DALLAS, TEXAS – March 22, 2017 – Considered one of the largest service events in the world, Global Youth Service Day engages millions of youth around the globe to find their voice and take action on vital issues. The event is observed across 100 countries with more than 4,000 projects completed during its 3-day span. Heading into the global event’s 29th year, the State Fair of Texas is honored to be serving in partnership with Dream Weaver Foundation and other North Texas organizations to bring this initiative to our South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhood. Aligning with the Fair’s ultimate goal of having a positive community impact, Global Youth Service Day aims to rally youth to celebrate and activate their powerful roles as the future leaders of change within their communities. “This event is important for several reasons,” explains Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew, State Fair of Texas director of community affairs and strategic alliances. “It connects young people with nonprofits and organizations in South Dallas that are doing great work, while showing the value of volunteerism when adults and youth collaborate.”
Global Youth Service Day 2017 is open to youth participants between ages 5 and 24, as well as limited opportunities for adult supervisors. With more than 20 service projects in North Texas alone, the Fair would like to highlight those taking place in our own backyard. Listed below are the opportunities available on Saturday, April 22 at Fair Park in Dallas. Projects are split into 2 shifts throughout the day, with the first shift 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and the second shift 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm.
- Rain Barrel Project- Express your creative side for a great cause! Youth will work as a team to create designs and paint rain barrels that will be used to collect rain water for local gardens. Volunteers with the ability to draw/paint free-hand and are willing to work with other youth are desired.
Volunteers needed per/shift: 20 youth and 2 adult participants
Suggested youth age range: 7 – 18 years old
- Composting Education – Did you know that the average household throws away about 474 pounds of food per year? Armed with the right knowledge and a simple container, turning that decomposed waste into high quality compost to fertilize gardens is easier than you think.
Volunteers needed per/shift: 10 youth and 1 adult participants
Suggested youth age range: 11 – 18 years old
- E-waste Recycling – Recycling goes beyond cans and paper, assist community members in the process of responsible disposal by recycling a variety of electronics. Volunteers will collect, stack, sort and load electronic devices that are dropped off.
Volunteers needed per/shift: 20 youth and 2 adult participants
Suggested youth age range: 13 – 18 years old
In addition to the service projects inside of Fair Park, other local opportunities to participate are available around Dallas County. Join youth and families impacted by disabilities such as Autism and Asperger’s at Parker Autism Center’s Community Garden, add your artistic touch to SEED Inc.’s Memorial Garden, or assemble and deliver bags of fresh produce to homebound residents in the South Dallas area with Baylor Scott and White.
Make a positive impact in your community by taking part in one of the largest service movements in the world. For more details on Global Youth Service Day projects and information about participation and registration, visit http://dwfoundation.org/.
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About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve Fair Park and underwrite museum, community and scholarship programs for inner city youth and students pursuing agricultural careers. The 2017 exposition runs September 29 through October 22 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.