2
C
hacolby: Sometimes people assume Meals on Wheels is a
daily commitment, or requires several hours. Volunteering
with us is actually very flexible and manageable. It’s perfect
for businesses, church groups, civic organizations, students,
and anyone looking for a service project or team-building
experience.
W hat
skills can be built by working with
your organization?
C
indy: Most of what volunteers do here is labor. It doesn’t
require a lot of skill, just a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Volunteers learn to be self-starting and do what needs to be
done.
M
endie: You don’t have to be an expert. There’s a lot to be
said for someone with a positive attitude and a willing heart.
C
hacolby: Our volunteers become more empathetic. They also
enhance their leadership and communication skills.
M
endie: Volunteers build teamwork and social skills when
working with United Way.
3
How
much difference do your volunteers
really make?
C
indy: We have very few employees compared to the num-
ber of animals we have, so volunteer help is invaluable. We
couldn't do what we do without them.
C
hacolby: Volunteers are the heartbeat of MACOA! We de-
pend on compassionate people throughout our community to
join us in ensuring no senior goes hungry. Volunteers keep our
mission in motion.
M
endie: Simply put, we would not be able to positively impact
the lives of nearly 135,000 people every year if we had to rely
solely on our staff. Volunteers are essential.
4
Are
there any misconceptions about
volunteering you'd like to clear up?
5
What
advice do you have for someone
who is nervous about volunteering for
the first time?
K
aylin Finch, Volunteer at the Montgomery Humane Society:
It’s worth it! Regardless of who you are, what you look like, or
what you’ve done in the past, the animals will not judge you.
They just want you to love them.
K
atie Perkins, Volunteer at the Montgomery Humane
Society: If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d say go for
it! I’ve made many friends, and some of my best memories
happened at the shelter.
C
hacolby: All of us are hesitant to try new things at first, but
becoming a volunteer is one of the most rewarding experi-
ences you will have. Most organizations, including MACOA,
offer training to help you become more comfortable with your
responsibilities, so don’t let fear of the unknown deter you.
M
endie: The nonprofit staff or lead volunteer will not expect
you to know everything, so don’t hesitate to speak up when you
have questions.
C
indy: If someone imagines that volunteering at our shelter
will involve them just rolling around on the floor with puppies,
they would be wrong. Volunteering is hard work and requires
a time commitment. We ask that volunteers be willing and
able to donate at least 6 hours per month for a year.
Cindy Chapman - Montgomery Humane Society
[email protected]
Chacolby Burns-Johnson - Montgomery Area
Council on Aging: [email protected]
Mendie Nord - River Region United Way:
[email protected]
Community Service Scholarships
AXA Achievement
Scholarship
us.axa.com/axa-foundation/
about.html
Award: Several awards of up to $25,000
Eligibility: Applicant must be a high
school senior who demonstrates ambition
and self-drive as evidenced by outstand-
ing achievement in school, community or
work-related activities.
Deadline: Mid-December
GE-Reagan Foundation
Scholarship Program
www.reaganfoundation.org
Award: Several awards of up to $40,000
Eligibility: Applicant must be a high
school senior with a min. 3.0 GPA; must
demonstrate the attributes of leadership,
drive, integrity, and citizenship.
Deadline: Early January
www.potentialmagazine.com
Horatio Alger Scholarship
Award
www.scholars.horatioalger.org
Award: Several awards of $25,000
Eligibility: Applicant must be a high
school senior with a min. 2.0 GPA; must
demonstrate financial need; must be
involved in community service activities.
Deadline: Late October
Winter 2018 |
23