Tucsonans on the market for opportunities to pair up as volunteers or board members with local nonprofits need look no further.
Prospective volunteers can match with 30 diverse organizations in one place during the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Spring 2025 Board Connect.
The event is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 14, at the Community Foundation Campus, 5049 E. Broadway.
“Each organization does a sort of a one-minute pitch and we have tables set up for people to visit. The first time we did it we called it speed dating since people can go table to table really fast and have the chance to talk to a lot of nonprofits. Some nonprofits may have specific needs ... but they are generally looking for people from all professions and all backgrounds who will be committed volunteers and board members who care about their cause,” said Jenny Flynn, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA).
The event is staged by the CFSA Center for Healthy Nonprofits in partnership with Tucson Young Professionals and offers a platform for exposure to nonprofits of various sizes representing arts and education, health and wellness, youth and seniors, foster care, animal welfare, social justice and the environment.
Participants include ALS Arizona; Ballet Tucson; Caleb’s Assist; Community Gardens of Tucson; Community Options, Inc.; University of Arizona Cooper Center for Environmental Learning; Culture of Peace Alliance, Inc.; Gabriel’s Angels; More Than a Bed; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tucson Values Teachers; Step Up to Justice; and more.
The low-pressure event was designed for anyone over age 18, particularly individuals — including newcomers to Tucson and the retired or semi-retired — who are looking for a way to give back to the community. It is also the perfect opportunity for people interested in serving on nonprofit boards who aren’t sure how to connect with an organization.
Flynn emphasized that volunteerism is as vital as ever for nonprofits, particularly since many have been impacted by economic uncertainty.
“Donors are more cautious in times of uncertainty, and often with nonprofits the need goes up at the same time as sources of revenues go down, so it is a little bit of a double bind for them. Funding cuts are impacting lots of nonprofits profoundly ... that creates a lot of need for the community to step up if they want services to continue There is plenty of need if you want to get involved and usually good work makes your heart feel good,” Flynn said.
Go to http://tucne.ws/1scx for more information or to RSVP.
