, and empower members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Steven Haden, steven.haden@envision-you.org
Human Services Network of Co. Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To create opportunities to improve the quality and integrity of services provided to vulnerable populations. INTERESTED? CONTACT: John Dandurand, john@thenetwork-co.org
s g in in a r T & s t n e v E Upcoming Spark Lunch & Learn: Spark Kindness! February 17th, 2022 1:00-2:00pm Virtual/Online Learn More or Register Now! Introduction to Board Service Training February 24th, 2022 3:00pm-4:30pm MST Virtual/Online Register Now!
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Points of Light Civic Life Today Magazine:
All issues now available! The Civic Life Today Magazine by Points of Light is packed with stories, educational resources, books, podcasts, activities, and more to Spark Engagement in your community! Visit our website to read more and to learn about our Civic Circle Discussion Series! 11
Listings Hunger & Homelessness Continued
Jeffco Eats Denver // View Profile
ABOUT: To provide weekend food for food insecure children in elementary, jr. high and high schools throughout Jefferson County. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Barbara Moore, jeffcoeats@gmail.com
International Service
Project C.U.R.E. Centennial // View Profile ABOUT: To identify, solicit, collect, sort and distribute medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Marlo Kirkham, marlokirkham@projectcure.org
Senior Services Jovial Concepts Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To support undeserved communities to thrive by offering sustainable solutions for nutrition and hunger. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Kristina Welsh, kristina@jovialconcepts.org
The Delores Project Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To partner with individuals experiencing barriers to housing by providing safe, reliable shelter and housing coupled with onsite services as they move towards stability. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Stephanie Johnson-Wall, sjohnson-wall@thedeloresproject.org
The Gathering Place Denver // View Profile ABOUT: A community of safety and hope where positive relationships, choice, and essential resources transform lives. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Cortney Mabry, cortney@tgpdenver.org
AgeWise Colorado Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To connect older Coloradans and their families with the information, products and services that help older Coloradans live their best lives. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Robert Brocker, president@agewisecolorado.org
Bridges Community Homecare & Hospice Colorado Springs, Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To increase quality of life and patient independence through principles of compassion, integrity, knowledge, and uncompromising service. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Heather Romero, hromero@bridgescommunitycare.c om
Check out our blog!
Colorado Talking Book Library Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide free services to Coloradans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or learning disabilities whether permanent or temporary. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Terri Marcotte, marcotte_t@cde.state.co.us
Volunteer!
Denver Regional Council of Governments Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To provide help for people with disabilities and offer the most comprehensive regional resource for aging information and issues. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Lauren Bell, lbell@drcog.org
Missed the last issue? Read it Here! Senior Assistance Center Denver // View Profile ABOUT: To promote the self-sufficiency of seniors in Metro Denver and ensure that no senior goes without the necessities of life, including food, shelter, and public services. INTERESTED? CONTACT: Karen Black, kb@seniorassistancecenter.org
Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Castle Rock // View Profile ABOUT: To make life more fulfilling and create community for seniors as they come here to engage in a wide variety of programming and services designed for “Loving Life in the Second Half” INTERESTED? CONTACT: Debbi Haynie, dhaynie@crgov.com
DID YOU KNOW? Youth who volunteer are... more likely to volunteer if their entire family is involved in the effort, and the shared experience can result in strengthened familial bonds. most likely to volunteer in Education and Services for other youth. over 60% more likely to donate and volunteer at charitable organizations in adulthood, regardless of income. 19% more likely to graduate from college. 27% more likely to find employment.
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p l e H o t w o H : e r i f d l i W l l a h M a rs
Marshall Fire & Middle Fork Fire, affecting Boulder County, Louisville and Superior The Marshall fire, which burned near the towns of Superior and Lafayette in Boulder County, is officially the most destructive in Colorado history in terms of the number of homes and businesses destroyed. Colorado Responds, a program of Spark the Change Colorado, is the leading resource for those interested in helping people and animals in Colorado in times of disaster. As responding agencies take action, more information will become available on what materials and volunteers are needed. Sign up for the Colorado Responds E-newsletter to receive updates as they develop on the best ways to help individuals impacted by the Boulder County Fires.
Visit the Colorado Responds Website
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Sign Up to Volunteer Now!
