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How Tourism Powers Arkansas: Fueling the Economy and Sustaining the Natural State’s Beauty
Arkansas’s natural beauty, with over 50 state parks, is vital for tourism and outdoor recreation, significantly boosting the economy with $7.3 billion contribution to GDP and 68,000 jobs in 2023. Diverse regional activities enhance economic opportunities and conservation efforts, creating a sustainable cycle that supports businesses and environmental stewardship throughout the state.
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AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Three
AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Three Part 3: Watonna Hughes Volunteer Interview 1) What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer? When my mother got sick, she had Alzheimer’s. I learned how to deal with Alzheimer’s because I was the one who took care of her. She begged me not to ever…
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AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Two
AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Two Part 2: Kathryn Wooten and Maxine Brewer Volunteer Interviews 1) What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer? Kathryn: Ms. Reda McConnell had a lot to do with that. She had been asking me frequently, and we were friends. She said Kathryn, this is for YOU!…
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Strengthening Communities: How UAFS’ Center for Nonprofits Is Transforming the River Valley
Strengthening Communities: How UAFS’ Center for Nonprofits Is Transforming the River Valley In today’s increasingly complex and resource-constrained environment, nonprofit organizations are doing more than ever before, often with limited funding, staffing, and institutional support. As a result, spaces and organizations that provide nonprofits with connections, professional development, and practical tools for sustainability are not…
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From Service to Sustainability: The Impact of the Ozark Conservation Corps
From Service to Sustainability: The Impact of the Ozark Conservation Corps Each April, Earth Day and National Volunteer Week remind us of two incredibly powerful ideas: protecting our planet and environment and showing up for our communities. However, beyond awareness campaigns or one-day events, there are organizations across Arkansas that are helping to turn these…
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Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Arkansas: Ways to Get Involved Across the Natural State
Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Arkansas: Ways to Get Involved Across the Natural State Every year on April 22, individuals around the world come together to celebrate and support environmental protection efforts, including those right here at home in the Natural State. This day is a reminder that protecting our planet relies on our actions.…
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From Service to Leadership: The Impact of Global Youth Service Day/Month
From Service to Leadership: The Impact of Global Youth Service Day/Month Each April, young people around the world step forward to serve, lead, and create change on Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), which has since expanded into Youth Service Month. Coordinated by Youth Service America and in collaboration with organization sponsorships, including its primary sponsor,…
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Growing More Than Food: The Impact of the UA Little Rock’s Campus Garden
Growing More Than Food: The Impact of the UA Little Rock’s Campus Garden In our modern, fast-paced, technology-driven world, spaces that help us reconnect with nature, community, sustainability, and hands-on learning experiences are more important—and more sought after—than ever before. One such space is the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s (UA Little Rock) Campus…
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AmeriCorps in Arkansas: A Legacy of Service Rooted in Leadership and Community
When talking about the history of AmeriCorps in Arkansas, we’re not just talking about a federal program. We’re talking about a culture of service that has been deeply embedded in the state’s history and identity. Long before AmeriCorps was formally created as the organization we know today, Arkansas had leaders who helped shape the national…
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Arkansan Women of Service: Highlighting the Women Who Have Shaped Our State
Arkansas Women of Service: Highlighting the Women Who Have Shaped Our State Throughout Arkansas’s history, many women have led the charge for structural, social, civic, and societal change throughout Arkansas. These women’s contributions span areas such as volunteerism and public service, healthcare access, education, and civil rights. During the month of March, we pause to…