Profile of a Volunteer

When I think of the word "volunteer" I think of someone who gives selflessly to others, to their community, and to the well-being of others.  Someone who wants to give-back to others and cares about others.  I also think of my fiance, Troy.  Troy is the Volunteer Fire Chief of our local fire department (for the last 10 years), is a reserve Police Officer, and the Boy Scout Cub Master.  Troy gives his time freely to these organizations to ensure that our community is safe and that the children in our town have organizations like the Boy Scouts.  In the past he has also volunteered (with me) on our local pool board to ensure that the local pool would remain open for the kids, assisted me when I was a Girl Scout Leader, and volunteered his time as an EMT. 

I know that Troy has had an enormous impact on the lives of others within our community.  We have seen the teens that he has pulled out of car wrecks graduate; he has kept others safe during Police and Fire incidences; and created a safe learning environment for young boys.  He has also sponsored several boys who were unable to pay the registration of Boy Scouts so that they could have the same experiences he was fortunate enough to have as a child.  When our children were in Head Start he was always volunteering in some capacity.  When our bus needed seat belts he arranged for the Fire Department to install them. 

  (Troy giving our son his Derby award!)

I believe the "take-a-way" message is that we must be willing to give of ourselves to help others.  When we help others we are helping ourselves and providing something greater with our time and efforts.  It was Troy's volunteer efforts actually that inspired me to start giving back by volunteering on the Pool Board, Girl Scout Leader, and Middle School Cheerleading Coach. 

One of my favorite quotes is: "No one cares what you know, unless they know that you care." 

Using Social Media to Get Connected

My experiences with social media mainly consists of Facebook and LinkedIn.  I have utilized LinkedIn to stay connected to contacts that I have made through my work as well as conferences and trainings. In the beginning I primarily utilized Facebook as a way to stay connected to old friends and family.  After I began my journey into Advocacy I realized I could also use Facebook to link to other advocacy groups.  Occasionally I will use my status updates to share news on funding issues for Head Start and Early Head Start or on other educational issues.  I also share links to organizations such as the Association for Childhood Education International, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and Child Advocacy. 

I believe social media sites like Facebook, Blogs, and LinkedIn are beneficial for effective advocacy.  These sites allow advocates to share their message as well as stay connected with other advocates.

I am interested in hearing how my colleagues utilize social media and if there are sites I have not heard of that I could also utilize.

Advocacy Messages

Fatherhood Initiative Public Service Announcement

This public service announcement was inspiring to me because it demonstrates that the "smallest moments make the biggest impact" and that it "takes a man to be a dad".  So often society forgets what an enormous impact fathers have on our children and their growth and development.

 

Autism Awareness Public Service Announcement

This public service announcement on Autism drives home the fact that Autism affects 1 in 110 children and puts it in perspective.  It also shows that Autism affects anyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and is a global issue that affects all of us.

Literacy Awareness Public Service Announcement

This is a public service announcement from the Library of Congress and I find it inspiring because it shows how literacy can open our minds and hearts.  Books open the door to imagination, new worlds, and endless possibilities.