Community Captains
The heart of Active Southern West Virginia’s success lies in its Community Captain program. These individuals are local leaders and enthusiasts who take charge of promoting physical activity within their communities. Trained and supported by Active SWV, community captains play a pivotal role in organizing and leading various activities, from group hikes to zumba to pickleball. The Community Captain program not only empowers these leaders, but also creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Personal Growth – Volunteering provides a platform for personal development, allowing individuals to acquire new skills, build confidence, and discover hidden talents. It offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
- Community Connection – Engaging in volunteer activities strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Volunteers often form lasting connections with fellow community members, creating a supportive network that transcends their programs.
- Skill Enhancement – Volunteering is a powerful avenue for skill development. Whether it’s leadership, communication, or problem-solving, volunteers gain practical experience that enhances their skill set, making them more versatile individuals.
- Enhanced Health- Numerous studies have shown that volunteering is linked to improved mental and emotional well-being. The act of giving back creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment, contributing to overall happiness.
Active Places
Active SWV is dedicated to fostering a culture of health and wellness in West Virginia through its Active Places program. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting safe, accessible, and free physical activity within communities across the state. By actively sourcing locations conducive to exercise, Active SWV ensures that its Community Captains can lead impactful and engaging activity programs for the community. These active places serve as hubs for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to come together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Active SWV is making significant strides in building a foundation for a healthier, more active West Virginia.
Success Stories
At Active SWV, we take immense pride in sharing success stories that underscore the transformative power of physical activity within our communities. These narratives are testaments to the positive impact that our programs and initiatives have had on individuals’ lives. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving newfound levels of fitness and well-being, these success stories reflect the diverse and inspirational journeys of participants in our community programs. Whether it’s achieving personal milestones, overcoming health obstacles, or discovering a newfound sense of community and support, these success stories highlight the tangible benefits of embracing an active and healthy lifestyle. Through these narratives, we aim to inspire and motivate others to embark on their own journeys toward wellness while fostering a culture of health and vitality within West Virginia. Read some of our participants and volunteers success stories here Success Stories – Active Southern West Virginia (activeswv.org).
Conference
Save the date for the upcoming Community Captain Conference on March 23rd, running from 9 am to 3 pm at the Tamarack Conference Center in Beckley. Join us in commemorating all of our Community Captain’s hard work. The conference offers an opportunity for new and seasoned volunteers alike to network, featuring a catered lunch and insightful talks from inspiring speakers.
This event is open to existing Community Captains as well as anyone interested in becoming a newly trained Community Captain for 2024! Click here to register for the conference.
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of becoming a Community Captain and making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to reach out to Elizabeth Raney at [email protected]m and apply to get started here.
