By Beth Wenger, Program Director for KEEN Greater DC-Baltimore
You’re busy. I get it. Time is our most precious commodity, and it’s fleeting. That’s scary. The thought of volunteering some—or more--of that time can seem even scarier. It conjures up a whole bunch of “what ifs,” such as: What if I lose all my me time? What if I don’t like it? What if what I do doesn’t make a difference? What if I miss some other opportunity?
Kim Gantt has dedicated her time and enthusiasm to the mission of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) for over a decade. She began her volunteer journey as the captain of her company’s Light the Night team, leading her colleagues in their fight against blood cancers. After taking part in her first event, Kim was moved by her experience and inspired by the dedication of her community to the service of others. Now, over 14 years later, Kim continues to inspire those around her by volunteering her time and expertise to LLS events and campaigns throughout the year.
Leveraging Volunteer Opportunities for Career Growth
Todays professionals face reductions in mid-level career opportunities due in part to globalization and the proliferation of technology. Industry consolidation means fewer companies which leads to less growth and promotional opportunities for the career-minded professional. As you think about the next promotion, take a look at the opportunities that can set you apart from your colleagues or the Company’s new hire.
by Heather Garlich
Last year 44,000 people died by suicide, making it our nation’s 10th leading cause of death. Furthermore, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24.
In honor of Suicide Awareness Month this September, a volunteer from local nonprofit, PRS, shares her testimony of volunteering on their CrisisLink hotline:
By Lisa Fikes, Director of Volunteer Arlington
“Matching” is everywhere! Whether singing the infamous song from “Fiddler on the Roof”, logging into “Match.com”, or driving your kids to the daily soccer match, we hear this word a lot in our culture. It is interesting to me that in the references just mentioned, the word can be used to suggest either connection or competition.
Click here to view more photos from the event.
By Lisa Fikes, Director of Volunteer Arlington
On Tuesday, July 25, 2017, more than 200 Arlingtonians came together to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism!
The McLean-Arlington-Falls Church Shepherd's Center 2016 Volunteer of the Year is Sofia Rontaler. Sofia has a passion for helping senior citizens and she has devoted hundreds of hours over the past year to helping them through the Shepherd's Center ride program. She started volunteering to provide rides to doctor's appointments with the Shepherd's Center about 2 ½ years ago. She also helps the riders she's met through the Shepherd's Center in informal ways by taking them on necessary errands or even to a movie, concert or out for coffee or a walk.
When saying goodbye each morning, my 6 year old daughter and I have gotten in the habit of making the shape of a heart with both of our hands. It is an outward sign of an inward feeling. We care for each other. We love each other. And, even though we might not be seeing each other for a short time, this action reminds us of what we value - each
Volunteer Arlington hosted its quarterly Lunch & Learn Session on May 18, 2017. The topic for the session was "Conversation Groups." The group ate their bagged lunches while hearing from Lisa Fikes, Director of Volunteer Arlington, about important upcoming dates and information. They then split into two groups led by Reverend Andrew Marrow, Rector at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Arlington, and Stephanie Berman, Director of Program Operations at The Reading Connection.
