The University of Wyoming’s Service, Leadership, and Community Engagement (SLCE) program hosted a spring volunteer fair on Thursday, February 9th. The fair is held annually, to encourage students to volunteer with various community organizations in Laramie.
Approximately 20 local organizations came to the fair to advertise their volunteer opportunities at the fair, which was held in the Union Ballroom.
“We’ve done a fall volunteer fair for the past couple of years. This is the first spring where we’ve done one in at least five years, but yeah, we typically do this every year,” said Shelby Kennedy, SLCE coordinator.
“The response has been amazing from the community partners. We’re stoked that we can get these interactions when we can.”
Engaging in community volunteer service is one of the most practical ways for students to gain skills like communication and leadership. Additionally, it gives students a sense of purpose and will get them into contact with new friends and potential business connections.
“I work in sponsored programs. So, I am a volunteer with Jubilee days, I’m their committee chair. But I’ve been involved with Jubilee days since I was a little kid” said Kim Puls, a program sponsor for Laramie Jubilee days.
“This is the first year that Jubilee days has been involved.”
Along with Puls, there were many Laramie organizations that went to share their opportunities with students. Among them were Feeding Laramie Valley, Laramie Interfaith, Foster Grandparents of the Wyoming Rockies, and the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities.
“We came in the fall, but otherwise this is the first year we’ve been here,” said Kelly Humphrey, account manager at Wyoming Be the Match.
“We also have a partnership with a fraternity that will be hosting an event.”
Those interested in community involvement and engagement can sign up through UWYO’s online volunteer hub, where nonprofit partners post their volunteer opportunities. It is open to anyone in the Laramie community.
“It’s wonderful. Just to get out and see the other community volunteers that come and the groups that are here, and to get to communicate with them and find ways to interact and share our potential opportunities with them,” said Puls.
