Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 21-27

Next week is National Volunteer Week, but rather than being a time to get people to volunteer, most activities center on honoring those that already do.

Right here in Milwaukee, Volunteer Milwaukee will host the 31st annual Inspire By Example Awards. In addition to recognizing volunteers in the categories of Adult, Youth, Board Service, Business and Group, the event will award the Wile Volunteer Management Award to a local professional in the field of Volunteer Administration. Nationally, Points of Light and the Hands On Network help focus attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership.


If you know people who are volunteering, take time to thank them for their efforts. Tell them how you respect what they do. Treat them to coffee, a drink, even dinner, and let them know they are appreciated for their efforts (I am open all next week right now, BTW, jk).

Though it is a time to celebrate those already volunteering, it is also a time to be inspired by those people to get out there and volunteer ourselves. Pick something you are passionate about - an illness that affected a friend or family member, a social or environmental cause you are moved by, or any other cause that inspires you - and contact a local organization to see what you can do to help. If you are unsure of who you want to help and want to find general opportunities in Milwaukee, The Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee has a database of opportunities to search, with many ways to refine your search including location, age and availability, even cause type -  click here to search.