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Fourth Annual Give Back Kansas Challenge Announced

Give Back Kansas Challenge
Give Back Kansas Challenge

Kansas employers are invited to register for the fourth annual Give Back Kansas Challenge and encourage their employees to volunteer in their community.

The eight-week Challenge runs from April 1st through May 31st, 2024.  Kansas employers who would like to participate need to register at http://bit.ly/Givebackks by March 22nd.

The Give Back Kansas Challenge is an opportunity for employees who volunteer regularly to receive recognition by tracking and reporting their hours.  Employees, who are new to volunteerism, will be encouraged to try something new that could help them develop additional skills or enthusiasm for their work or community.

“The Challenge is a fun and exciting way for participants to learn more about nonprofits in their communities and to help them out by giving of their time and abilities,” said Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas, which partners with the Kansas Volunteer Commission to promote the Challenge to Kansans each year.

There is no cost to participate, and the Challenge is open to any employer in Kansas (for-profit, nonprofit, education systems, and government).  Employers register in advance to participate, and volunteer hours are reported through an online portal by the employers’ self-designated point of contact.

Based on the number of entries received and company size, employers are divided into three categories (large, medium and small).  Winners of the Challenge will be selected by determining the average number of volunteer hours per employer completed during the Challenge period.  Employers achieving the highest average in each size category will have a $1,000 donation made on their behalf by Volunteer Kansas to the nonprofit of their choice.  Those employers will be invited to a check presentation and recognition ceremony.

“Research shows that employer-supported volunteering can result in improved employee engagement, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and retention,” said Dr. Jessica Dorsey, executive director of the Kansas Volunteer Commission.  “We look forward to seeing the many positive ways participating organizations are affected during the Give Back Kansas Challenge.”

Last year, Cloud County was named the large organization winner and selected the Concordia Lions Club to receive a $1,000 grant on their behalf.  The funds went to support Cloud County Community Suppers, which provide a free meal the first two Wednesdays of each month.  Volunteers and financial support are two important factors that keep the community suppers going.

Complete information and resources on how to participate and find volunteer opportunities are available at http://bit.ly/Givebackks or by contacting Dorsey at jdorsey@ksde.org or (785) 296-3163.