National Volunteer Week: what we do when we're not consulting

Many of us came to Idealist Consulting after working in the nonprofit sector, and still volunteer in our local communities as much as we can. Last week was National Volunteer Week so it seemed like an appropriate time to do a round-up of our efforts - we hope this inspires you as well!

Rob Jordan, CEO and Founder

I volunteered with the Peace Corps and with the Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team Captain.

Matthew Nelson, Director of Partnerships

Over the past couple years I have been focusing on volunteer opportunities where I can expose my 7 and 14 year old children to the transformational power of service. This includes work with the homeless through the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, with homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels Atlanta, with disadvantaged youth through Boys and Girls Clubs, and numerous projects through HandsOn Atlanta including building community gardens, making "thank you" packages for the military and first responders, and making comfort blankets for critically ill children through Project Linus. 

Cat Monaghan, Director of Nonprofit Sales

I've volunteered as an English teacher in a rural village in Ghana, as well as an English tutor for an organization that helps refugee families resettle in the Pacific NW.

Sarah Lyman, Business Operations Coordinator

I volunteered for five consecutive summers at an orphanage in Carmen Serdan, Mexico. I have also volunteered with a variety of homeless food and shelter programs in Portland, OR.

Kirsten Kippen, Marketing Manager

I volunteer on the liveability team with my neighborhood association, doing things like street clean-up and tree planting. I've also taught English in rural China.

Jade Jurdy, Sales Associate

I've worked with Forward Edge International providing disaster relief after Hurricane Felix. My team and I built houses and a hospital. I also taught english for a month in the remote villiage of Krin Krin. During 2007-2009, I worked with BridgeTown, an organization in Portland, OR that provides food, clothing, sleeping bags, medicines and basic grooming needs (hair cuts, shaving beards for men, etc).

AJA MCCLANAHAN, CRM: Admin

Volunteering at schools in urban communities to help with test prep and extra curricular activities like entrepreneurship training.

ANGELA MAHONEY, CRM: Project Manager

Board President for Salem Child Development Center, a mid-valley childcare organization that serves over 900 children ranging from 6 weeks through elementary school aged children (through after-care programs at multiple elementary schools from Turner to Dallas). We are in the middle of a successful expansion to a second full services childcare site. 

ANNIE SHEK, CRM: Foundation Specialist

I have volunteered as a volleyball coach and grants reviewer for youth development grants. Currently, I volunteer as a non-profit business plan reviewer for the Center of Faith and Work's Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

APRIL HARRIS, CRM: Admin

I've volunteered for disaster relief in Nicaragua, Haiti, and the Pacific NW and as a homeless advocate in Portland. I'm a mentor for teenagers and women from addicted families. Also, I volunteer clerical support with a local Portland charity dedicated to serving infants abroad.

ASHLEY BOCHIECHIO, CRM: Admin

Working in a local high school as a volunteer tutor. I also worked in an animal shelter cleaning up and caring for the rabbits.

CALISTA CARTER, CRM: Project Manager

I served on the board of my local YMCA for six years while we were designing, fundraising for and building a brand new 22M facility. Now I am taking a little breather from board service, but I volunteer weekly for "writer's workshop" in a bilingual kindergarten class.

CAROLYN FISCHER, CRM: Admin

Slow Food Movement- volunteering at local events in San Diego; American Heart Association- I taught a healthy cooking class to a group of first graders; Rafael House- Helped with evening events and prepared lunches for the following day

CHRIS POKRANA, CRM: Architect

Developed database for Welfare-to-Work program; maintained and upgraded office computer systems. As well as, organized community service projects and produced community newsletter.

CORINN BROWN, CRM: Admin

Currently I spend a lot of time at my local elementary and middle schools. I volunteer in classes to help reluctant readers and to help with science labs. Every Fall I coordinate Super Science Saturday that brings a day of science to kids from around our school district. I have been a member of the school PTA serving as secretary and treasurer. 

FRANKLIN JOYCE, CRM: Architect

Icons of Optimism, Geek Corps (Ghana), IDEP (Indonesia), The Service Board, and Washington Bus.

JESSICA PASLEY, CRM: Foundation Specialist

I am a volunteer photographer for Royal Family Kids Camp. I also volunteer at my children's school for various events.

JANNA CENKO, CRM: Admin

America's Second Harvest as well as The Red Cross.

JENNY COUNCIL, CRM: Admin

My volunteer work has split between mental health and environmental efforts. Currently I am a CASA Guardian Ad Litum, advocating for children in child welfare cases. I also sit on the board of a women's land trust and do volunteer tech assistance for local environmental groups.

JOHN LICATA, CRM: Architect

Locally, The Open Door Food Kitchen, United Cerebral Palsy and I'm beginning a large pro-bono Salesforce.com project for several riding therapy centers.

KRISTEN SPETH, CRM: Project Manager

Currently, I volunteer extensively at a dual language school, with over 70% of the students receiving free or reduced lunch. I manage their fundraising for the PTO, volunteer in the classroom, a leader in the Destination Imagination, etc.

MICHAEL SMITH, CRM: Developer

I donate platelets monthly or so, for nearly 25 years.

ROSS WITTE, CRM: Admin

Architecture for Humanity DC & Greater DC Cares

TANNER WELLS, CRM: Developer

I'm am a founder and Vice President of Project Patagonia since 2006. I've also volunteered as an English tutor at an adult learning center in Minot, ID for Spanish speakers.