Community Engagement Matters in Human Services
Joining committees like this one are a great way to build your professional network and create more visibility for your agency!
As a nonprofit executive, I've found so much value in engaging with other community-based organizations. In the past month, I have had the privilege of serving on committees for the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce (GLCC), and it's been time very well spent.
On the GLCF scholarship committee, I was tasked with reviewing nearly 40 applications from some incredible Lowell High School students who are about to embark on their college journey (many of whom were attending my grad alma mater University of Massachusetts Lowell). These kids somehow balance academics, jobs, extra-curriculars, and athletics, and all wrote such poignant essays about themselves - I just wish they could all get scholarships! Similarly, reviewing 25 applications from local nonprofits striving to support children in our region really shed light on the vital work being done to uplift some of our community's most vulnerable members, and it was a great feeling to know that they are being awarded grants to support that work.
And serving on the GLCC Distinguished Young Professionals committee is always just a fun experience, as you can tell from the photo! Reading through nominations and selecting deserving candidates, all in the interest of recognizing and promoting emerging leaders who are shaping the future of our community, is a fun exercise.
These volunteer initiatives benefit me in so many ways beyond the intrinsic rewards. Collaborating with fellow committee members exposed me to remarkable organizations and individuals who I am happy to add my own network. The upcoming GLCF Annual Meeting and GLCC Young Professionals Award ceremony provide further opportunities to celebrate some of these worthy individuals.
If you've made it this far, I urge you to actively engage with community-based organizations. The rewards are abundant, from personal fulfillment to professional growth. I love knowing that I'm playing a small part in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all! (And special thanks to Jennifer Aradhya, Seung Sharon Kim, and Danielle McFadden for all your work on these initiatives!)
