Volunteerism in Minnesota

Altruism is proving to be something of a natural resource here in Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities. Since 2008, Minneapolis-St. Paul has come in first for rates of volunteerism per capita; and overall, has consecutively landed in the top five states. In this audio documentary, KFAI’s Michelle Alimoradi explores what it means to volunteer in Minnesota. Mary Quirk, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administration (MAVA), and board member Judy Russell provide in-depth analysis of three local nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on volunteers. Jay Haapala, volunteer director at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, talks about service-learning opportunities for high school and college students. Secondhand Hounds founder Rachel Mairose recounts “pro bone-o” services from the animal rescue’s incredible volunteer pool. And One Brick offers a new way to connect volunteers with organizations.