Spreading the gift of volunteering around
March 8, 2004
By Cam Tait
THUNDER BAY, ON // Time seems to be so precious to us these days that
perhaps it's important to share it wisely and effectively. Maggie Milne
has adopted a philosophy to never sit on more than one board of directors
at a time. And, just as key, make it short term projects.
"Change your role now and again," Maggie says. "Don't keep doing the
same things over and over again."
Since 2002, Maggie has been part of the executive committee of Leadership
Thunder Bay, an "intensive" community leadership program that addresses
local issues and teaches leadership skills. In keeping with her thinking,
Maggie is soon moving on from the group. "The first group of alumni
are ready to graduate and my seat at the board table will soon be occupied
by a new leader."
Her enthusiasm and excitement carries through to the Thundering Woman
Festival. The event, set for June, is teaching performers and artists
business skills. The festival is a national event. "I needed more music
in my life so that's the payback for me."
When the Canadian Cancer Society needed extra people at the last moment
to count cash, make out receipts, and handle administration work on-site,
Maggie jumped at the opportunity. "I prefer to be hands-on and really
get involved with events," she says. She also shares her profession
as a keynote speaker and master of ceremonies with many charities. It
was during the early stages of the Canadian Association of Speakers
that she captured a great moment.
"We worked for two years to design the strategy of a new organization," she says. "The best moment was attending the opening ceremonies at our first convention in Toronto. Seeing the membership gathered in one location simultaneously had impact."
Perhaps, though, the greatest impact on Maggie came from her parents
and grandmother. They were volunteers for the Lutheran Church, so Maggie
had a front seat for many special events. Then, right after university,
a radio spot inspired here to lend her voice as a multilingual translator.
"The people we meet, the new ways of getting something accomplished, the vitality of our community all comes from volunteering," says Maggie. "I've been in business since 1986 and from that first day I committed to giving back. Generosity helps business grow."
Attracting new volunteers is simple, says Maggie. "Ask. Inform. Connect
their talent with what the organization might need. Everyone needs to
feel relevant and appreciated."
Maggie's motivation? "The love of learning and experiencing. How else could we be exposed to so much?"
Do you know of someone who deserves to be in Charity Village's Spotlight?
Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement
to cam@charityvillage.com.
