Volunteer Sedona Breaks Away from Manzanita

VolunteerSedona, which began as a project of Manzanita Outreach, has officially transitioned into an independent nonprofit organization, now known as Volunteer Sedona & The Verde Valley, effective January 1. This change follows a period of growth since its initial launch on September 20.

The newly registered organization aims to bridge the gap between visitors, residents, and local volunteer opportunities throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley. Susan “Spring” Graf, founder of VolunteerSedona, emphasized the need for this separation, stating, “Our priorities needed to split away. We needed to focus on pairing volunteers with local organizations.”

While Graf’s decision to establish a standalone entity became necessary over time, it is not linked to recent concerns raised by Manzanita Outreach regarding potential financial mismanagement. She expressed gratitude for the support received during the incubation period but noted it was indeed time to forge an independent path.

Looking ahead, Graf has outlined ambitious goals for 2025, including the creation of a new logo and outreach to northern Arizona colleges for student recruitment. She also plans to engage with travel agencies focused on “voluntourism,” attracting visitors who wish to contribute during their stay.

The organization has already engaged a grant writer to assist in securing financial support, and their inaugural board meeting is set for January 8. Graf mentioned, “There’s a lot of opportunity and fresh energy for 2025. We’ll be able to support our partners more effectively.”

The nonprofit has launched a new website, ysvv.org, and an enhanced version is expected to debut by the end of the month, complete with improvements to the volunteer calendar and mobile optimization. December saw the organization host listings from 38 local organizations, attracting 757 unique visitors.

Graf noted, “The signups are coming in, and we’re starting to receive group requests for next October from across the country. This excitement indicates that our brand is gaining recognition.” Her optimism reflects a growing enthusiasm within the community about the newly formed organization.