AmeriCorps Mayors Volunteerism Day - RGCF

Rio Grande Community Farm was honored to participate in the first ever national AmeriCorps Mayor's Week on April 9, 2013 by assisting and enjoying Mayors Day of Volunteerism at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. The day began rainy and windy as our crew gathered at Civic Plaza to help prepare for the festivities. Along with 4 other AmeriCorps programs, we moved indoors to the Mayor's Office. Here we met with staff from the Mayor's Office of Volunteerism and Engagement and received several assignments including greeters, table registration, and equipment movers. We then deployed out to the Albuquerque Convention Center where we prepared for over 80 separate volunteer groups and non-profits that would participate in the noontime events. RGCF AmeriCorps members were on the front lines as several hundred individuals came to the event. At noon Mayor Richard Barry began the ceremonies by honoring all the non-profits and volunteers that have contributed so much to the Albuquerque community. Over 30 individuals were nominated and received Certificates of Appreciation. Several speakers talked about the role of volunteerism and how essential this is to the wellbeing of our community. Several organizations were honored as making a particularly strong impact in the community. Michael Garcia, State AmeriCorps VISTA Director spoke about the hundreds of AmeriCorps members deployed throughout the State. We were treated to pizza and then our RGCF members helped cleanup after the event. Members got a chance to view the over 60 booths that were setup to describe volunteer activities in Albuquerque. We are proud to be a part of the larger volunteer community that is doing so much to make Albuquerque a great place to live.