Volunteering Can Pay Off In So Many Ways

In September, I was voted onto the board of Dr Roz's Healing Place. There are three key reasons to be a part of a board. The first is that it gets you into a room/network of people that you probably would not have access to in everyday life. My first board membership was with Tropicana Community Services. I ended up serving with a lawyer who is now a judge, the V.P of a major bank and a high level city manager. These are connections I have carried for 20 years. The second is being a part of a team outside of work. You learn how to follow the rules of an agenda, minutes and bylaws. It is a huge responsibility to oversee an organization and make decisions about  funding and programs. The third and most important for me is being able to volunteer my skillset to a cause in line with my values. Dr. Roz's Healing Place helps women and children escape violent situations and gets them housing, counseling, education and a new lease on life. One of my first responsibilities as a board member is to use my skills as a writer and media consultant to help with sponsorship, media coverage and script writing for our 10th Annual Triumph Awards Gala. Being on a board is a once a month commitment with a few hours in between for a lifetime of experience. Definitely worth it!

Triumph Award recipients with Dr. Roz Roach (second from right)

Triumph Awards Hosts: Citytv’s Tammie Sutherland & G98.7’s Mark Strong