National Volunteer Week is observed by many individuals and organizations annually during the third week of April. This year celebrations will happen from April 16 to 22. The dedicated week is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general.
This significant celebration— was established in 1974 in the United States and 1977 in Canada—provides the perfect opportunity for volunteer-driven organizations like NIRSA to say thank you.
NIRSA owes its success to the leadership of dedicated volunteers, members who generously donate their time and expertise to directing NIRSA’s operations and services.
Fifty volunteers serve on NIRSA’s three governing bodies
Three governing bodies, composed of NIRSA members, comprise the larger part of NIRSA leadership. Eight volunteer members make up the NIRSA Board of Directors who oversee NIRSA’s strategic planning and coordinate between the many stakeholders involved in NIRSA growth and operations. The Board provides visionary direction for the many teams working on new initiatives and areas of exploration , and balances the association’s practical needs with our aspirational goals.
Eighteen volunteer members comprise the NIRSA Member Network—their roles involve working together to connect NIRSA leadership to our wide body of members, ensure that NIRSA operations reflect membership priorities, and offer Members opportunities to be a part of NIRSA’s service to the profession.
Twenty-five volunteer members currently sit on the NIRSA Assembly—NIRSA’s think tank. This large group of leaders from across the full variety of demographics that compose our membership, works to surface and explore current trends and issues in the recreational sports profession. These are the thinkers who draw on their varied experiences in the field to make meaning of signals and guide NIRSA members through potential impacts to the industry.
Advancing campus rec through focused and committed service
NIRSA is a diverse organization with many areas of focus. As such, the Association is led by a variety of volunteer committees, work teams, advisory councils, and task forces. More than 160 individuals serve on 20 official volunteer leadership groups.
Scores of other members have also given of their time and talent to serve the Association and advance the profession by facilitating roundtable conversations, presenting at an in-person NIRSA event or an online NIRSA Learning opportunities, responding to questions posted in NIRSA Connect, and contributing to NIRSA resources and publications. On behalf of NIRSA, we’re so very grateful for your enthusiasm and contributions. We know that all volunteers, in whatever capacity they serve, sacrifice some of their bandwidth to advance NIRSA’s mission and vision—thank you!
Series tournament and NIRSA Services Corporation volunteers
The NIRSA Services Corporation (NSC) is the entrepreneurial and economic development arm of the Association. The NIRSA Services Corporation Board of Directors, comprised of seven volunteer members, provides strategic direction that guides custom marketing opportunities for forward looking companies to tap into the passion and authenticity of the recreational participant in recreation centers and outdoor venues.
The NIRSA Championship Series gives college recreational sports participants an opportunity to compete, coordinate, officiate, and connect with skilled peers from other schools and take all the benefits of recreational competition to a higher level. Nearly 100 individuals serve on the NIRSA Championship Series’ 14 official volunteer leadership groups. And 618 individual volunteer experiences were at the heart of the 2022 NIRSA Championship Series regional and national sports tournament season.
NIRSA Foundation volunteers support the future of campus rec
Through fundraising and stewardship efforts, the NIRSA Foundation works in cooperation with NIRSA to enhance the effectiveness of collegiate recreational sports by providing its members meaningful opportunities for scholarship, research, and personal and professional development. The NIRSA Foundation also supports evolving NIRSA Strategic Initiatives through its Mission Advancement Fund. Examples of this strategic initiative support include Small Programs scholarships, the COVID-19 membership waiver, and EDI Climate Study. Eleven volunteer members currently serve on the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors.
The NIRSA Foundation has a variety of committees that assist with planning and carrying out the Foundation activities and events at the Annual Conference, as well as, helping the Foundation with other important initiatives. Thanks to the dozens of volunteers who serve on the NIRSA Foundation’s committees.
Thanks to all our volunteers
NIRSA’s volunteer leaders pool their experience in the collegiate recreation profession to support Association members in their contributions and achievements in the field. Thanks to volunteer efforts and attention, NIRSA helps create and sustain powerful communities of wellbeing around the world.
About National Volunteer Week
The National Volunteer Week officially took root in the U.S. in 1974, after President Richard Nixon established it with an executive order. It has been followed by other presidents to date, growing to incorporate different special events and initiatives. The National Volunteer Week is organized by the Points of Light Foundation whose mission is “to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take actions that change the world” and Volunteering Canada—a charity initiative that provides expertise on volunteerism with the lens on increasing participation and quality of volunteer experiences.
- For more information, contact NIRSA’s Director of Membership & Leadership Sarah Leskovec.
Mila Padgett is currently the Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness at the University of South Carolina Aiken. She is President Elect on the NIRSA Board of Directors.
Pam Watts is currently the Executive Director at NIRSA.
