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Fairfax, VA May 8, 2019 –Volunteer Fairfax is marking 45 years of mobilizing people and resources to meet the Fairfax County community needs. As the respected leader in community volunteerism in the region, Volunteer Fairfax connects individuals, groups, and corporations to volunteer opportunities.

In the fiscal year leading up to its 45th anniversary, Volunteer Fairfax engaged over 13,000 individuals who contributed over 47,000 hours of volunteer time which provided value added service to individuals, families and communities in the greater Northern Virginia area. “We have experienced many successes throughout out the years through our signature programs and events, dedicated board members, business partners and community/nonprofit collaborations”, said Rick Garza, Board President of Volunteer Fairfax.

Steve Mutty, CEO of Volunteer Fairfax stated, “Recognizing that a lot can change in 45 years, volunteerism means something different from one generation to the next; today, volunteerism is as much experiential and social as it is a call to serve. We recognize this fact as we engage with the community to pass the ethic of volunteerism to future generations. But we cannot achieve our mission without each and every volunteer who has served and continues to serve. So, we say “Thank you” as we invite our valued volunteers to connect with us for many more years to come.”

To commemorate Volunteer Fairfax’s 45th anniversary the community is invited to take a more active role in celebrating volunteerism in Fairfax County. Here is a snapshot some of the 45th Anniversary initiatives:

• Launch of The Impact Collective: a giving circle of civic-minded companies and individuals celebrating Volunteer Fairfax’s 45th anniversary.
• “Volunteering – it’s personal!” is a public awareness campaign that advances the premise that the most reliable and enthusiastic volunteers are those who chose volunteer opportunities that match their own personal interests.
• Raising awareness of inclusive volunteerism through education and programs. Inclusive volunteerism assumes that all volunteers have equal access to volunteer engagements. Our County and region are becoming more and more culturally diverse; we want opportunities for volunteerism to mirror that trend.
• Increasing corporate volunteer engagement programs with our region’s burgeoning business community though the Volunteer Fairfax BusinessLink and BoardLink signature programs.
• Leading the conversation on how to pass the ethic of volunteerism to future generations, recognizing that volunteerism has become more social, experiential and passion-driven, as the Millennials and Generation-Z assume greater roles in strengthening our communities for the future.

“Looking forward, as our County continues to prosper and grow, need is also on the increase, hence there is a greater demand for volunteers with specific talents “, said Mutty. We want the spirit of inclusiveness in One Fairfax to extend to creating volunteer opportunities where there is a lot of untapped talent, especially the many talents of veterans, and persons with disabilities and people with varied cultural backgrounds.”

For more than 45 years, Volunteer Fairfax has mobilized people and resources to improve the Fairfax County region. Through a variety of programs, special events and services, Volunteer Fairfax engages thousands of volunteers to make an impact. For more information, visit www.volunteerfiarfax.org

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