The City of Albuquerque’s Office of Civic Engagement is organizing its second Civic Connections Volunteer Fest, set for Friday, October 24, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Albuquerque Museum. The event is free and open to people of all ages.
Following the inaugural event held in April, this Volunteer Fest aims to connect residents with volunteer opportunities suited to their interests and schedules. Over 30 city departments and local nonprofit organizations will participate, providing information on how community members can contribute through volunteering.
The festival will include a raffle, activities, and networking spaces for volunteers and coordinators. These features are intended to foster discussion about strengthening community-led projects. Attendees can also learn about the Civic Connections Ambassadors program and explore additional ways to engage in shaping the city’s future.
According to city data, volunteers contributed 618,771 hours of service during fiscal year 2024. This effort resulted in an estimated economic impact of $16.9 million across various city programs. The City highlighted that these contributions demonstrate the important role volunteers play in supporting services and improving quality of life in Albuquerque.
Interactive breakout sessions will be part of the event. Topics include using the One Albuquerque Volunteer Site (led by Rachael Hernandez), understanding how civic engagement supports nonprofits (led by Mariah Harrison), strategies for recruiting and working with youth volunteers (led by Aubree Silva), and a live podcast recording titled “The ABQ Accent: A Panel on Volunteer Connections.”
City departments participating in the event include Human Resources, Animal Welfare, Open Space, Community Policing Council, Solid Waste, Libraries, ABQ Ride, Boards & Commissions/City Clerk, OEI, Senior Affairs, YFS, APD, HHH, and the Office of Civic Engagement itself.
Local nonprofit organizations scheduled to attend are Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico, Inhora, Lovelace Health System, NAMI Albuquerque, Explora, Catholic Charities, Animal Humane New Mexico, New Mexico Street Pet Project, ABQ Reads, Boys & Girls Clubs of NM, Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation (Carrie Tingley), Visit ABQ (the city’s destination marketing organization), Corus Home Health Care Services (Corus Home Health), Observe New Mexico (a science education organization), Food Rescue US (an anti-hunger initiative), Barret Foundation (a housing assistance provider), Meals on Wheels Albuquerque (a meal delivery service), and Walking School Bus/Alley Activation.
“Volunteer Fest continues to celebrate civic engagement by helping attendees find volunteer opportunities that match their interests, skills, and schedules,” according to organizers.
The event is designed as a central opportunity for residents to discover ways they can give back and support community needs in Albuquerque.
