In our community and across the world, we’ve seen how we can rally together to respond to a crisis. It’s inspiring to see our leaders collaborate to take care of our community – Colorado’s Civic DNA™ in action.
We’ve seen individuals and companies innovate how they give back, and we want to activate our Leadership Foundation family to do the same.
April is Global Volunteer Month so let’s show how our network of over 5,000 alumni can lend a hand. There are a couple of ways you can flex your virtual volunteer muscles this month:
- April 20-24 connect with your class and spread thanks: Our Alumni Advisory Council is “hosting” a coordinated virtual thank-a-thon. Alumni virtually connect with your classmates to write notes to frontline community members. Sign up to be a host here.
- Volunteer with Mile High United Way (MHUW): MHUW's 2-1-1 is a statewide community resource connecting individuals and families to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, child care and more. MHUW is looking for volunteers to help answer 2-1-1 calls. Learn more about how you can volunteer.
- Share your voice with the Denver Virtual Phonebank: The Denver delegation to the state legislature are collaborating on a city-wide phonebank to reach out to older Denverites to ensure that they have the resources they need to get through this crisis. Sign up for the virtual phone bank.
- Spread kindness with Kynd Kits: A program of Project Helping, Kynd Kits is a nonprofit with the mission of improving mental wellness through Kyndfullness. Its volunteer opportunities delivered to your door. They are offering Leadership Foundation alumni 15% off with the code LFALUM (discount is applied at checkout). Get Kyndfulness delivered.
Do you have other volunteer opportunities or ways you’re giving back this month? Share it with us on The Network.
This month, we’re also kicking off a new series, Virtual Voices, to keep you informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. You’ll hear from alums on the front lines of impacted industries as they share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons. Join us Thursday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to noon to hear from Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber. Email megan.vivier@denverleadership.org to register and check The Network for upcoming Virtual Voices.
In addition to these opportunities, our Chamber family is working to provide resources and the latest information to help during this challenging time.
- The Denver Metro Chamber launched the COVID-19 Business Resource Center. It’s a one-stop resource offering a range of pandemic-related materials for businesses of all sizes and across industries, as well as workers.
- B:CIVIC is helping businesses engage in a community response. The organization has launched a COVID-19 resource website to share best practices from companies taking a stand through grantmaking, crisis communications, nonprofit support, virtual volunteering and more. They’ve also launched a webinar series where community leaders are sharing stories of impact, current trends and community updates. Join them Tuesday, April 14 from 8 to 9 a.m. to hear how your company can map your assets and uncover solutions to support the community during COVID-19.
- The Denver Metro Small Business Development Center is helping small businesses navigate available resources. The team is working closely with partners and navigators who can advise small businesses on how to respond to this crisis. They can help businesses access the federal CARES Act, assist with disaster loan applications, long-term planning, insurance navigation, physical and economic loss estimations, business preparedness and more. Find support for your business.
We hope you’re all staying well, and we look forward to connecting with you virtually as we navigate this crisis together.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
