My first meeting with the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) was nothing I expected. What I expected was to be seated at the far end of a long wood table, leaning in to hear what the more important members mumbled about, desperate to feel like I was a part of the group. Instead I was welcomed into a rather large room with all the tables and seats arranged in a square. Each seat had a couple papers including an agenda, pamphlet on BIC (the hosting site), and a blue or green pen. I chose a seat near the projector with my fellow interns (one with a blue pen). While the rest of the members shuffled in we were free to grab refreshments and treat ourselves to the food arranged at the far side of the room. Now, happily at my seat with watermelon, coffee, and new blue pen, I began scanning the room once more as if maybe there was a sliver of a possibility I might know someone there. It was at this point Pat Tarasovic, the CVC director, came over to shake my hand and thank me for coming. It may have been a small gesture but I was happy to now know someone other than my fellow Greater Valley Chamber Interns (and the few of our chamber members that I had already been introduced to as many of the businesses in the room were GVCC members). As we all finally shuffled to our seats, the small chatter that had once filled the room, eventually faded away, allowing the meeting to officially begin. While I had envisioned the cliché long table meeting, in reality having us all sit in such an open space was rather ingenious for it allowed everyone in this large group to face each other. Movement and communication became encouraged through this use of space. There was a much more accepting and comfortable aura than what my anxieties predicted. Still, what impressed me most was the effort to include everyone and create a sense of community. We started off with introducing ourselves (yes, even the lowly interns like me) by simply stating our name and the company we, not worked for, but represented. This allowed for a sense of equality. I wasn't intern Amanda sitting next to CEO whoever… Instead we were all just representatives of our companies, here together in order to collaborate, support, and serve the community. The tone of those who spoke at the meeting could only be described as supportive, excited, and determined. Previous successes were praised while still encouraging member participation in new programs. Never did it feel like we were being lectured or scolded into volunteer work but rather we were called to become inspired by previous successes and to continue onwards. One success story that stood out to me was that of a clothing drive that took place in early May/late June in which over 600 bags of clothes were collected. My Sister's Place had to make four trips to collect it all! As Chief Communications Officer of the Non-Profit Superkick Foundation, I consider myself a pretty avid supporter of community, charity, and volunteer work so it was refreshing to be among like-minded individuals. Even more so was their emphasis on how this 'work' should be a positive experience for all. Pat joked that "Having fun- That's kind of a big thing." but it's true! Volunteering is about helping others in need, but it's also about doing so in a positive, and if possible, fun way and the Corporate Volunteer Council clearly understood that. -Amanda Stockla, 2016 GVCC Intern |
CategoriesAuthorsGreater Valley Chamber Staff, Interns & Members Archives
November 2023
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