Walden University Volunteers To Make a Difference Around the World During Seventh Annual Global Day of Service

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From Marietta, Ga., and Portland, Ore., to Kumasi, Ghana, and Lisbon, Portugal, Walden University's international community of students, alumni, faculty and staff will put its mission of social change into action during the seventh annual Global Day of Service on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012. More than 2,000 volunteers are expected to make a difference working on more than 150 community service projects in 15 countries and 80 cities around the world.

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This year, members of the Walden community are leading projects that include cleaning up roads, beaches and parks; sorting and preparing medical supplies; providing health screening checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; working in food banks; cleaning and cooking in Ronald McDonald Houses; and holding drives to donate food, clothing, infant and maternity items, and coats for veterans. In addition, there are many virtual projects including writing letters supporting U.S. troops and sending postcards to ill children.

"At Walden, we not only encourage social change, we live it. This is one day that we have dedicated to come together and work alongside one another so that we can make a greater difference in communities worldwide," said Dr. Cynthia G. Baum, president of Walden.

The general public is also invited to join Walden's Global Day of Service. Those who wish to participate on Saturday, Oct. 6, should visit the Walden Service Network at www.WaldenU.edu/servicenetwork to register as a volunteer. The Walden Service Network was launched in 2010 and is an online community that connects volunteers with service projects in need of support year-round.

First started in 2005 with five projects in the United States, Walden's Global Day of Service has grown into an international event that demonstrates how positive social change can impact the world in just 24 hours. In addition to their volunteer work on this day, members of the Walden community give generously of their time and abilities as part of their personal ongoing volunteer efforts; in fact, Walden alumni have a 65% average rate of volunteerism, compared to the national average of 50% among college graduates.

Since its founding in 1970, Walden has attracted a community of lifelong learners who share a common desire to make a difference. Walden students, alumni, faculty and staff members bring Walden's mission to life through research, conferences and service projects focused on effecting positive social change. To learn more about Walden's ongoing commitment to social change, visit www.WaldenU.edu/socialchange.

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 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 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 60 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 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.

SOURCE Walden University