Estela Villanueva-Whitman, Stelter Resource Manager, joins our blog today to show how volunteering can improve engagement and create a sense of belonging within your organization.
April is National Volunteer Month, so it’s fitting I was “volun-told” to blog about Stelter’s volunteer impact. Joking aside, it’s something I’m passionate about and help to coordinate at our company.
From client success managers to designers and everyone in between, it’s our job to promote the good work our nonprofit clients do every day (YOUR good work). Volunteer Time Off (VTO) allows us to reverse the roles a bit, giving us a greater appreciation for your missions and the challenges you face.
Stelter employees receive eight hours of VTO a year. In the eight years it’s been offered, our employees have helped countless nonprofits—everything from serving bicyclists during RAGBRAI (the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa,) assisting little farmers at the Iowa State Fair, to ringing bells for the Salvation Army and making blankets for the Ronald McDonald House.
Everyone Can Help
To encourage employee participation, we compile a directory of diverse volunteer options each year that staff can view on our intranet. Employees are encouraged to share their VTO experiences here as well, so that others can get an insider’s look at what’s being done. Group volunteer opportunities are popular with those who may be hesitant to go it alone.
Stelter also sets aside time for specific volunteer activities, such as Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, and quarterly craft projects and supply drives that all staff can participate in without needing to use their VTO time. During our June annual all-company meeting, we devote a half-day to community service, arranging options to serve a cross-section of interests, needs and populations in our community.
By the Numbers: 2023 Stelter Volunteer Impact
Here are a few of the organizations we assisted in 2023:
Des Moines Refugee Support: Handed out refurbished bikes and donated food at a pop-up giveaway site.
Des Moines Playhouse: Assisted with stage cleanup and prepared mailings.
Des Moines Area Religious Council: Sorted donations.
Woodland Park: Created a safe play space.
ChildServe: Donated more than 600 items, 20 dozen cookies and took part in a Welcome to My World activity.
Volunteering Beyond Our 9-to-5s
After hours, employees continue to make a difference by serving on boards and advocating for personal causes.
Nina New, Vice President of Operations, joined the board of the Friends of the Roy R. Estle Memorial Library six years ago as a way to meet people and give back to the community where she moved to raise a family. It’s a place where they find books and stories, as well as access to community rooms where her kids have enjoyed Pinewood Derbies and $1 Christmas gift shopping.
Nina also recently joined the board of The Beacon, a client-centered community living environment that supports adult women in central Iowa who have experienced trauma and systemic inequity. She was introduced to the executive director by a Stelter board member and was in awe of the work the group did. When a board position opened, she knew she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself.
“I want my kids to see that things don’t just happen. People make them happen. It takes people working together to create caring, safe and thriving communities.”
Amber Zylstra, Operations Specialist (Client Success), has served on the board of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa for three years. She got involved due to a connection with the former executive director. She stays involved because she believes child abuse is preventable, and the group is making a difference for communities, families and kids across Iowa.
“Growing up, both of my parents were very involved and modeled the importance of giving back. That left a lasting impression on me.”
Jessica Durand, Account Executive, has volunteered at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa since 2009. She started in the adoption area, became a donor and expanded her role to help at events after she saw the impact the ARL was making. Her dog, Bear, also joined the fun as a therapy dog, visiting schools, libraries and senior communities. His visits were such a hit that one venue even threw Bear a birthday party before he retired.
Jessica gives back to thank the organization that has completed her family. Through the years, she and her husband adopted four cats and three dogs.
“My husband and I don’t have kids and having rescued those animals has had such a joyful impact on our lives. I also see the hard work that the ARL does to better the lives of animals. It is so much more than just an animal shelter.”
Estela Villanueva-Whitman, Resource Manager. Yep, that’s me. Volunteering is pretty much my hobby. As a kid, I made cinnamon rolls in the church kitchen to sell on Sundays, tagged along with my father to pass out campaign fliers and donned a yellow apron as a helper for the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive.
I volunteered at schools even before I had children, and after I bought a home I served on the Waveland Park Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library boards. At Stelter, I organized a Fight for Air Climb for several years. These experiences gave me the skills to participate in the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, where I still volunteer.
“Volunteering helped me make new connections and lasting friendships. It’s given me a sense of purpose and is a meaningful way to contribute to the community and causes I care about.”
Keeping Up the Good Work
As you can see, volunteering is a perk that can improve engagement and create a sense of belonging at your organization. Does your nonprofit have a volunteer program for your staff? Tell us about it. And we are always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities. Let us know in the comment section if you are a local nonprofit (Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding area) that could use our help.
PS: Don’t forget that the people who volunteer for your nonprofit are some of your most important supporters. Here are three reasons why it’s so important to take time this month to make them feel your love and appreciation (plus get free social media images to help!).