FAIRFAX IMPACT PASS

A Youth Leadership & Community Service Program by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
Earn recognition. Build leadership. Make a difference in Fairfax.

The Fairfax IMPACT Pass helps middle and high school students connect with their community while gaining hands-on leadership experience. Students join the Impact Crew, volunteer at Chamber events, and discover how their ideas, energy, and teamwork shape community life in Fairfax.

Students volunteer at Fairfax events like the Winter Market, Town Picnic, or Fall Festival, helping with everything from setup to games and performances. Each event earns a digital stamp toward their Impact Pass — collect stamps, level up, and become a Fairfax Youth Leader.

You don’t have to live in Fairfax to participate — all students ages 13 and up are welcome.

What IMPACT Stands For

IMPACT = Initiative • Mentorship • Participation • Achievement • Collaboration • Transformation

These six values guide the Fairfax Impact Pass. Students take initiative, learn from mentors, participate in local events, achieve personal goals, collaborate with others, and transform both themselves and the community through action.

Overview

The Fairfax Impact Pass connects students with meaningful ways to serve their community, gain leadership skills, and take part in the events that define Fairfax — from the Fall in Love with Fairfax block party to the Winter Market and beyond.

The program runs each year from August through July and is open to all students ages 13 and up. Students earn service hours, which the Chamber tracks internally. As their hours and experience grow, they progress from Bronze to Silver to Gold, with opportunities to move into youth leadership roles. At the Youth Leader level, students may propose event ideas for the Chamber to consider.

How It Works

1. Sign Up – Complete the quick online form to join the program.

2. Volunteer Locally – Students sign up for Fairfax community events through the Chamber.
   Shifts vary — some are 1 hour, some are 4 hours, etc.

3. Hours Are Tracked – The Chamber keeps an official record of volunteer hours.

4. Level Up – Recognition levels are based on total hours completed:

   • Bronze Contributor: 5 hours

   • Silver Leader: 10 hours

   • Gold Changemaker: 20 hours

   • Youth Leader: 30+ hours and consistent reliability

5. Celebrate Your Impact – Earn official certificates, social-media recognition, and local business perks.
   Only Gold and Youth Leader participants receive official certificates and formal recognition.
   Bronze and Silver receive milestone acknowledgement via email but no certificates.
   Gold and Youth Leader students may also receive letters of recommendation.

Middle School Program: Building Future Ambassadors

Middle school participants join the Impact Training Track — a hands-on introduction to volunteering, teamwork, and event planning. Students gain experience in the basics of community service and event operations while shadowing high-school volunteers and Chamber staff.

Graduates of the middle school program can apply to become an Impact Youth Leader in high school — leading teams, mentoring younger students, and representing youth voices at community events.

High School Program: Leadership & Recognition

High-school participants take on larger responsibilities and earn leadership roles at Fairfax Chamber events.

• Serve as event captains, booth managers, or logistics leads.

• Mentor middle-school volunteers.

• Represent their school at Chamber meetings or local planning sessions.

• Earn the Gold Impact Pass and qualify for the Fairfax Youth Leadership Certificate — signed by the Fairfax Chamber Executive Director.

Students who reach Gold qualify for the Fairfax Youth Leadership Certificate.
Youth Leaders (30+ hours) may request letters of recommendation for college or scholarship applications.

Why Join

• Gain real-world leadership experience.

• Earn community service credit and verifiable recognition.

• Build relationships with local businesses, mentors, and civic leaders.

• Strengthen teamwork, confidence, and communication skills.

• Grow your confidence while helping create the events that make Fairfax thrive.

Recognition & Rewards

• Official Fairfax Chamber Certificate (Gold & Youth Leader only)

• Public recognition on social media (optional)

• Local Business Perks through “Impact Partners”

• Invitations to the Annual Celebration

For Schools & Families

Schools can easily integrate the Fairfax Impact Pass into existing service-learning programs — the Chamber provides tracking, verification, and recognition. Families can encourage students to participate in flexible, meaningful volunteer opportunities that build confidence, responsibility, and leadership.

Get Involved

📧 minna@fairfaxchamber.com
🌐 fairfaxopenforbusiness.com
📲 Follow @FairfaxOpenForBusiness on Instagram for upcoming volunteer opportunities.