LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By Sommer Lally

 

What is a volunteer?

 

Is it the person who picks up trash on the side of the road for a few hours?  Someone who takes their time to paint a room at a local non-profit organization?  Is it a University of Tennessee sports team?

 

Yes and no. 

 

You see, all of those are examples of volunteers, but the word “volunteer” means more than we often picture in our minds. 

 

Here, I’ll give you an example.  As part of my job at Metro United Way, I manage our Student United Ways (campus chapters through which student leaders advance the common good, develop leadership skills and join the growing Live United movement).  Working with the student leaders at U of L and IUS is a wonderful experience.  I get to help them grow in their roles with the organizations and watch them gain a deeper knowledge of the community.  But I also witness their struggles and frustrations.

 

Both Student United Ways underwent the tedious process of becoming registered student organizations on their campuses this year.  The initial stages of establishing the groups took time.  As a result neither were able to organize as many events and activities as they had hoped. 

 

What does this have to do with volunteers?  Hang on!  You’re about to find out!

 

 

In a recent conversation with one of my student leaders she lamented “we haven’t really gotten to do much volunteering and that was the whole reason I wanted to join!”  Do you see what I’m getting at?

 

Volunteers aren’t just those who give of their time to do hands-on projects!  They’re also board members, committee members and . . . student leaders.  In my view, my student leader had been volunteering all year long through her leadership position with Student United Way.  Don’t get me wrong – I’ll help them plan more volunteer projects next year, but I also want them to feel good about their volunteer role with us and to know how appreciated they are!

 

So, to our Board members, committee members and Student United Way leaders, thank you for volunteering with Metro United Way.  You are so important to us and we are better because of you!

 

 

General, Volunteering Community, IUS, Live United, Student United Way, UofL

By Mary Sullivan

What do wide eyes and laughter have in common?  Let me go a little further in my explanation. Recently 240 students from Holy Cross High School spent the day volunteering. Two of the sites I visited were Iroquois Child Care Center and California Area Family Development Center. I heard laughter from both children and students as they were bouncing balls up into the air. Children were wrapped around the legs of these students, and in another room three little girls wanted to show their dolls to one of the boys.

Today, we often read or hear about how young people aren’t engaged, but in one day Holy Cross students volunteered at nine different organizations, provided 1320 service hours, and gave back $27,522.00 of in-kind service to our community. Holy Cross High School certainly isn’t the only school that does volunteer work. So far this school year, Metro United Way has coordinated volunteer projects for Barret Middle School, Moore Middle School, Spalding University, Bellarmine University, IUS and U of L.

Metro United Way has been supportive of youth volunteering for many years, and for 22 years, Metro United Way has recognized a high school senior for their volunteer effort by awarding a $3,000 scholarship.  In fact, Volunteer Engagement Center origins began from a partnership with U of L School of Recreation, the Junior League of Louisville and Metro United Way (Community Chest). Since the 1930’s until today, helping youth map out their career choices or exploring interests through volunteering has always been part of what we do. So if you a student or a group looking to do something this summer, need to do community service hours for school or your faith based organization, want to meet interesting people, or just have fun, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Center’s website at metrounitedway.org/volunteer.

Education, Volunteering community change, early childhood, future, making a difference, Metro United Way, scholarship, youth

By Judy Schroeder

I am pretty sure I’m not the only one who is still comparing herself to her mother’s vision for her…right? Even when it spoke through dread and disappointment (“You’re not wearing that!” or “You don’t have any weekend to come home?”), Mom’s voice was the one I wanted to hear.

I was blessed, too. I could actually trust her judgment. Her humor and understanding turned all the little household chores into a great chance to be with her. Really, it was a very sneaky way to pull off raising six children born within nine years of each other! Teamwork. Inspiration. Joy. We won’t go into the temper tantrums here. I’ll just say…Discipline. She was clear enough to “jerk a knot in your tail” or place that worry in your own head when you started to go off track.

My Mom was a passionate, loving woman.

So, you know what you do when you’re the daughter of a passionate, loving woman? No, I didn’t have six children in nine years. I have three of my own, and lots of neighborhood children.

Other people I know who have blessings to share, share those blessings as mentors, tutors, and coaches. Many, like Joe Tolan, just make it their business to know the children and families on their block, or plant a garden like Ms. Lucille at the Russell Community Garden, or even outfit a bike repair workshop as Whit Forrester did in Old Louisville. My husband is the “go to” guy for basketball pumping on our block in Portland.

