Nurturing Community – Why I Volunteer
By Christine Byerly
As the 2024 year is closing, it is with bittersweet emotions that I will be leaving the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation board after completing three terms (nine years) of service. I had the great good fortune of joining when NACF was born and has since become the broad community nonprofit organization it is today, serving more than 70 nonprofits in Burnett and northern Polk Counties. I will miss working with the board and the interaction with the amazing people who have chosen volunteerism as a way to support their communities – all good people, doing great things.
When I joined NACF in 2015, I was working a full-time job and had a number of other obligations – so, why did I take on this role? Here are my reasons:
- I followed the volunteering example of my parents. My siblings and I grew up on a farm in a small community and both my parents worked off the farm as well (so that my father could afford to farm, as he used to say!) It was common practice for our parents to attend PTA meetings or town board discussions or church choir rehearsals after supper, and, although it was never really discussed, we kids learned the importance of supporting our community by being active in it. I became a volunteer because I observed that’s what adults do as good citizens.
- I have been helped when I needed it. Few of us go through life without ever needing the support of others, whether it’s plowing out the driveway, getting a ride to a doctor appointment, or just having someone listen to us. While we may feel proud that we can do it ourselves, there are times when sharing the problem and working together on a solution is cathartic and more important. I have been the recipient of kindness and compassion, and I became a volunteer so I could return the favor by passing it on.
- It’s the right thing to do. This past year has been a roller-coaster for all of us as we have navigated a number of challenges in our nation. Times like these tell me that since I cannot control anything outside of my own actions, I need to choose my passions and focus my energy by making a difference in my own community. We all need to reach out to connect with our friends and neighbors to help keep our communities viable and vibrant. Yes, we can keep our food shelves stocked; we can make sure kiddos have winter coats, boots, and mittens; we can take our neighbors to medical appointments – or even just visit with them and enjoy an afternoon together. Volunteering doesn’t need to be expensive; it doesn’t need to consume all your free time; and you will be able to find a nonprofit organization that will match your interests in helping others.
NACF can help match you with a nonprofit that would benefit by your volunteerism. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an NACF board member or occasional volunteer, see our website www.nacommunityfoundation.org for more information or email nacf.hq@gmail.com
Established in 2013, the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. We are a grass-roots organization of volunteers from northern Polk and Burnett Counties. We support our area nonprofits with educational opportunities and grants.