Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
The City of Albuquerque is set to host the inaugural Civic Connections Volunteer Fest, designed to align attendees with volunteer opportunities that match their interests and schedules. Scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Albuquerque Museum, the free, all-ages event will feature participation from over 30 City departments and numerous local nonprofits.
The event acknowledges the significant impact volunteers have on the community. Attendees can enjoy activities like door prizes and a selfie wall, while volunteers and community members share stories and collaborate on initiatives. There will also be information on the new Civic Connections Ambassadors program, aiming to inspire community involvement in Albuquerque's future.
“Volunteers play a critical role in strengthening and enhancing life in Albuquerque,” stated Mayor Tim Keller. “With Volunteer Fest, we’re celebrating giving back, and welcoming everyone to step up and join in. Whether you’re a senior, a student, or someone who has never volunteered before, this is a great place to start.”
Volunteers have positively impacted the community, contributing 618,771 hours and creating an economic impact of $16,941,949.98 in FY 2024. Jose Gechem of the Rio Grande Food Project highlighted the importance of volunteer efforts, stating, “Our partnership with the City of Albuquerque and One Albuquerque Volunteers has helped us in so many ways and is a wonderful connector for people throughout the city to not only find out more about our food pantry, urban garden, and community hub, but to plug in and help us serve our food insecure neighbors.”
Melani Buchanan Farmer from Running 505 expressed the event’s value, saying, "Volunteer Fest is a fantastic way for Running 505 to connect with community members who are passionate about youth wellness, mentorship, and overall positive outcomes for our kids."
The Volunteer Fest will include breakout sessions offering resources such as:
- How to Use the One Albuquerque Volunteer Site, led by Rachael Hernandez.
- Racial Equity 101 for Volunteers, led by Tim Green.
- CABQ Support for Nonprofit Partners, led by Mariah Harrison.
Further details can be found on the Connect ABQ Events website.