Volunteers are a fact of nonprofit life.
Oftentimes, the organizations live and die by the vibrancy of their volunteers, whether that’s shown in time, talents or treasures.
Just look at United Way’s Day of Caring and Rotary Clubs’ Rock ‘n Ribs, for example.
Last month’s Day of Caring was the largest in its 20 years in the Ozarks, with nearly 1,700 volunteers from 80 companies and organizations completing more than 220 community projects. For Rock ‘n Ribs, more than 1,000 Rotarians and volunteers came together to put on the April 20–21 barbecue competition that officials recently announced raised $150,000 for seven children’s charities in the Ozarks.
These are the stories of volunteerism at its finest.
As the editor of a weekly business journal, I have the opportunity and interest to serve the community through nonprofit volunteerism.
For the last four years, I’ve chosen the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball after a colleague, Buck Van Hooser of C&C Group, introduced me to Mary Valloni and the ACS team. Seeing the vision for this new event, I quickly joined the publicity committee led by Celeste Skidmore of ADsmith Communications. Skidmore taught me the ropes of leading a volunteer committee, and encouraged me to take the reins as chairman this past year. With the 2013 event under our belts, it’s time for me to bow out. ACS is doing great work in southwest Missouri – for instance, through its gas cards, wigs and prosthesis programs for cancer patients and their families – and more broadly through cancer research and education at the 24/7 hotline (800) 227-2345. This change for me is directly the result of the Society of Professional Journalists’ ethical code we choose to follow at Springfield Business Journal.
Under the code’s Act Independently section, I’m advised to avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, and to remain free of associations and activities that would threaten SBJ’s editorial credibility. Being sensitive to those words, I believe I’ve walked that line appropriately in my volunteer work.
The code is not influencing me to stop volunteer work altogether, but it is causing me to shift my efforts to another group. I’ve received some invitations and am considering where my skills and interest can best be applied.
But first, I’m spending time to reflect on this short journey with ACS. While helping the cause, I’ve in fact been helped along in my professional career.
For one, I’ve seen the work and funds that many hands can produce. After coming out of the gate to raise $500,000, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has generated more than $2.4 million in four years. This year’s $600,000 raised was roughly 16 percent below last year’s tally, signaling the first direct impact by the economic recession.
I’ve learned the influence and impact of an advisory board. ACS can trace roughly 75 percent of funds raised to its board of executive barons.
I’ve witnessed leaders of large volunteer groups start on the ground level, handling what most would consider the dirty work. I’m speaking of David Martin of Murney Associates and his wife, Karen, the 2010 Cattle Baron’s Ball chairpersons. The Martins started volunteering during the ball’s inaugural year in decorating and cleaning the restrooms. Before he was chairman, I’ll never forget David Martin jumping into action to scoop aside a pile of horse manure during the event’s live auction.
“It takes dedication, just getting involved,” Martin says nonchalantly of his role and the work of a few hundred volunteers that put on the ball. “The volunteers out here come from all walks of life, from company owners to bankers – they just say, ‘What can I do to help?’ Then, they come our and serve.”
I’ve also learned how to be gracious in leadership. From 2013 ball chairwoman Ginni Hawley, wife of Ron Hawley, Regions Bank area president: “I step into it knowing there is an under-girding of such amazing strength with the volunteers, committee chairmen and the executive barons. I may be chairwoman for the coming year, but the people who do the real heavy lifting are those great committee chairs and executive barons – and that gives me a sense of confidence.”
Happy trails, for now, ACS. Keep fighting the fight.
Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.
