In connection with the Arkansas Alumni Association’s volunteer engagement program, the Association is pleased to announce the creation of “Helpin’ Like a Hog.” Only a few weeks into the planning process, staff members have come together to create a program that will help to engage alumni who express an interest in community service.
Heath Bowman, Assistant Director of the out-of-state territories, explains that the purpose behind the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program is to “provide alumni with a way to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family through community service.” Recognizing that there are volunteers who wish to give back in more than just monetary ways, the program will help to show that volunteering one’s time and effort can be valuable.
As more and more alumni express an interest in getting involved, it is Bowman’s goal to inform chapters of the benefits of creating opportunities for community service through the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program. Although alumni chapters regularly host social functions and networking events throughout the year, Bowman sees community service as an attractive option for chapters looking to find new ways to engage alumni.
Mike Macechko, Executive Director of the Association, recognizes that young people are often “attuned to being involved in community service;” however, the Association hopes the program will attract and encourage alumni of all ages to get involved in community service. “Community service bonds people together for a common cause. That sense of connection and community is a major goal of the Arkansas Alumni Association,” Bowman said.
With the most recent tornadoes and floods impacting communities in several states throughout the southern portion of the United States, the Association staff realized the necessity to have a program that could provide volunteer leaders with a way to “connect through service.” Plans have already been made to help those affected in Joplin and in the Denning and Etna areas. Additionally, Mike Macechko, Executive Director of the Association, expressed his belief that “in addition to words of concern and prayers, we believe we can help a chapter area by involving geographically close chapters who might want to help.”
Bowman believes that although it is in its beginning stages, the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program “will be a great asset to chapters in organizing community response efforts in the future.”
Thanks for the opportunity to do some volunteer work in Denning. Steve and I appreciated the chance to help others in local communities.u00a0We enjoyed being involved withu00a0peopleu00a0who not only haveu00a0desire to help, but also had the needed skills andu00a0intelligence. Those qualities along with organizational capability andu00a0integrity will honor the U of A. It was an awesome first trip…to Denning!
Thanks for the opportunity to do some volunteer work in Denning. Steve and I appreciated the chance to help others in local communities. We enjoyed being involved with people who not only have desire to help, but also had the needed skills and intelligence. Those qualities along with organizational capability and integrity will honor the U of A. It was an awesome first trip…to Denning!
Anyone know where to catch the Hog game today in Philly. Looking for a bar that will have game and sound. Thanks! WPS
Recently the Dallas area was struck by many tornadoes. There are several cities that could us our Hog Help. I would like the organization “Helpin’ Like a Hog” to get us organized, bring down some shirts and let’s get to work helping our neighbors! I bet we would have a great turn out!