Sedona’s New Platform Connects Volunteers with Opportunities

On September 20, Manzanita Outreach introduced its new volunteer program, VolunteerSedona.com, during a launch event at the Sedona Public Library. This innovative website aims to connect residents with local nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers.

Users can easily find volunteer opportunities that suit their interests, signing up for shifts ranging from two to four hours. These opportunities require minimal training and can be booked at short notice. Presently, listings include roles from various organizations, such as the Humane Society of Sedona and the Sedona Arts Center, which is actively seeking assistance for the upcoming Sedona Plein Air Festival on October 19.

At the launch, Executive Director Ben Burke emphasized that this marks only the beginning for VolunteerSedona. Currently, 26 organizations have posted their volunteer needs, but Burke acknowledged the challenges ahead in promoting the site and increasing user engagement. “We’ve got a lot to figure out,” he stated, highlighting the need for better integration both for nonprofits and community members.

Spring Graf, founder of VolunteerSedona, shared her inspiration for the initiative. After volunteering with Hungry Heroes Hawaii in the recovery efforts following the Maui wildfires, she returned to Sedona inspired to enhance her community involvement. “For me, service is love in action,” Graf remarked, illustrating how her recent experiences fueled her desire to create a centralized volunteer database after discovering a gap in resources.

Steve Calkins, co-founder of Hungry Heroes Hawaii, attended the event and provided insights into his organization’s mission, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the unsheltered. He recounted how their initial efforts quickly escalated, showcasing the power of community engagement.

VolunteerSedona is also open to non-registered entities, allowing municipalities and local farms to leverage the platform. The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department is exploring its use for staffing the Fest of Fall event scheduled for October 19, as confirmed by Special Events Coordinator Jason Vargo.

Kalil McRoy, an AmeriCorps Vista coordinator for Manzanita Outreach, explained the user-friendly website features. Participants can view upcoming events, read descriptions, and sign up directly, receiving email confirmations from event coordinators. This streamlined process aims to enhance volunteer engagement in the Sedona area.