Challenge encourages employer-supported volunteering

Because of unprecedented circumstances created by COVID-19, the Kansas Volunteer Commission and Volunteer Kansas announced Thursday, March 19, that the Give Back Kansas Challenge will be postponed until summer 2020.

The Give Back Kansas Challenge is an opportunity for employees who volunteer to receive recognition by tracking and reporting their volunteer hours. It also encourages employees, who may be first-time volunteers, to try something new that will help them develop additional skills or generate enthusiasm for their work.

Kansas volunteers and the employers who support volunteer efforts are among some of the most dedicated volunteers in the country. Suspending this challenge shouldn’t shut down or discourage all volunteer efforts in Kansas but should encourage employees and employers to only engage in mindful and safe volunteerism that meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Currently, the Kansas Volunteer Commission and Volunteer Kansas are encouraging all Kansans to follow the directives of state and local health officials when engaging in any activities that include potential in-person socialization.

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The mission of the Kansas Volunteer Commission is to empower all Kansans to meet community needs through service. The Commission's primary role is to provide resources and leadership to support local initiatives that tackle community needs. As the state service commission, the KVC directs effective national service programs, provides volunteer management training opportunities and supports the work of Mentor Kansas. For more information, visit www.kanserve.org.

Volunteer Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity based in Wichita. www.Volunteerkansas.org is the organization’s website devoted to increasing volunteerism in the state of Kansas and providing a hub for Kansans to find other Kansans who may need volunteer or material help. The website is a free service to individuals and organizations.

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