We do it because it’s fascinating to watch the young societies mix and match interests, bargain and exchange goods, argue and test each other over who they are and what’s important, today, in life. It might look like a fight, but it’s a test of wills and beliefs. We can help them with that. They’re all asking to be heard. They are fantastic! The best thing is that as they grow up, another crop suddenly appears. Those young parents are pretty interesting, too!

I am so proud to be part of a community that wants to make our “Youth Vision” a reality, where we want all children to experience “Success By 6.” Your contributions of time and treasure keep great community facilities open in places where families need those safe, healthy, and free opportunities.

If you are the mentor, tutor, or coach who encourages teamwork, inspiration, joy and discipline, Thank You! Or, like me, maybe you’ll want to keep that backyard basketball hoop and jungle gym just so that – with parental permission and an open ear from the house – we can keep tabs on that next generation.

Education, Volunteering mentoring, Neighborhoods, Success By 6, Youth Vision

By Kelly Thompson, Director of Engagement Initiatives

If you live in the Louisville-area and don’t know about the great things going on in southwest part of Jefferson County prepare yourself to be amazed at the growing community pride brewing in neighborhoods like Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Fairdale, and Shively. The establishment of the Southwest Dream Team is one of the many new movements sparking a renaissance of community pride and civic involvement taking the area by storm.

Over a year ago I did a video story on Jim and Kathy Pullen from Southwest Louisville VITA site or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site run by Louisville Asset Building Coalition. Jim and Kathy are a great example of the kind of people that are making places like Southwest Louisville.

Here is what Jim and Kathy have to say today about their experience being volunteers for such a vital community program:

I wanted to take a minute to write about a community of volunteers.  My husband and I are site coordinators for the Southwest VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) site.  The people of our community have done a tremendous job of stepping up to provide this needed tax service.  We are open almost 30 hours each week including Sat.  Over 20 volunteers have donated countless hours each week since Jan. 19 to make this happen.  Actually, we have counted those hours…..over 1800!  They even came out when the roads were bad and schools were closed.

Many of our volunteers also find time to help other non-profit organizations.  One of our volunteers found herself unemployed and decided to spend her ‘free’ time helping others.  Another works in our area but lives in another part of the county.  He stops one evening each week on his way home to help and even comes back of Saturdays!

Although it’s been an exhausting experience, we leave everyday proud to be a part of Southwest Jefferson County.  We are a community of people who cares about our neighbors and demonstrates that caring through our actions.  We will have provided free tax preparation to over 1000 people by the time we close our doors on April 15.  A feat that is only made possible because we have a community of volunteers in Southwest Jefferson County.

Jim and Kathy Pullen

Site Coordinators

Southwest VITA

Giving, Income, Volunteering Southwest Dream Team, Valley Station

By Sasha Belenky

For me, freshman year of college was NOT the non-stop party of college lore. I was studying round the clock and sleep deprived, just trying to stay above water in a turbulent sea of hyper competitive pre-med piranhas. The very last thing I had time for – or so I thought—was to volunteer.

One afternoon, I followed my roommate to the student organization fair where a girl at a brightly colored booth told me about Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science, or VSVS for short. She said that I’d only have to commit 5 hours a semester to teach 1-hour-long science lessons to elementary school students in the Nashville Public School system. Sounds easy enough, I thought. So I signed up.

As it turned out, I loved to teach. VSVS lessons were fun and interactive. We taught students about polymers by making slime. We taught them about iron compounds by testing iron-fortified Frosted Flakes. We even made ice cream with liquid nitrogen. And we had a blast doing it! I felt like a mentor to the kids, and the confidence it gave me translated over to my school work.

I re-applied the following semester, only this time I signed up to be a team leader. Then after another semester, I interviewed to be on the VSVS board. My senior year, I was elected president of VSVS. I went from having no time to volunteer, to running an organization with over 500 volunteers.

The reason I’m telling you this story is because I believe it illustrates part of the struggle in engaging youth to volunteer, and a way to overcome it. I understand college age students that feel like there’s just no time to volunteer. I was one, and let me tell you, there wasn’t time to volunteer. But I started out small, with just 5 hours a semester, and ended up with something much greater. It became easier to give my time to VSVS because I gradually developed a personal stake in its success and that of the kids we taught. And as it turned out, making bottle rockets was a great way to blow off steam after an Organic Chemistry exam.

To learn more about Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science head on over to http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/vsvs/ .

Check out metrounitedway.org/studentuw for more information on Student United Way.

