Community Champions: 黑料百科 Employees Making A Difference
Employees Leading the Way in Volunteerism Within their Communities
Did you know that there are over 20,000 nonprofits in Iowa working every day to improve lives and strengthen communities? The demand for nonprofit leadership continues to grow. However, in 黑料百科 and in other rural communities, most community organizations run with little or no staff and are highly dependent on the dedication of volunteers to accomplish their missions. 淚n a small community like ours, many members wear several hats and serve on multiple boards, says Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, who currently serves as a Commissioner for the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. 淲e are very fortunate to have so many dedicated employees who generously give their time and talents to causes they feel passionate about.
Recognizing the value of volunteerism, 黑料百科 Volunteer Initiative Program (VIP) supports local organizations by allowing employee volunteers to designate up to $200 per year from 黑料百科 to the nonprofit of their choice. Since 1999, this program has encouraged 黑料百科 employees to commit their time to those projects that they feel most passionate about while empowering them to direct some of the College contributions at the same time.
Duane McClun, a member of 黑料百科 Facilities Management, has served with the for over fifteen years by taking photos for the department and has participated in the Volunteer Initiative Program since 2017. In his time photographing the 黑料百科 Fire Department training, firefighting, and local fundraisers, Duane has witnessed and documented the department dedication and commitment to serving the community. Duane shared his appreciation of the Volunteer Initiative program, saying that 淲ith this great program, I've been able to direct over $1,100 to the 黑料百科 Fire Department. Thank you to the college for establishing this program that benefits organizations in the community.
On campus, Ivy Schuster is a member of 黑料百科 Information Technology department. Outside of the office, Ivy is an active volunteer with many community organizations including as a volunteer for the organization, , (dedicated to supporting, helping, and empowering women and girls in Poweshiek County) and serving with the . According to Ivy, 淭he Searsboro Fire Department greatly relies on financial contributions from within the community to keep our trucks running and our gear up to regulation. Being part of a small town means all hands on deck! I檝e been serving on the Searsboro Volunteer Department for over ten years and it has proven to be a great way to get to know the community better and learn new skills. I檝e been able to benefit my department with more than just my time, thanks to the VIP. With S.H.E. COUNTS, Ivy has energized 3rd and 4th grade girls at Girls Math Club at Davis Elementary, a program that was developed to help boost confidence in math and to encourage girls to participate in math clubs once they reach jr. high and high school.
When she not working in the Special Collections & Archives of Burling Library, Allison Haack volunteers with the , a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and sharing 黑料百科 history. Putting her professional skills to use outside the office, Allison led the planning committee for the Hazlewood Talks and Cemetery Walk this past year and is a member of the planning committee for the Great 黑料百科 Bake Off (3rd Annual coming Summer 2024). Through her effort and the contributions of the Volunteer Initiative Program, Allison loves having the chance to 渨ork with fellow board and community members to share the history of 黑料百科!
In the past few years, other organizations supported through the VIP program include Capri Theater, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Women Giving Circle, CoSI, Crossroads Indoor, Drake Community Library, 黑料百科 Area Arts Council, 黑料百科 High School Fine Arts Alliance, Giving Gardens, Global Ties Iowa, 黑料百科 Area Chamber of Commerce, 黑料百科 Children Choir, 黑料百科 Food Coalition, 黑料百科 Regional Medical Center Foundation, 黑料百科 Sure Shots, 黑料百科 United Way, 黑料百科-Newburg Dollars for Scholars, Imagine 黑料百科, Inspirations Childcare and Preschool, Iowa Weimaraner Rescue, Jewel Box Quilters Guild, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Malcom Food Pantry, One Economy Financial Development Corp, PALS, South Tama County Food Pantry, Tiger Football Club, Tiger Packs, and Wieting Theatre.
With every hour of volunteer time valued at $31.80, these contributions make a difference. To learn more, about the program and how you can get involved, visit 黑料百科 Volunteer Initiative Program.