Volunteerism is often described as the backbone of the nonprofit sector, the muscle that moves the many charitable organizations that help the less fortunate and enrich the lives of all.
Nearly 240,000 people perform volunteer work in the greater Tucson area. That's 28 percent of the population - slightly above the national average but only 43rd among the 75 mid-sized cities with which Tucson is typically compared.
Many people say they'd like to do volunteer work but don't know how to get started. They ask, "Are there volunteer needs near where I live? Are there organizations that need the skills I possess? What if I can only volunteer on certain days, or certain times of the day?"
Lisa Humenik, president and CEO of Volunteer Southern Arizona, will answer such questions at a free workshop at 3:30 p.m. March 29 at the Arizona Senior Academy, at 13715 E. Langtry Lane.
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Humenik will also explore the current impact of volunteerism in greater Tucson; the benefits of volunteerism to individuals, organizations, business and the community; and what Volunteer Southern Arizona is doing to support volunteerism.
"Individuals attending the workshop will gain tools and insight to help them identify volunteer opportunities that best meet their skills, passions and interests," she said.
Humenik has a master's degree in public administration and nonprofit leadership. She has led Volunteer Southern Arizona, formerly the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona, since October 2009, and has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit administration and volunteer program management.
Volunteer Southern Arizona has been helping connect individuals and groups to volunteer opportunities since 1965.
It provides volunteer recruitment and referral services for more than 200 nonprofit organizations as well as workshops and consulting on best practices in volunteer engagement.
If You Go
• What: Volunteerism Workshop with Lisa Humenik
• When: 3:30 p.m. March 29
• Where: Arizona Senior Academy Building, 13715 E. Langtry Lane
• Admission: Free; donations accepted
• Reservations: Recommended; email info@arizonasenioracademy.org or call 647-0980