Volunteering Intern, millennials, student volunteering

By Sarah Heine

National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity for organizations and communities to thank the volunteers who work so diligently year round, donating their time, money and support to help make our community the most successful and positive place it can be. It also gives Metro United Way a chance to spotlight and thank some of the volunteers in our community who have made volunteerism a huge part of their day-to-day lives.

Interning in the Volunteer Engagement Center here at Metro United Way has provided me with the opportunity to learn about the organizations serving our community. It has also allowed me to meet  some of the volunteers who are so vital to the continued success of these organizations and of Metro United Way and to learn about their experiences and motivations for giving back.

A few weeks ago, I chatted with Ilma Hirsch about her volunteer experiences and her relationship with Metro United Way. She is an absolutely lovely 95-year-old woman who began volunteering with Metro United Way back when it was called Community Chest.

Ilma talked about the timelessness of volunteerism, how it is just as necessary today as it was when she was young, and how it enriches not only the organizations, but also the lives of the individuals who commit their time and energy to volunteering. We talked about the importance of integrating volunteerism into one’s life and of passing on that importance to the next generation. Ilma felt that was especially important- one of her greatest donations to the community she served was her children’s activism and community involvement.

Ilma also talked about getting involved with organizations that give the volunteer a personal connection with the work that they are doing. Ilma first got involved with Metro United Way through her involvement with the the  National Council of Jewish Women. Having a connection to the work you are doing enriches the experience for both the organization and for the volunteer.

I really enjoyed speaking with Ilma and hearing her perspectives and anecdotes about her experiences as a volunteer and with Metro United Way long before either I, or Metro United Way (in its current form) were around. As a young volunteer it is easy to forget I am not the first, and will not be the last community member doing what I can to give back. Volunteering always has been and always will be vital to the success of organizations and communities alike.

Do you volunteer? If so, where? Is there a personal connection or reason you give your time to that organization? If you are not already involved and would like to be, Metro United Way provides resources for volunteer opportunities across Kentuckiana on our website.

Whether you volunteer now, have in the past, or would like to in the future, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Your time and energy really do make a difference.

THANKS!

Volunteering Community, community chest, Metro United Way, National Volunteer Month, thank you, Volunteer Engagement Center

By Christina Clements

I started volunteering at Brooklawn Child and Family Services during the after-school tutoring program’s very first year. Brooklawn treats children who have severe emotional and behavioral problems, most often due to abuse or trauma. The after-school tutoring program helps children progress in their treatment by assessing their academic needs and helping them improve in school.

Every Wednesday, for one hour, I came to Brooklawn and worked with “Marcus” to help him improve his basic reading skills. He always picked books where he could find certain objects on the page, because he thought he would get out of reading. He then would laugh when I’d cover both pages and make him read the words first before he could find the pictures. After he’d read the paragraph, we’d race to see who could find the most objects.

Now I coordinate the tutoring program by matching volunteers with students who need help with reading and math. I tell my volunteers that I tutored as well, so I know how they feel when their student gets frustrated, but I also know how great it feels when their student finally grasps math concepts after weeks of practice, or when a student’s reading score increases. And instead of just seeing one child every week, I get to see all of them progress, not only in school, but in building relationships with volunteers.

For more information about volunteering at Brooklawn, visit our website at www.brooklawn.net or contact Missy Fountain at mfountain@brooklawn.net.

Volunteering Brooklawn, math, reading, tutoring

By Patty Belden

Dearest Volunteers, this week is all about you!  As a personal thank you from me, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at Metro United Way, I have whipped up several poems for your reading entertainment.  There’s something for everyone…whether you want to be inspired by an acrostic poem, you like the fun rhythm of a sonnet, maybe you appreciate the simplicity of a haiku, or perhaps you would fancy a limerick…I have it all and it’s just for you!  Thank you for all you do and enjoy…

Ode to Volunteers – 4 original works by Patty Belden

A haiku…

Making Changes

Ah, to volunteer.

Making changes everyday.

My heart is happy.

A limerick…

Volunteer He Might

There once was a man named Clay

He was bored each night and day

Volunteer he might

But couldn’t find a website

‘Til he learned of his Metro United Way

Acrostic it is…

VOLUNTEER

Visualize the future

Open your mind

Learn about your community

Unearth your passion

Nurture your soul

Test your skills

Express yourself

Experience something new

Revitalize your life

Lastly a sonnet…

Thanks To Volunteers

Give thanks today for Volunteers

Hoots and hollers, claps and cheers!

