Red Oak High School senior Owen Blystone has been appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds to serve as a member of the Iowa Commission on
Volunteer Service. Blystone’s term will continue through June 30, 2028.
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, also known as Volunteer Iowa, serves as Iowa’s
state service commission and works to strengthen communities and civic engagement through
service and volunteerism. Its work includes supporting volunteer initiatives and organizations
across the state as well as administering Iowa AmeriCorps State programs.
For Blystone, the appointment represents the continuation of several years of involvement in
volunteer service, youth leadership and community engagement in Southwest Iowa.
“Volunteer service has become such an important part of my life,” Blystone said. “I’ve had the
opportunity to see what can happen when people decide to give their time and talents to their
community.”
Blystone also serves as Executive President of the Red Oak High School Student Council and
has been involved in numerous leadership and service activities through organizations such as
Scouting, Civil Air Patrol, the American Red Cross, the Red Oak Mayor’s Youth Advisory
Council, and throughout the Red Oak community.
He said one of the aspects of the appointment he is most excited about is the opportunity to
bring both a Southwest Iowa and youth perspective to statewide conversations.
“I’m going into this knowing that I have a lot to learn, and that’s something I’m genuinely excited
about,” Blystone said. “I’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from people from across
Iowa who have extensive experience in service and community leadership. At the same time, I
hope I can contribute the perspective of a young person and someone who has been working
on volunteer engagement at the local level.”
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