Recap: A Community Conversation about year-round volunteerism
Last week's Community Conversation about year-round volunteerism in the greater Omaha metro area was packed with meaningful stories and innovative thinking to overcome barriers to service. Attendees left inspired to do their part in filling service gaps to strengthen our community and neighborhoods.
A recap
This Community Conversation, made possible by Centris Federal Credit Union, revealed ways we can all weave service into the fabric of our everyday life. The gathering brought together nonprofit leaders, corporate representatives, and community champions to discuss how volunteering can extend beyond the holiday season or National Volunteer Month in April and become a meaningful, consistent way of enriching our lives.
Starting the conversation
Teresa Mardesen, SHARE Omaha executive director, kicked off the event by reflecting on her own experiences with corporate volunteerism and paid volunteer time off (VTO). She emphasized the importance of moving past the traditional notion of volunteering as a holiday-centric activity.
"Volunteer needs exist every day, every minute of the day," Teresa highlighted, encouraging attendees to explore ways to make community engagement a natural part of their routines. Teresa noted that a lot of volunteering can be done virtually, remotely from home and at different times
A panel of community leaders joined the conversation, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the discussion:
- Anna Lehotyak, Nebraska Diaper Bank
- Chantel Windeshausen, Centris Federal Credit Union
- Jeff Spilinek, Farm Credit Services of America
- Mandy Suing, Project Harmony
The panelists delved into various aspects of volunteerism, sharing both personal reflections and practical advice.
Here are some key takeaways:
Find creative ways to volunteer
Chantelle recalled a small yet impactful project where employees made 300 Valentine cards for a local mission. This simple effort sparked a love for volunteering within her team. Such creative and low-barrier activities can inspire individuals to get involved and make a difference.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and build community.
Build a culture of service within your networks
Jeff emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of service within your network.
"Building a culture of service means fostering an environment where giving and helping become second nature. It’s about inspiring others to see how their actions can contribute to a stronger, more united community. When service is embedded into our daily lives and institutions, it transcends being a single effort—it becomes a shared value, a collective commitment to taking care of one another," said Jeff.
Short-term efforts have long-term impact
Anna and Mandy highlighted how even short-term volunteer activities, like packing diapers or making blankets, can have profound and lasting effects.
"Volunteers are not just helpers; they are the heartbeat of our mission," said Mandy.
Anna shared the story of a volunteer who joined the Nebraska Diaper Bank on the anniversary of her sister's death, finding solace and purpose in the experience of honoring her sister. Seeing the mission first hand, this volunteer has now become a monthly donor and commits to financially helping diaper babies.
Additionally, as Chantelle reflected on how she entered into a lifelong commitment of making a difference, she shared, "My journey into volunteerism began as an act of kindness but soon became a way to connect deeply with others and give back meaningfully."
When you're not sure where to start, Jeff wants us all to remember that "even the smallest efforts contribute to a ripple effect of positive change."
Overcome barriers
The discussion also touched on practical steps to encourage volunteerism, such as businesses offering paid volunteer time off (VTO) and addressing logistical and transportation challenges. Anna shared how the Nebraska Diaper Bank introduced mobile experiences to accommodate employees who couldn’t leave their offices, ensuring everyone could contribute meaningfully.
Table discussions
The second half of the event encouraged attendees to engage in table discussions, exploring questions like, "What does meaningful volunteerism look like to you?" and "How can companies and nonprofits work together to address barriers to volunteerism?" This interactive format allowed participants to learn from one another and exchange ideas for fostering a culture of community engagement.
Final reflection
As the event concluded, the recurring theme was clear: volunteerism is not just about giving back—it’s about creating ripple effects of generosity, connection and impact. Mandy said it well, "Volunteers embody the spirit of resilience and hope in every community they touch."
Service isn’t seasonal; it’s a value embedded in how we choose to live and lead. - Teresa Mardesen, SHARE Omaha executive director
