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Public commenter pitches "Volunteer Sedona" platform to connect visitors with local nonprofits
Summary
A Sedona resident proposed volunteersedona.com, a concierge volunteer platform to help tourists sign up for short-term service with local nonprofits; presenters said 15 organizations are already onboard and plan to launch in September.
Spring Graff, a Sedona resident and organizer, told the Tourism Advisory Board on July 3 that she and a partner developed a new volunteer coordination website, volunteersedona.com, intended to make it easy for visitors and groups to volunteer with local nonprofits.
"When we returned home to Sedona, I asked around and did some online research and was actually very surprised to find that there was no easy way for a tourist or a group to take part in a volunteer event," Graff said. She described Volunteer Sedona as a streamlined calendar and concierge service that would help visitors participate in meaningful local service.
Ben Burke of Manzanita Outreach joined Graff and said 15 nonprofits have been onboarded so far and the partners plan a formal launch in September. Graff said the idea was inspired by volunteer tourism programs elsewhere and by the emotional benefit volunteers reported after disaster relief work.
Board members thanked the presenters and encouraged them to follow up with staff if they seek the city—s assistance, partnerships with the lodging council, or promotional support through the tourism program. There was no formal action on the request during the meeting.
