We are so thankful for our volunteers. People just
like you give their precious time to help us create a cleaner, healthier
watershed.
Meet Jose Espinoza a 24 year old IT professional originally
from Stafford, VA. His love for the James led him to clean up trash in the
Richmond region, as well as translating river information to Spanish to bring
awareness to the Latino population.
Here’s what Jose had to say about his experience volunteering:
I moved to Richmond about 6 years ago to attend Virginia
Commonwealth University and graduated in 2013. Like many VCU students, I had my
first encounter with the James River by hanging out at Belle Isle. Every time I
went to the river, it gifted me and my friends with new experiences and great
quality time. Belle Isle brings so many people together but people also take it
for granted.
After seeing so many people at Belle Isle throw trash on the
ground and sometimes in the river, I decided to do something about it. I
initially reached out to James River Association to volunteer in their self-directed
trash cleanup program and have picked up trash along the Pipeline Trail.
The James River Association also tapped into my cultural background to help
them bring river awareness to the growing Latino population in the Richmond
area. I helped them in translating pamphlets and newsletter that will educate
Spanish speakers about the conservation of natural resources, good habits for
the river and even volunteering opportunities. I really enjoyed this aspect of
my volunteering experience because it helped the organization reach a different
audience they wouldn’t have reached without my help
I would highly encourage Richmond residents to volunteer
with the James River Association because it feels good to give back to the
river that has given so much to you in one way or another.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ben Hawkins,
Volunteer Coordinator, at bhawkins@jrava.org.
