College Sports Information Directors of America

We continue our 12 Days of CoSIDA series with Day 4: Volunteer Opportunities Presented by CoSIDA's Goodwill and Wellness Committee

Leading up to January 1, you'll see us:
• showcase different CoSIDA programs, contests, award recognitions and initiatives
• highlight some of the individuals who contribute to growing our vibrant member-focused organization

Day 1: We started the series by taking a look at our new Mentorship Program.
Day 2: Read about our Convention Attendance Grant & see testamonials from some of last year's grant recipients
Day 3: Submit your photos for #CoSIDAHoliday

Next up:

Dec. 24 - continuing ed program presented by Capital One

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Under the leadership of former Goodwill and Wellness Committee chair Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet University) and current chair Chris Mitchell (Washington University in St. Louis), the Goodwill and Wellness Committee is one of CoSIDA's most active group of members.

Today, we give a brief overview of this hard-working committee's efforts during the year which are branded under   #CoSIDACares. These efforts culminate in massive efforts of volunteerism during our annual June conventions.

Check back in early 2016 for an expanded web presence of the Goodwill and Wellness Committee's efforts and initiatives.

Here's a sampling of what the Goodwill and Wellness Committee offers CoSIDA members:

• annual Convention volunteer service & coordination of the CoSIDA 5k fun run/walk
Each year at the convention, the Committee selects a local non-profit to support while our attendees are in the convention city. CoSIDA members raise funds and collect donations for the charity and then spend a day doing volunteer work with the non-profit organization. In Orlando the last three years, the Coalition for the Homeless, the largest provider of homeless services in the area, was the beneficiary. CoSIDA partnered with Samaritan's Feet last year for a new shoe distribution. See video. 

The annual 5K run/walk takes place during the convention, with the last two 5K's at the Hawks Landing Golf Course on the Marriott World Center property in Orlando. Last year, CoSIDA extended the 5k fun run/walk to all NACDA and Affiliates Convention Week attendees. All of the race/walk proceeds will go to the CoSIDA charity of choice during the convention. The 5K participants receive an offical shirt and donated prizes are awarded to the top finishers.

• CoSIDA Volunteer 15 program
During the 2014-15 school year, CoSIDA members participated in the first year of the Volunteer 15 program. Those who participated volunteered 3,546 hours in their communities and campuses.

The CoSIDA Volunteer 15 program is an initiative to get CoSIDA members more involved in their communities. The program is designed to help promote the great efforts and success our members have in their communities. To qualify, CoSIDA members had to volunteer at least 15 hours during the school year.

We will acknowledge Volunteer 15 participants in the spring with certificates, CoSIDA.com mention and acknowledgment at the 2016 CoSIDA June convention in Dallas. The 2015-16 Volunteer 15 program runs from July 2015 until June 30, 2016. Complete your form once you have volunteered 15 or more hours and email it to volunteer@cosida.com.
  Introduced this fall, there are feature stories and Q&As with CoSIDA members revolving around their volunteerism and/or health and wellness initiatives. The first two CoSIDA members profiled were Bryan Marshall of Millikin and Kim Ling of Ole Miss. 

The Goodwill and Wellness Committee will be producing nine of these features leading up to our #CoSIDA16 June convention.


If you have any ideas for this series, or any questions about any of these initiatives, please contact Goodwill and Wellness Committee chair Chris Mitchell at Washington University, via cell (618-560-9280) or email (mitchell@wustl.edu).