s e r i f d l i W : Volunteer VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Join the Colorado Responds E-newsletter list to receive updates on volunteer and donation needs in times of disaster across the state! Clean-up Volunteers for The Cajun Navy Ground Force This nonprofit disaster response organization is heading up teams of volunteers to start working on the debris removal phase of recovery. Volunteers are needed to help remove furniture, rugs, carpeting, drapes and other household items. All skill levels can be used! If you would like to join in on the recovery effort and be a part of the Cajun Navy Ground Force team, please send an email to volunteer@gocajunnavy.org with your name, zip code and phone number to get the registration process started. Client Services Volunteers We are seeking people with computer skills, customer service, attention to detail. You will be working directly with clients who have been affected by the fire. For details or to sign up, click here. Dock Assistance Volunteers This project requires strong volunteers who can lift 45lbs. and operate a pallet jack. For detail and to sign up, click here. Inventory Organization Volunteers This position requires physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods to sort donated clothing. For details and to sign up, click here. Distribution Center Café Volunteers Spark's RSVP program is especially seeking volunteers aged 55 and better for this position. Proof of COVID vaccination is REQUIRED for this volunteer position. For details and to sign up, click here. Basecamp Collective Volunteers is seeking volunteers to help unpack boxes, hang clothes, restock items as needed and assist with displaced families as they come into the warehouse to shop. Sign Up Now! Visit our Volunteer Page here to Sign Up or Express Interest. 14
Volunteer Volunteer with Spark! Senior Companion Volunteers Visits The Senior Companion Program engages individuals 55+ years old to realize the independence of older adults in their home and as a team, continue to be vibrant, contributing members of our communities. Mental Wellness Program- Volunteer Therapist Our Mental Wellness Program matches licensed and insured mental health practitioners (or those seeking licensure under supervision) with low income Coloradoans who lack access to mental health care. Mental Wellness Program- Volunteer Clinical Supervisor Volunteer Supervisors needed for licensure candidates and graduate interns. Harvest Pack Volunteer Fight hunger in your local community with Harvest Pack! Volunteers pack meals at volunteer service day events. Events have been altered to safely accommodate volunteers, while adhering to social distancing and PPE requirements. Find out more on our website and sign up to pack meals for those in need today! Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Since 1971, RSVP, an AmeriCorps Senior program and one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation for people 55 and over, has matched older adults who are willing to help with local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs. Food insecurity will be the focus area of service for Spark's RSVP program in 7 Colorado Counties. See all current RSVP volunteer opportunities here. Visit our Volunteer Page here to Sign Up or Express Interest. 15
d e d e e N s r e e t n u l o V h t l a e H l a M ent
The Spark the Change Colorado's Mental Wellness Program provides free, short-term counseling to low-income communities in hopes of reducing barriers in receiving mental health. Last year, the Mental Wellness Program provided services to over 1,200 clients throughout the state of Colorado. We are seeking licensed Mental Health (or candidates for licensure) volunteers to provide mental health services on-site through our host site partner locations (schools, shelters, churches, community organizations) or in a private practice setting. Finding mental health care or therapy can be a difficult process for many. Barriers include: Financial inability Lack of insurance coverage Barriers around marginalized identities such as: race, language barriers, gender, sexuality, etc. Reluctance due to negative stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy Volunteering is flexible, and requires a minimum of just 4 hours per month. Volunteer benefits include: The opportunity to reach new and diverse clientele Free continuing education and networking opportunities Free clinical supervision for those seeking licensure The opportunity to give back to your community and provide a muchneeded service to those who have barriers to accessing care If you are interested in learning more about becoming a mental health volunteer or if you have any other questions, please contact Lizette Chavez at LChavez@sparkthechangecolorado.org.
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It’s our job to recruit, connect and recognize those in our community who lead, inspire and are at the heart of the volunteer movement.
: s e c r u o s e R Our Spark the Change Colorado Website Colorado Responds Minisite City of Broomfield Minisite City of Golden Mini-site Board Match Training and Connection Events Volunteer Engagement Training Program Community Conversations Mental Wellness Program Senior Companion Program RSVP Program School & Nonprofit Wish List 17
Spark the Change Organization Newsletter Spark the Change Volunteer Newsletter Colorado Responds Newsletter Spark the Change Colorado Blog Disaster Preparedness Resources Service Enterprise Certification CSR Solutions of Colorado EVP & Days of Service Resources Harvest Pack Events Database of Volunteer Opportunities
LISTING INDEX Organization Page "I Have A Dream" Foundation of Boulder County A Precious Child Aero Angel AgeWise Colorado All-Stars Club Athena Project Benefits In Action Bridges Community Homecare & Hospice Bullying Recovery Resource Center Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Children's Literacy Center (CLC) Clinica Colorado Clothes To Kids of Denver Inc. Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Colorado Talking Book Library Community Resource Center Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry Denver Center for the Performing Arts Denver Children's Advocacy Center Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Dinosaur Ridge EnCorps STEM Teachers Program Envision:You Extreme Community Makeover Food Bank of the Rockies Foster Source Goodwill Colorado Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver History Colorado Human Services Network of Colorado Jeffco Eats Jewish Family Service of Colorado Jovial Concepts Karis Community Night Lights Project C.U.R.E. Senior Assistance Center The Delores Project The Gathering Place The Master's Apprentice Youth Celebrate Diversity
6 6 6 12 9 6 9 12 6 12 6 9 6 9 12 6 9 6 9 12 6 6 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 9 12 9 12 9 9 12 12 12 12 6 6
Interested in adding YOUR organization to the next Volunteer Guide? All Spark the Change Colorado Member Organizations are eligible for inclusion in our new Monthly Volunteer Guide, in a variety of ways!
Not a Member? Not a problem! Visit our website to start a membership today! Still have questions? Contact us: Kelly Streck Director of Community Engagement KStreck@SparktheChangeColorado.org Madison Taylor Marketing & Communications Manager MTaylor@SparktheChangeColorado.org Gabby Ewell Programs Admin. Assistant GEwell@SparktheChangeColorado.org
Call Call 303.282.1234
Email Email MTaylor@SparkThe
ChangeColorado.org
Follow Follow @SparkTheChangeCO @SparkChangeCO
Visit us online at
Sparkthechangecolorado.org and search through dozens of volunteer opportunities based on location, time, impact area, etc. Register for a volunteer account and sign up or express interest in any of our member volunteer opportunities and activities.
Questions? Contact us!
SPARK THE CHANGE COLORADO'S MISSION IS TO SPARK CHANGE AND INSPIRE A MOVEMENT OF GOOD THROUGH THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM, SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT.
