Jones Center is excited to announce GoodWorks as the official name of the new Northwest Arkansas Regional Volunteer Center and is beginning the next phase of community conversations around its purpose.
“The name ‘GoodWorks’ reflects both the generosity already present in our community and the impact volunteerism can create,” said Jill Suel, director of marketing and communications for Jones Center. “The name carries a double meaning; it celebrates the good works being done every day and highlights how serving others strengthens connections, encourages civic engagement, and helps solve real community needs.”
The logo includes two linking hearts, symbolizing the strong bonds volunteering creates between community members. It is in this spirit of connection that the public is invited to contribute to the volunteer center planning process. Over the past several months, GoodWorks and Jones Center leadership have been listening to local nonprofit leaders, funders, volunteers, and community partners about what it will take to build a stronger, more connected volunteer ecosystem. Now, the public is invited to help shape what comes next during three Community Input Sessions taking place across the region in August.
“Everyone is welcome to attend one of three GoodWorks Community Input Sessions,” said Coletta Patterson, planning director for GoodWorks. “Each conversation will be highly participatory, and we want to learn from our community what they need the most in a volunteer center.”
The community input sessions will be held over two days in August and are great opportunities for the public to learn more about GoodWorks, meet other members of the community, and build momentum for what is possible together. Content and format for each session will be identical.
Choose the Community Input Session that works best for you:
- Wednesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Jones Center (922 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72764).
o Coffee and mid-morning snacks available 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 19, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at the Fayetteville Public Library (401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville, AR 72701)
o Coffee and afternoon snacks available 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 20, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at The Momentary, in the RØDE House (507 SE E St, Bentonville, AR 72712)
o Appetizers available 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by Monday, August 11, using the online sign-up. While walk-ins are welcome, knowing who's coming will help prepare seating, materials, and refreshments for a great community conversation.
Announced in April, the new regional volunteer center, GoodWorks, will be the first of its kind in the state of Arkansas and will serve Northwest Arkansas nonprofits, residents, and corporate partners. Jones Center wants to hear from the people and organizations this center is being designed to support. Whether you volunteer, work with or lead a nonprofit, coordinate volunteers, support community initiatives, fund local efforts, or simply care about the future of Northwest Arkansas, your voice is critical.
Learn more about the vision at thejonescenter.org/volunteercenter.
Founding support for GoodWorks is provided by Walmart, Walton Family Foundation, and Tyson Foods.
About Jones Center
Jones Center is where people grow, play and connect in ways no other place offers. Located in Downtown Springdale, it is a central destination for the region and welcomes 600,000 visitors annually. The 220,000 square-foot center features Northwest Arkansas’ only indoor ice arena, the Tyson Foods Fitness Center, an indoor pool complex, a gymnasium with indoor track and a conference center. The 55-acre campus also features the world-class Runway Bike Park, Velosolutions pump track and multipurpose outdoor recreation spaces. Jones Center programming focuses on three impact pillars: arts & culture, sports & recreation, and science & technology, with classes, performances and events for all ages. The organization supports nonprofit sustainability through Jones Community for Nonprofits. Established in 1995 by Springdale philanthropist Bernice Jones, the wife of Jones Truck Lines founder Harvey Jones, the organization is celebrating 30 years of service to the community this year. Bernice Jones’ vision continues as a guiding principle to build a thriving community. Through the generous support of the Walmart Foundation, the Jones Center proudly provides scholarships to area children and families. To learn more, visit www.thejonescenter.org.
