Source: Dani Cain, 785-532-0685, danitra@k-state.edu

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

NEW NAME, SAME MISSION FOR VOLUNTEER CENTER

MANHATTAN -- The K-State Volunteer Center of Manhattan is now HandsOn Kansas State.

The new name reflects the progressive spirit and attitude of the organization, according to Dani Cain, marketing and business development coordinator of HandsOn Kansas State. The name also represents the proactive, action-oriented and revitalized approach that highlights the center's mission to promote civic learning and leadership by engaging the Kansas State University campus and the community in meaningful volunteer and service opportunities, she said.

Since its inception the volunteer center has served as a clearinghouse for volunteers -- a place where individuals can find civic engagement and leadership opportunities, and where nonprofit organizations can find volunteers.

"As HandsOn Kansas State, we will continue to provide those opportunities, and aim to expand capacity-building training and services to corporations, organizations and individuals who want to make a difference through volunteering," Cain said.

"This overhaul, which includes the adoption of the HandsOn Network icon and nomenclature, allows us to leverage the existing brand equity, align our strategy with that of the national network, and reposition the center to better deliver on the promise to put people at the center of change," she said. "The name may have changed, but the dedication to serve and enrich K-State and surrounding communities remains the same."

HandsOn Kansas State, a program of K-State's School of Leadership Studies, is the only university-based action center in the nation that is student funded and student run, serving both campus and community, Cain said. Included in the re-brand are HandsOn Kansas State’s programs: Academic Mentoring and the Good Neighbors Program -- a joint venture with the city of Manhattan.

The K-State Volunteer Center of Manhattan became the local affiliate of the HandsOn Network in 2007. The network is an international nonprofit organization connecting volunteer action centers in more than 250 communities in all 50 states and nine international locations to equip, mobilize and inspire people to take action that changes the world.

More information is available online at http://www.k-state.edu/volunteercenter.