Walden University Demonstrates Social Change in Action During Sixth Annual Global Day of Service

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the launch of Walden University's inaugural Social Change Impact Report, the online university will put its mission of effecting positive social change into action during its sixth annual Global Day of Service on Saturday, Oct. 1. More than 3,500 Walden students, alumni, faculty and staff along with their friends, family and colleagues from around the world are expected to make a positive impact in their communities by volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others.

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Inspired by its actively engaged community, as evidenced by the growing participation in Global Day of Service, Walden University commissioned Harris Interactive earlier this year to survey adults in the United States about their current attitudes toward social change, the perceived impact community involvement has across the nation and what inspires Americans to engage with their own communities.*

The Social Change Impact Report provides a detailed picture of the state of social change engagement in America today. Results show that nearly nine in 10 adults (85%) agree that they can make the world a better place by their actions. Also, nearly nine in 10 adults (88%) believe the best way to have an impact on the world is to make change on the local level.

"As we approach our sixth annual Global Day of Service, we are incredibly proud of how active and engaged our students, faculty and staff are in their communities all around the world," said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University. "It is our mission of positive social change in action."

In 2006, Walden launched its National Day of Service with the goal of dedicating one day out of the year for the Walden community to work alongside each other in neighborhoods across the United States. In 2008, the effort developed into what is now called Global Day of Service, further reflecting the growing community of students, alumni and faculty. Last year, more than 1,700 people volunteered their time and efforts, positively impacting more than 455 cities around the world.

For more than 40 years, Walden students, alumni, faculty and staff have lived the university's mission, whether it's through their profession, academic research or ongoing volunteerism. More active than the average college-educated adult, 62% of Walden alumni volunteer compared to the 50% national average, and last year, the Walden community contributed more than 400,000 community service hours.

For more information on Walden University's Social Change Impact Report, visit www.WaldenU.edu/impactreport. Visit www.WaldenU.edu/socialchange for more information about Walden's social change initiatives, including Global Day of Service.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 46,500 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 55 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries.

Walden offers more than 60 degree programs with more than 300 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

* The Social Impact Report survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Walden University from March 16-24, 2011, among 2,148 U.S. adults aged 18 and over. For more information on this study please visit www.WaldenU.edu/impactreport.

SOURCE Walden University