Why do we volunteer? How do we choose among the so many important causes? Does it add to our lives or take time away from other things? We asked Coryn Thalmann, CEO, COO of Jimcor Agencies, to answer a few questions for us on her personal thoughts about volunteering - thanks Coryn for taking the time to talk to us!
Q: What groups do you / have you volunteered for?
C Thalmann: Special Olympics, YIP's, UFO, Board of Directors for NAPSLO Education Foundation to name a few
Q: How do you
find the time to volunteer with family and work commitments?
C Thalmann: First,
I prioritize all the aspects of my life when making a decision to begin
something. Then, I work with my husband to schedule everything we
need to do and continually communicate about changes. Finally, I try
to be 100% present wherever I am. If I am home playing with my kids,
I try and focus on them. When I am at an event, I focus on those I
am meeting.
Q: Do your
children know you volunteer? How do they feel about it?
C Thalmann: They know I am away at times, but
don’t really understand what volunteering entails. They are getting
to an age where I will be able to take them to certain events so they can see
versus hear about what I am doing.
Q: What is the
best experience you have had from volunteering?
C Thalmann: Seeing a smile on a person’s
face!
Q: What would you
say if someone said they didn’t have the time to volunteer for a cause?
C Thalmann: Do what you can. Every
little bit helps so try and find ½ hour to help.
Q: In closing – is
there anything else you would want to say? Any cause close to your
heart you would want to talk about?
C Thalmann: The world is
based on people helping other people. I have been fortunate in my
life and feel that paying it forward is a must for me.
So, in closing think about how you "pay it forward"! What cause is important to you? Do you volunteer your time? Let us know :)
Know you want to volunteer but not sure where to start? Try Volunteer Match! http://www.volunteermatch.org/
Did you know yesterday was Mandela Day?
http://www.mandeladay.com/An annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life (started in 2009) and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to" make an imprint" and change the world around them -- by giving 67 minutes of volunteer service. Celebrated on July 18
