What would our country be like if we did not have volunteers? Events like Shoot From the Heart would not happen. Multiple services that enhance all of our lives would not exist. To address the issues of how to serve others in our changing world is a workshop, "Advocating For Volunteers", sponsored by the Yankton Volunteer Leaders and the United Way & Volunteer Services on January 28th.

Matching volunteers with opportunities has changed since I began working at United Way. More youth and families are seeking to help others. New skill sets are being provided by newly retired individuals. Volunteers seek opportunities that are once a month, once a year for annual events, half day when available, eight hour days once a month, two hours - adjusting meaningful work for a variety of skills for a designated time is challenging for the volunteer leaders - now known as Volunteer Engagers. Yes, times are changing and we are looking forward to learning more about how to best utilize these changes.

Nona Bixler, Sanford USD Medical Center Director of Volunteer Services, will be presenting "The Everchanging Volunteer" in topics including differences in the generations of volunteers, how to recruit volunteers, what opportunities volunteers are seeking and volunteer recognition expectations. The workshop will be at Majestic Bluffs from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm with morning snack and lunch included in the $15.00 registration fee. Registration deadline is January 22nd.

Volunteers are vital cogs in the well-run engines of non-profits, churches, service clubs and any other organization engaging volunteers. If you are part of any of these groups, encourage one or two people to attend this affordable, very timely workshop that will bring beneficial changes to the mission of the organization. For more information, please call the United Way & Volunteer Services at 665-6766.