August Lunch & Learn - Benefits of Volunteerism

50 North Colvin Street,Colorado City AZ 86021

18 August, 2021

Description

The August networking lunch will feature Lauren Willie. She will speak to us about the value of volunteerism for personal & business growth. Volunteers enhance our communities - “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead said it best. Today, more than any time in history, have there been more opportunities to volunteer and engage in good where we live. When volunteerism is part of day to day, communities are stronger, economic growth higher, and citizens happier.BioFor the last 15 years Lauren Willie has been increasing the capacity of non-profits through volunteer and community engagement. From planting her first tree at 5 years old, holding signs at honk and waves for local elections, starting a service club in high school, starting a non-profit, Volunteer Managers of Utah, to help support volunteer leaders; service, civic engagement, and volunteerism has been at the heart of everything she does. Lauren has lived, interned and volunteered all over the globe. After completing a dual degree in International studies and public relations at the University of Utah she was not ready for an 8 to 5 job and joined the Peace Corps as a community development volunteer for 3 years in a small village in Cameroon, Africa. After that experience Lauren was even more connected to the nonprofit world and grassroots development and got her Masters at Westminster in Community Leadership. Lauren has worked for schools in family support roles, nonprofits such as, Ronald McDonald House Charities, National Ability Center, American Red Cross and now the Alzheimer’s Association and continues to volunteer whenever and wherever she can, often taking her niece and nephews along with her. The UZONA Chamber of Commerce vision is to engage leadership and diversity in a community of opportunity. The mission driving us towards that vision is to promote education, collaboration and engagement to guide responsible economic growth. We connect individuals and business to our network of relations as a catalyst for success. We facilitate community partnerships, resources and support that sustain those that live, play, work, and do business in our communities. The core values we have espoused to guide us are: Inclusion - We welcome and respect everyone Safe - We create a sense of belonging Caring - We are genuinely interested in your success and well-being Resourceful - We leverage our resources to add value to each engagement Collaborative - We are a catalyst for synergy in our network of relationships Progressive - We embrace creativity, clear thinking, and sound decision making Sustainable - We gain strength and longevity by valuing people Our core strategy is to foster economic opportunities by facilitating connections, promoting education, and honoring boundaries. We do this through networking events, community partnerships, and building bridges to solve complex issues. Our leadership team is made of volunteers from varying backgrounds in business, education, community service, and municipal government. We are continually seeking out individuals who represent the diversity of our broader community and have a passion to serve either as a Board Member or as a Chamber Ambassador willing to take on specific projects and build a team to accomplish them.