VolunteerLocal Field Expert: Jordan Maze

Jordan Maze

Chicago, IllinoisJordan Maze

“Volunteering allows you to connect with people who have similar interests – perhaps the most natural way to make friends, especially in a city. If you have spare time or money, recognizing your good fortune by offering it in the service of others feels great and is great for your community.”

What do you love about your hometown?

My neighbors’ friendliness, architectural diversity, and so much vegan food.

Tell us about your unique perspective when it comes to volunteer coordination.

I helped start a bike co-op in college, and now my best friend is a volunteer manager, so I can live a bit vicariously through her.

What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of work:

Going on walks with my dog, reading, and biking.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Where would your friends find you on a typical Friday night?

Probably in my backyard.

 

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VolunteerLocal Field Expert: Anna Elliot

Anna Elliot

Des Moines, IowaAnna Elliot

 “I always come back to this: volunteering provides a shared experience with a common goal. It brings people and communities together.”

What do you love about your hometown?

Des Moines has the friendliness and familiarity of a small town with some big city perks, like good food, shows, and parks.

Tell us about your unique perspective when it comes to volunteer coordination.

I write from the perspective of the volunteer and participant. I have been involved in many different projects of all kinds and have seen first-hand the need and difference volunteers make. I’ve also attended more events that rely on volunteers than I can count and have benefited from the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of work:

I like staying active! I practice yoga, teach barre, and rock climb.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

If I must choose one, Bon Iver.

Where would your friends find you on a typical Friday night?

On Friday night you might find me at a show downtown or sitting on the porch with some friends.

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VolunteerLocal Field Expert: Josanna E. Berg-Hammond

Josanna E. Berg-HammondVersion 2

Brooklyn, New York

“I think volunteering is one of the best reminders that we’re all human. I just believe so strongly that we should all be good people and we should all help each other.”

What do you love about your hometown?

I can easily walk to anything and everything I could want.

Tell us about your unique perspective when it comes to volunteer coordination.

I began volunteering in elementary school and continued to keep it a main part of my life as I grew up. Volunteering has always been incredibly close to my heart, which is why I love writing for an organization like VolunteerLocal.

What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of work:

Eating! I love finding new dishes to cook and trying out new restaurants around Brooklyn and NYC.

Who is your favorite musical artist?

Impossible to answer, but I’m currently listening to a lot of Pinegrove.

Where would your friends find you on a typical Friday night?

Early dinner followed by drinks, a movie and bed (love being rested for a Saturday morning).

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VolunteerLocal Field Expert: Swanee Astrid

Swanee Astrid

Boulder, ColoradoSwanee

“Something truly given not just of your time, but of your heart can never be taken away. In my strange little corner of the world I see how much each of us gives to our sense of democracy and justice and equality through the time and space we share to come together; I am reminded of how much passion there is in the world and am validated in my own existence by this unity.”

What do you love about your hometown?

If I told you, you’d probably want to move here.

Tell us about your unique perspective when it comes to volunteer coordination.

I have been a volunteer for many occasions from parking at Renaissance fairs as a teenager to venue managing at major festivals as an adult. A lot of volunteer work occurs through my coordinator position at Naropa University with the student body and curricular events. As a community organizer in the writing community I host a regular series and am spearheading a mentorship program for queer youth with a therapeutic services non-profit, Queer Asterisk.

What is your favorite hobby or activity outside of work:

Cooking is a regular practice and one of my life passions. Also aikido & archery– I especially wish I had more time for these!

Who is your favorite musical artist?

Anne Waldman who is not techinically a musician, but if you have ever seen her perform you know she is a rockstar and her rendition of Jaguar Harmonics & Gimme Shelter” at the Jack Kerouac School is in my book of memories I’ll remember when I curtains close”

Where would your friends find you on a typical Friday night?

Holding an arts salon among our friends group, appreciating each others explorations in creativity while enjoying mixed drinks, delicious food, ultimately always dancing.

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Introducing: Your Field Experts

BrianneBrianne Sanchez

Des Moines, Iowa

Topics of Focus: On-campus recruitment and coordination, retention, creative strategies to engage volunteers.

“I live for my book club!”

JulieKentJulie Kent

Denver, Colorado

Topics of Focus: Non-profit organizations and conferences – distribution channels and on-site tactics.

“What do I love about Denver? No humidity!”

LinhLinh Ta

Des Moines, Iowa

Topics of Focus: Volunteer management at downtown festivals and parades. Coordination tips for everyday success.

“I am a hybrid of Leslie Knope, Diane Nguyen and Martha Stewart.”

Version 2

 Josanna E. Berg-Hammond

Brooklyn, New York

Topics of Focus: Cause-driven volunteerism, contingency planning, and production tips for mid- to large-scale events.

“I’m always trying to make a joke out of everything and anything.”

Anna Elliot

Anna Elliot

Des Moines, Iowa

Topics of Focus: Music festivals, art festivals, churches and faith-groups.

“I’m naturally curious about people and ideas.”

Jordan MazeJordan Maze

Chicago, Illinois

Topics of Focus: Infographics, leveraging media to garner (and maintain) volunteers’ attention, effectively communicating to volunteer groups.

“I’m pretty even-keeled – it’s hard to get me riled up (unless it’s political). I appreciate good conversation and silence equally.”

BekahRebekah Coenen

Des Moines, Iowa

Topics of Focus: New technology in the world of volunteer recruitment – how (and why) to go mobile and stay ahead of the curve.

“Just a big kid with a full grasp of sarcasm.”

Samantha GrattonSamantha Gratton

Raleigh, North Carolina

Topics of Focus: Tools and resources to stay up-to-date on industry trends in event management.

“I often refer to myself as an extroverted introvert — I love being with people, but also love to balance that with introspective quiet.”

SwaneeSwanee Astrid

Boulder, Colorado

Topics of Focus: Art festivals, creativity in the space, attracting, engaging and maintaining millenial volunteers.

“Someone once described me as one of Elrond’s emissaries from Rivendell.”

Anne Summers 

West Des Moines, Iowa

“I love people but not crowds. I like deep conversation over small talk. I think more than I act (but I’m working on it).”

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