Two years ago I ventured out of the corporate world and embarked on an adventure to become an entrepreneur. Since becoming the proud business owner of an online publication providing only positive local news, not only in Geauga County but also in Portage County, I realized the value of networking. Over the past three years I have wiggled my way into being involved with several groups and organizations. Being in the news media business, I find it essential for our publications’ success. Here is a list of all the organizations with whom I am involved.
- Geauga County Tourism Board of Directors
- Leadership Geauga Board of Directors serving on the Adult Committee attending all of the adventures the current class participates in.
- Red Key Network, a very active Women’s Networking Group.
- Burton Chamber of Commerce
- Middlefield Chamber of Commerce
- A local Mastermind Group that meets bi-weekly in an effort to support each other and focus on our goals
- Geauga Growth Partnership’s HomeGrown Geauga serving on the committee for a fundraising event being held in September.
All of this while operating a full time business and small staff of wonderful employees who help keep me on track and keep it all together.
I don’t share all of this with you to gloat about everything I am involved in, but to bring perspective to it all. A few months ago while I was on my way to an early morning board meeting for Leadership Geauga, my husband said to me, “Gee, how many boards and organizations do you belong to?” I was not offended by his question, but rather it made me take time out to think about everything that I am involved in.
I started to evaluate everything in which I am involved and discovered that I work diligently with each of the above organizations because it’s what I absolutely LOVE to do. I learned long ago that when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.
After looking at my long list above, I started getting into the mode of “I’m too busy” to take on anything else. I can’t possibly volunteer to be involved in one more thing or be asked to serve on one more committee.
That’s when I decided to volunteer 25 hours of my time to Rescue Village.
I gave myself a goal to complete 25 hours of volunteer service within a two week period. I reached out to my personal friend Hope Brustein, Director of Rescue Village, and asked her if I could volunteer some of my time to their organization. Of course Hope was thrilled and welcomed my help with open arms.
I was put in contact with Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Ishee, and on May 12 I began my first shift as a volunteer. My first day was spent cleaning, taking phone messages and cleaning out a storage closet. I thought, “This isn’t so bad…it’s kind of mindless work and easy to do.” I was wound up about not being in the office to “get other stuff done”, but hey – I was committed to this goal and entertained by the challenge.
Day two Lisa gave me the option to clean out the barn stalls or help them update the staff directory. I don’t think I need to tell you which one I chose.
Over the next four days, I interviewed each staff member to learn more about them personally. I asked them a series of questions. My last but not least question to each staff member was, “What’s the absolute BEST part about working for Rescue Village?”
Here’s what I learned from their responses…
1. Everyone knows the Mission
I was extremely impressed that every staff member responded that they like living out the mission of what Rescue Village is all about. I have worked for many organizations and I can guarantee you most of the staff members don’t even know what the mission of their workplace.
2. Love! Not only for the animals but they all LOVE what they do
Even on my second day of volunteering, it was very clear to me that each staff member has passion for his or her work. From cleaning out dirty cages, to washing laundry, to dealing with difficult adoption cases – they all had a common love not only for the animals, but also for their work in general.
The most common response I received from the staff was the joy of seeing a sick and scared little animal come to the shelter, watch their journey to recovery, then see them get adopted, This is the most rewarding part of their jobs.
3. It’s one big happy family here
Another common response was that all of the staff members worked closely together, and it’s one big happy family. I was impressed to observe very little separation from the office staff to the shelter staff. They genuinely like each other and every single person was willing to help each other out whenever and wherever necessary.
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I have since completed my 25 hours of volunteer work with Rescue Village and I walk away with this…we are all busy with the ins and outs of everyday life. I am a happy person and happy people give back to their communities. Do what you love and love what you do.
My favorite part of working for Rescue Village was that I got to cuddle with the kittens!
If you would like more information about Rescue Village and how you can become a volunteer, click HERE!
