Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Volunteerism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Johnson County proclaims Seven Days of Kindness and declares April Volunteer Appreciation Month
Summary
Chairman Mike Kelly proclaimed April 20–28, 2026, as Seven Days of Kindness and declared April Volunteer Appreciation Month, honoring victims of the 2014 killings; county and nonprofit speakers highlighted volunteer contributions, including 8,561 volunteers who logged about 369,000 hours in 2025.
Mike Kelly, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, on April 16 proclaimed April 20–28, 2026, as Seven Days of Kindness and declared April Volunteer Appreciation Month for the county.
The proclamation commemorated the April 13, 2014, killings of Reed Underwood, Dr. William Corporon and Terry Laman and called on residents to "lead our community with love, to build connections, and to choose understanding," Kelly said. He invited Ruth Bigus of Seven Days to accept the proclamation and speak about the organization’s work.
Ruth Bigus, who identified herself as director of community relations for Seven Days, thanked the county and said the group focuses on education and dialogue to counter hate. “Go out. Be kind,” Bigus said, directing listeners to the organization’s website for free resources for schools, businesses and faith groups.
Laura Fisher, volunteer coordinator for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, outlined the county’s volunteer contribution in 2025: 8,561 volunteers provided slightly over 369,000 hours of service. Using the Independent Sector volunteer rate of $34.79 per hour, Fisher said, that amounts to more than $12.8 million in contributed value.
Paula Dix, a retired teacher and Johnson County Extension Master Gardener, shared personal examples of volunteer projects — from demonstration gardens to mentoring Junior Master Gardeners — and urged others to participate.
The board’s proclamations tie into upcoming community events and school displays associated with Seven Days and the county’s National Volunteer Week recognition. The meeting then moved on to public comment and routine business.
