Why Serve Fresno?
In a 2009 report, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) ranked California 42nd out of 50 states, based on the percentage of resident volunteers—23.8% of Californians volunteer. Among the 75 mid-size cities listed, Fresno ranked 74th for resident volunteers, with only 19.5% of our community volunteering. Only El Paso, Texas rated lower.
The Call to Action
The CNCS study shows that communities flourish when there is a strong volunteer ethic. It also highlights that the earlier a young person begins volunteering, the more he or she develops a life-long habit of service, which leads to greater academic success and often influences adults to become involved as well.
According to the data, Fresno only contributes 6.6% of its volunteer efforts in civic programs, and only 9.8% in social services. The study concludes that community leaders need to consider strategies for elevating the issue of volunteering in their policies and communications so that more effort is placed on community improvement. Mayor Ashley Swearengin's has responded, establishing the Mayor's Initiative on Volunteerism and Civic Engagement, Serve Fresno.
The Challenge
The strength of a society lies in its people. Serve Fresno is built on the belief that we should constantly be working towards a greater good for our fellow neighbors and that starts with giving back to our community. Help Mayor Ashley Swearengin and HandsOn Central California reach one million hours of volunteer service in Fresno by April 2011.
That's only two hours of service for each Fresnan over the next year!
Improve education, strengthen the economy, care for the community, help your neighbors , bringing YOU and your community together is what Serve Fresno is all about. Join the cause!