We can’t do it without you, it’s true

When you’re not around we’re feeling blue

Your time, your talent, you share it all

All we have to do is call!

Your mind is open, you have a big heart

You always pitch in to do your part!

How you find the time, we’ll never know

Your dedication truly shows!

It’s amazing all the work you do

You’re caring people through and through!

You make a difference everyday

Thanks again from Your Metro United Way!

Do you want to volunteer?

To find local Volunteer Opportunities please click here.

Volunteering acrostic, clarksville volunteering, corydon volunteering, haiku, jeffersonville volunteering, limerick, louisville volunteering, new albany volunteering, poems, poetry, sonnet, southern indiana volunteering, volunteer opportunities, volunteer solutions, volunteer thank you

by John Nevitt

 

In honor of the upcoming National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, I’d like to share some thoughts about why I volunteer, and how volunteering makes a difference for me.

 

I am sure we can all think of someone who has made a tremendous impact on our lives – perhaps it was a teacher, our parents, a close friend, a co-worker, or our lifetime companion. Whoever that person is, they undoubtedly took the time to get to know us, and shared something of value – their time, encouragement, knowledge, insight, skills, sense of humor, values – in short, the essence of who they are.

 

Volunteerism brings people together in ways that may not otherwise happen in a way that can benefit everyone involved. For example, I have always enjoyed spending time with senior citizens, and I trace this back to the time I spent with my grandparents. As a result, one job I had was as a social worker in a nursing home.

In order to keep in touch with seniors now, I volunteer through my church at a retirement home and I deliver meals to elderly people who are home bound. This helps me stay in contact with folks who I view as wise, and who often have incredible attitudes, despite difficult circumstances. I almost always feel empowered after spending time with seniors – sometimes because I am more aware and truly thankful for my good health, and other times because I feel privileged to have spent some time with others who have so much perspective on life.

 

I’ll never forget one nursing home resident, Ralph, who was confined to bed because something went wrong during an operation. He spent a considerable amount of time in a coma, and then was confronted with paralysis.

 

Ralph had so much he could have been resentful about, but somehow he maintained a remarkably positive attitude. When I visited him, it seemed that his only concern was about how I was doing, what was going on in my life, and how he could support me. I remember how much he helped me when I was dealing with a personal loss, and how grateful I was to him for his kindness.

 

My visits gave Ralph the opportunity to be of service to me, and I was much richer as a result.

 

Someone once told me that being of service to others is the highest distinction for human beings. I would say that a few historical figures whom I admire all fit that bill – Ghandi, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Mother Theresa. Ralph will always stick in my mind for the same reason, and he is a powerful reminder of why I volunteer – to have the privilege of being of service, and to gain so much in return.

Volunteering highest distinction, personal gain, service, Volunteering

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

What is the best way for a cancer patient to get to life-saving scheduled treatments & doctor appointments?

£ Walk

£ Ride a Bike

£ Take the bus

£ Passenger in a car

The correct answer is : Passenger in a car.

If you are like me, you may be surprised to learn there are people in our community who do not have adequate transportation when they are battling cancer. We all know someone or maybe even ourselves whose lives have been touched by cancer. Imagine for a moment that it is you and you do not have the financial means, family support or perhaps even a car to get to your treatment appointments. What would you do?

In a recent meeting with the American Cancer Society a Metro United Way partner agency, I heard them speaking about the Road to Recovery volunteer program and I wanted to know more. It really resonated with me when they said in our community there are cancer patients on a waiting list that are waiting for help in order to get to their appointments. Cancer doesn’t wait.

I learned from our conversation that some people ride a bike, some take the bus, some will walk, and unfortunately, some just don’t make it to their treatment appointments at all because they don’t have a ride, don’t have the energy to walk or are facing many other hardships that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Do you have the following:

£ Car and Insurance

£ Few Hours a Month

£ Desire to make a difference in the life of a cancer patient

Why not check out the opportunity to be a Road to Recovery Volunteer.

Volunteering for the American Cancer Society means you have an opportunity to save lives and fulfill your own. When you volunteer, you can:

• Make a meaningful difference in your community.
• Help cancer patients and their families.
• Have flexible options and opportunities that fit your schedule.
• Build relationships and networks that will last a lifetime.
• Learn and grow personally and professionally.
• Involve your family and friends.

Health, Volunteering ACS Road to Recovery, Cancer Volunteer, Make a Difference