Originally an events-based outfit, the Lehigh University Young Alumni Council (YAC) had lost its way and was on the verge of disbandment in 2014. By restructuring the group's leadership, reenergizing recruitment and recognition processes, developing technology to support accountability, and providing the support to empower a group of volunteers, the YAC set the standard for how Lehigh engages volunteers and measures their impact. This undertaking illustrates the progression from volunteer management, to engagement, to activation, to mobilization.
From the Judges' Report
Judges’ really loved Lehigh’s focus on young alumni in this program. Similarly, all the judges agreed that they established concrete actions that an alumnus can engage in to help establish a strong habit of voluntarism. Additionally, Lehigh defined the measurable, action-focused behaviors that the institution wants to see from its alumni.
