Over 20 nonprofits gather at Austin Peay’s Volunteer Fair to forge new collaborations

By: Meagan Potts February 16, 2024

Last week, Austin Peay's vibrant community united as faculty, staff and students warmly welcomed over 20 esteemed nonprofit organizations to our first Volunteer Fair since the onset of the COVID pandemic. This eagerly anticipated event provided a platform for students to explore many meaningful opportunities, with 20 diverse nonprofits in attendance. Regardless of individual interests, attendees seized the chance to connect with community organizations actively effecting positive change.

Among the distinguished participants were notable entities such as:

• American Red Cross

• APSU SOS Food Pantry

• ArtLink

• Big Brothers Big Sisters

• Blue Star Families

• Broken Road Mounted Search and Rescue

• Butterfly Moments Inc.

• Ajax Turner 50+ Center

• Clarksville-Montgomery County Adult Literacy Council

• Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library

• Clarksville Urban Ministries

• Cleaning Hands for You

• Community Action Partnership

• Friends of Land Between the Lakes

• Habitat for Humanity

• Head Start

• Loaves & Fishes

• Mikaela’s Mutt Motel

• Soldiers and Families Embraced

• Southeastern Grasslands Institute

• Thistle Farms

• Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville

• Yaipak Outreach

The Volunteer Fair served as a platform for collaboration, allowing nonprofits to connect with students, faculty and staff members they may not typically engage with throughout the academic year. Hosted by the Department of Community Engagement & Sustainability and Career Services, the event was curated by Meagan Potts, the community engagement coordinator. The goal was to empower students through purposeful and collaborative community service, raising awareness of pressing social and environmental issues.

“I liked the volunteer fair! I was able to see my friends find ways to get volunteer hours, and I was able to learn so much about Clarksville and the surrounding community! The event's energy was supportive and a great learning experience," said Kyra Lander, current Austin Peay student.

The Volunteer Fair exemplified Austin Peay’s commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. The collaboration between our institution and these esteemed nonprofit organizations underscored our collective dedication to effecting positive change within our local community. The Volunteer Fair was not just a meeting of minds; it was a celebration of altruism and a testament to the power of collective action in creating a brighter future for all.