Organizations gain exposure at third annual Lead and Serve Expo
MOUNT VERNON - The third annual Skagit Lead and Serve Expo was held at Skagit Valley College on Friday, offering those in attendance interaction with 24 area nonprofits.
Born out of a collaboration between the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County and Skagit Valley College, the event creates a chance for attendees to browse multiple volunteer opportunities at once.
The first Lead and Serve Expo was focused on Leadership Skagit students, hoping to bridge the gap between learning about nonprofits and actively joining them.
During the past two years, the event has become more public-facing, giving the participating nonprofits more traction and exposure to the larger community.
Skagit County Assessor Danny Hagen graduated from the Leadership Skagit program in 2018.
During the Lead and Serve Expo, he serves as a volunteer, helping educate people about the event and the opportunities offered.
Hagen said it's important for leadership of nonprofits to be representative of all areas and demographics in their communities, and that the Lead and Serve Expo helps expose young people to some of those leadership positions.
Skagit Preschool and Resource Center Executive Director Amanda Sloan also graduated from the Leadership Skagit program in 2018.
Sloan said the Lead and Serve Expo is a valuable opportunity for her to speak to attendees about the organization's work, adding that her organization has gained board members from past events.
The Skagit Preschool and Resource Center, which was established in 1964 by a small group of parents caring for young children with disabilities, works with a variety of other community organizations and programs to provide family assistance.
Sloan expressed appreciation to the Lead and Serve Expo for bringing so many local nonprofits to one place. It helps attendees find the organization that is the right fit for them, she said.
Skagit Gleaners board member Kara Ney attended last year's Lead and Serve Expo as a community member, and returned this year to represent the organization she became more involved with because of the event.
Ney said her position with Skagit Gleaners helps keep her busy and allows her to give back to community. The gleaners help reduce food waste through food recovery and partnerships with local farms and businesses.
Last year, the event took place during spring break.
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County Community Relations Associate Gina Eakin said that moving this year's event to May allowed for increased attendance.
Eakin said the active volunteer base for EDASC is steadily 100 to 150 people.
The Lead and Serve Expo is part of the Leadership Skagit course's final Challenge Day.
The day is focused on community service and stewardship, with this year's students hearing panels and presenting their course-long community projects.
The Leadership Skagit course is full for next year.
Those who wants to get involved with a Skagit County nonprofit, through a general volunteer or volunteer leadership position, can visit the Skagit Volunteer Center website.{/div}
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