Last week was the semi-annual Fall Volunteer Fair which occurred from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., located outside the library along University Mall.
The event showcased around 40 non-profit organizations with the purpose of promoting volunteerism within the community. It is held every semester with organizations from the Fresno area, coming on campus to share their missions with Fresno City College students.
“Volunteering can be a great opportunity to build experience, relationships, or expand your resume,” Student Services Senior Program Specialist and Event Coordinator Sadie Grantham said.
Grantham’s goal for this event was“to help non-profit organizations find quality volunteers and to show students the importance of volunteering.”One of the non-profit organizations present was the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. They educate the youth of Fresno, collect grants to reach the youth, and seek out future coordinators.The organization’s mission is “to promote peace and end violence,” according to organization member Carol Goiburn.
“It is important to get involved and stay involved,” Goiburn said.
She wants to encourage people to devote their time to reach out to the youth of the community to promote peaceful acts. She also wants to establish programs for speakers who are politically engaged.
Another notable non-profit is the Fresno Discovery Center; a small, local museum that lets children learn about science, animals and paleontology. The Science Center coordinator is Sarah Bradbury, the organization’s representative.
“Our mission is to build connections with all members of the community and to ignite curiosity and imagination with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, (STEAM) experience,” Bradbury said.
There are many opportunities for volunteers to take advantage of, from marketing and planning events put on by the non-profit to helping and servicing the Central Valley youth, according to Bradburry.
“I want to let everyone know that the Fresno Discovery Center is a science center for the mind where visitors of all ages can discover, explore and create,” Bradbury said.
Additionally, Bradbury invites anyone to come to their next event called “Tricks N Treats” coming up on October 19th. A “not-so-scary” Halloween event for kids with live entertainment, food, games and more.
The Fresno County Democrats was another organization of note. Hugo Morrison was their representative who chairs their events and Voter Education committee for the organization. The committee contributes to the Fresno County Democrats by giving them practical voter information and resources which are directed to oversee and empower voters.
“First, we want outreach for presenting the Democrats about what we do,” Morrison said. “Second, we also want to provide opportunities to students to be involved in politics.”
Social media is the biggest way they communicate with voters and the youth. It builds social media skills and helps students get involved according to Morrison.
“We’d love for them [FCC Students] to learn about the Fresno County Democrats, empower themselves, learn new skill sets, make new friends and just have fun,” he said.
