Ways to Volunteer at The Chamber Foundation for 2023

The beneficial effects of volunteering on health outcomes are well-documented. Research has found that people who volunteer on behalf of others show significantly better mental and physical health over time. If you’re interested in getting more involved in the community this year, The Chamber Foundation relies on volunteers for many of its upcoming programs and events. Read below for ways you can volunteer at The Chamber Foundation in 2023:
 
Youth Leadership 
Mentors are needed for the upcoming Youth Leadership 2023-2024 program. Youth Leadership is an innovative leadership development program designed to advance the academic, social, and life skills of local students entering grades 10 and 11. Students emerge from this dynamic program more confident and well-rounded, with improved leadership skills and a better understanding of themselves and their community. By the end of the program, students achieve more self-confidence and develop the skills and attitudes needed for success in college and career. 
 
Each year, the mentors play an integral role in students’ program success: they provide positive role-modeling, guide the students’ work in the program, promote growth-oriented life experiences, and ensure meaningful student leadership opportunities. The average time commitment for a Youth Leadership mentor is 5 to 6 hours per month. If you have any questions about Youth Leadership or wish to volunteer as a mentor, please reach out to me at laura@chamberfdn.org.
 
Pigskins & Pints 
Pigskins and Pints involves an afternoon of football, food, beer, and fun to raise money for the Foundation’s general scholarship fund. It’s also a Leadership Dutchess reunion event celebrating both past and present classes. Volunteers are needed for everything from acquiring in-kind donations to day-of setup. This year’s Pigskins and Pints will take place in November, at a TBA time and location. To volunteer for the 2023 Pigskins & Pints Fundraiser, please contact Christine Rosengren at christine@dcrcoc.org. 
 
Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
The 32^nd Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is scheduled for September 1-3, 2023 at Tymor Park in Union Vale. We will welcome hot-air balloonists from all over the country at this festival, and we have scheduled five mass hot-air balloon ascensions totaling over 120 balloon flights throughout the weekend. The festival's history has evolved into a Hudson Valley tradition and has grown into a full weekend of activities, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world. To support an event of this magnitude, volunteers are needed to help with everything from event setup and breakdown to parking. To volunteer for the 2023 Balloon Festival, please contact Mary Hackett at mhackett@dcrcoc.org.