Posted on Apr 26, 2024 2:30:00 PM by Greater Green Bay Chamber
Happy National Volunteer Week! Established in 1974, this week recognizes the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers. The Greater Green Bay Chamber is fortunate to have many groups of volunteers that dedicate their time and talents to making our programs great. We are excited to feature these individuals in a special blog miniseries published this week. Today, learn more about The Volunteer Center of Brown County and how you can get connected in the community.
Tell us about The Volunteer Center of Brown County. What is your mission?
The Volunteer Center of Brown County builds a stronger community through volunteerism. We believe the strength of a community is directly related to its volunteers. Each year, we match thousands of volunteers with hundreds of local nonprofit partners to best utilize time and talent.The Volunteer Center is creating a stronger community by engaging volunteers to support nonprofit partners.
What types of volunteers do you support?
We support all types of volunteers! Anyone who is interested in volunteering we work to ensure they are matched with a legitimate 501-C3 nonprofit organization in need of volunteers.
What types of volunteer opportunities can people find through The Volunteer Center of Brown County?
We have hundreds of opportunities between our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/volunteergreenbay/), monthly newsletter, The Volunteer Times, weekly newsletter, Volunteer Connect, and our Get Connected online platform. Anything from helping children with their reading through our Reading Coaches program, to stocking local food pantries to cleaning up trash in our communities. If you have a skill or interest, we can help you get connected with someone who needs it!
How do you connect volunteers with opportunities?
Leanne, our RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) Director, meets with volunteers 55+ to discuss their interests and works with her nonprofit partners to make sure interests are fulfilled and needs are met.
Jessie, our Community Development & Special Events Director, works with all the rest of the volunteer community, to ensure both volunteers and nonprofit organizations are happy with their placements.
What events does The Volunteer Center of Brown County host? 
Our most recent event was just yesterday! (Thursday, April 25th) The 2024 WPS Volunteer Awards was held at the Lambeau Field Atrium, we honored more than 700 volunteers. We have 8 categories; United Healthcare Youth Volunteer Award, Georgia-Pacific Adult Volunteer Award, The George Kress Foundation Volunteer in Education Award, Constellation Volunteer Leadership Award, Schreiber Heart of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award, Community First Credit Union Arts and Culture Volunteer Award, Festival Foods Small Group Award and the Green Bay Packers Give Back Large Group Award. All of the nominees are so deserving, and we are happy to honor them all!
Our next event is our Annual Golf Outing, this year it’s Friday, July 19th at Royal Scot Golf Course in New Franken.
In September we hold our annual Volunteer Expo, location and date to be determined.
And finally, we have Rake Up Green Bay that runs from October to November, where we work with folks needing help with simple raking to match them with groups that need the raking done.
All information can be found on our website or by getting in touch with me, Jessie at jessie@volunteergb.org.
What impact does volunteering have on the community? Why is it important?
There is so much impact volunteering has for community! Volunteers are the catalyst for community engagement. Increased community engagement leads to a more active community, where people work to address challenges and create positive change. Not to mention the mental, physical and, sometimes, spiritual benefits of volunteering.
What is the best way for people to connect with The Volunteer Center of Brown County?
You can check our website: www.VolunteerGB.org or stop in to the Volunteer Center located at 984 9th Street in Green Bay.
We’re here 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or give us as call at (920)429-9445.