We love staying in touch with our former volunteers and are constantly amazed at the impressive things they are doing within the sector. A few of our past interns have shared an update on what they are doing and how volunteering has played a role in their growth. The impact volunteers have on our sector is a hard concept to quantify, but stories like these make it as clear as day.
Callie Johnston
Describe your current job, volunteer activities, etc.
I am currently a Senior Associate Director of Individual Giving at the University of Chicago Medical Center. That means that I’m a major gifts officer, with a special focus on cancer—I work with individual donors to help inspire and facilitate transformative gifts in support of cancer research, education, and care. I volunteer on the Development Committees of Camp Kesem National (the very first nonprofit I worked with, as a student at Notre Dame) and Erie Family Neighborhood House, here in Chicago, to advise on fundraising strategy. I also really enjoy volunteering twice per month on The Night Ministry’s Mobile Outreach van, which provides basic health services and community to homeless populations around Chicago.
How have your past volunteer experiences played a part in what you’re doing currently?
The Charities Review Council taught me so much about the nonprofit sector (in Minnesota and beyond) and what it means to practice accountability to a donor and community. As a professional fundraiser, I am acutely aware of the extent to which our donors value and expect accountability from me and the organization. As a donor, I know how to check out the organizations I am supporting to ensure that they’re stewarding my funds correctly. I just wish that Illinois had resources as comprehensive and user-friendly as the Charities Review Council!
Do you have a favorite memory from your time volunteering with the Charities Review Council?
Yes! Besides getting the opportunity to learn from and joke around with Kelly, Amy, Rich and Joan, I valued all of the opportunities I had to interact with the Charities Review Council donors directly. My favorites were the individuals who made relatively modest gifts, but so valued the guidance and leadership of the Council. One of my favorite memories was spending time on the phone with women who painstakingly would go through their list of intended gifts to ensure that they were maximizing their impact.
Fill in the blank: Volunteering is to the nonprofit sector as ____ are to Minnesota.
"LAKES"
Temma Shankman
Describe your current job, volunteer activities, etc.
Gift Planning Officer for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation: Major Gifts $10,000+ and Planned Giving
How have your past volunteer experiences played a part in what you’re doing currently?
I volunteered extensively at health organizations, food banks, the Jewish Federation, and other social service organizations during both of my internships as well as when I was taking nonprofit classes. Based on my passion for our mission and my former career experience, I knew that a Jewish federated giving organization would be a great fit.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time volunteering with the Charities Review Council?
My favorite times with the Council were during its strategic planning process. This experience re-energized my previous skills and served me extremely well in my first position with the Federation (Development - Annual Campaign overseeing two divisions)… and of course, the special time each of you spent with me. I learned so much and I thank you for that.
Fill in the blank: Volunteering is to the nonprofit sector as ____ is to Minnesota.
"Minnesota Nice"
Kristin Rigg
Describe your current job, volunteer activities, etc.
I am working half-time at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities as a grantwriter. I also sit on the board of a community organization and we are in the process of hiring an Executive Director, which gives me a chance to use what I'm learning in my human resource management class.
How have your past volunteer experiences played a part in what you’re doing currently?
The work I did with the Council was in fund development. It set me on a path to understand the grant process, how to manage a grant calendar, and how to connect grant writing with the mission of an organization.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time volunteering with the Charities Review Council?
I loved how welcoming the staff was to all the interns. We come at various times which could be a disruption to the routine of the staff, but they were always so helpful and supportive. The intern program at the Council is the best around! You allow us to contribute to the mission and gain valuable experience.
Fill in the blank: Volunteering is to the nonprofit sector as ____ are to Minnesota.
"Lakes (volunteers are everywhere!)"
Eric Larsen
Describe your current job, volunteer activities, etc.
I am working to start up an urban farm called Stone's Throw Urban Farm. We grow produce on vacant city lots for sale at the Mill City Farmers Market and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). I also volunteer with Listening House of St. Paul, a day shelter and drop in center providing a safe, welcoming place for those on the streets, lonely, or simply looking for a place of community. I also volunteer at Centro, a resource center for Latino families where I work with their senior program.
How have your past volunteer experiences played a part in what you’re doing currently?
My past volunteer opportunities have given me experience in leading and starting up new ventures. Additionally, I've been exposed to a segment of the population that is often forgotten and rejected. Now, I am drawn to working with those populations.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time volunteering with the Charities Review Council?One of my favorite memories was simply sharing lunch together in the conference room, catching up on each other's lives, and sharing stories of travels, family, etc.
Fill in the blank: Volunteering is to the nonprofit sector as ____ is to Minnesota.
"you betcha"
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