Walden University's 2010 Social Change Conference Will Explore How to Ignite Volunteerism to Effect Societal Change

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- People around the world are volunteering in record numbers and even more want to make a positive social impact but are not sure how to start. Walden University's sixth annual Social Change Conference, Volunteerism: Encouraging Individuals to Effect Societal Change, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 1–2 p.m. Eastern time and will explore how to ignite volunteerism while fulfilling and advancing the widely diverse missions of individuals and organizations.

"Just one person can influence positive social change," said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University. "This year's Social Change Conference will help people discover ways to connect their passions with societal needs and design their path to make a difference in their communities."

Moderated by President Kaplan, the conference panel will feature several individuals who promote volunteerism and exemplify a commitment to social change:

• Jim Dickinson, Ph.D., director of community engagement, Business Volunteers Unlimited Maryland
• Jaime Hiraishi, associate, external affairs, Taproot Foundation
• Marina Kim, executive director, Ashoka U
• Gary Kelsey, Ed.D., faculty member, Walden's School of Public Policy and Administration

The panelists will discuss how individual volunteers can discern which societal needs and causes they can support, how to personally benefit from their own contributions and how to encourage others to volunteer. Registered participants are encouraged to submit questions throughout the hour-long online conference, which may be answered during the last 15 minutes.

Walden's 2010 Social Change Conference follows on the heels of the fifth annual Global Day of Service, where thousands of students, alumni, faculty and staff members, family and friends gathered in more than 455 cities around the world to bring Walden's mission of social change to life. Thanks to the participation of its community members, Walden exceeded its goal of completing 400,000 volunteer service hours by the end of 2010 in honor of its 40th anniversary. The 400,000 hours translate into more than $8.3 million of in-kind service, according to the 2009 estimate for the value of a volunteer hour provided by Independent Sector, a nonpartisan coalition for the nonprofit and philanthropic community.

For additional details and to register, visit www.WaldenU.edu/conference.

About Walden University

For 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 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees 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 50 online and campus-based universities in 24 countries.

Walden offers more than 45 degree programs with more than 195 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. 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