Around the world, the act of raising a hand has been a symbolic gesture of volunteering. For most, it began in the classroom as a means of volunteering an answer or perhaps cleaning the chalkboard. Throughout our life, we continue to use this visual act of assistance and respect to others, simply putting up our hand and saying, "I will". Thus was born the trademark and logo of Hands Up! Expo.

It is well recognized that our current volunteer workforce is both aging and over utilized, a situation that will very soon leave our non-profit sector unable to maintain needed levels of sustainable community services. Hands-Up! Expo aims to recruit "new" volunteers of all ages to join the ranks and more actively participate in their community.

Hands Up! Expo is a venue to showcase community non-profit organizations, services and agencies through interactive presentations, meet-and-greet sessions, educational seminars and displays. These community groups will promote volunteer opportunities and encourage citizens to "participate, activate, creates and encourage" the public to get involved in building solutions for those in need of help, whether the less fortunate, seniors or youth. In addition, opportunities for volunteering with social and sports activities can be highlighted.

Hands Up! Expo will also provide an opportunity for those working with community non-profit organizations to participate in seminars and workshops aimed at improving their administrative capabilities and their service delivery, as well as to learn of new industry-leading best practices.

The non-profit sector requires an annual venue to pitch their volunteer opportunities to our community and be "professionally" well-prepared to communicate to the public the type of volunteer help they need and the services they provide.

Hands Up! Expo markets the"Be a Volunteer, Invite a Volunteer" initiative to attract participants. Hands Up! Expo will help existing volunteers discover many new organizations in our area, providing those citizens a chance to make additional volunteer commitments, further enriching their lives.

Please help our volunteer force grow and watch our community network expand! In a professional and high-energy venue like Hands Up!, community non-profit organizations will say thanks and volunteers will feel thanked.

Hands Up! Expo has all the necessary ingredients to ensure increased volunteerism in your community. Hands Up! Expo will initiate, promote, activate and celebrate volunteerism.