Thank you San Diego County!

I have to say, I am impressed.

Actually, to be completely honest, I'm even a little shocked. Like I said in a previous post, I'm new to California. I have been volunteering on and off since high school in Michigan, and started working for nonprofit organizations while attending college in Wisconsin, where I minored in Volunteerism and Community Organizing. Since then, I spent a year as an AmeriCorps member in West Virginia, working for a nonprofit agency there.

In my studies, work, and travel, I have never seen a volunteer culture as organized and eager as San Diego County. I know volunteering is a growing trend nationally, and increasingly vital to keep nonprofit agencies serving those in need. But this place is really ahead of the curve! From corporate community service projects, to Service Learning college and university departments, to individuals who want to contribute to their communities, this place has got it going on! Additionally, Volunteer San Diego makes it easy to connect with volunteer opportunities all over the county, from one-time events, to ongoing opportunities. (If you haven't been to the website, check it out!) All this energy, infrastructure, and eagerness makes my position as Volunteer Coordinator for North County Community Services exciting and rewarding (and pretty darn busy!).

Thank you volunteers, and all the people that have brought community service in San Diego County to where it is today.

Abby Weglarz

Volunteer Coordinator

North County Community Services