There was an abundance of energy in the room at our first seminar of 2015, a Volunteerism Fair featuring representatives from 9 important community  organizations. Attendees learned about the vital role that volunteers play in the wide-ranging activities of these organizations-- from packing and sorting at St. Mary's Food Bank, to reading and mentoring elementary school children via Tempe Experience Corp, to befriending sheltered animals at the Arizona Humane Society. Each presenter gave excellent insights into their organization's current community projects and activities, while also explaining the work that volunteers do in contributing to their success. In addition to the above groups, the Fair included representatives from Valley of the Sun United Way, the Phoenix Art Museum, Call 12 for Action,  the Tempe Library and History Museum, Sky Harbor Airport, and your own ASURA....we're in need of volunteers too! 

Story by Jan Thompson, photos by Gary Kleemann