Volunteers are the backbone of most organizations; without a steady contribution of volunteer labor, many organizations would simply be unable to accomplish their missions. Thousands of people across Buffalo volunteer to clean up neighborhoods, paint community centers, cook meals, make improvements to civic parks and stock food pantries—to name just a few. There are hundreds of other... [read more]

Volunteers are the backbone of most organizations; without a steady contribution of volunteer labor, many organizations would simply be unable to accomplish their missions. Thousands of people across Buffalo volunteer to clean up neighborhoods, paint community centers, cook meals, make improvements to civic parks and stock food pantries—to name just a few. There are hundreds of other opportunities for individuals, students and companies to make an immediate impact. Volunteering is about contributing to our quality of life--either in the home or in the street. Although skilled laborers are also needed for tasks like book keeping, graphic design, legal aide, or grant writing, there are tasks which require only that you show up. Show up and be ready to enthusiastically contribute to solid days work.

Many of the Buffalo Public Schools require community service in the hopes that students will learn responsibility and compassion outside the classroom. Local colleges and universities also make service learning an opportunity for students so that the theories they are learning can be applied to real life situations. Student volunteers learn confidence, management, and other people skills that prepare them for the work place.

There are many local companies worthy of praise for their monetary contributions made to local projects, but there is special value in employees and employers who welcome the opportunity to meet citizens face to face and feel the expression of gratitude firsthand. When businesses pitch in, the community reciprocates in ways that go beyond merely paying for services; the communtiy becomes a champion for that business.

These panelists can help individual community members and businesses connect with projects, skills and labor that align with their interests, culture or mission. Everyone is welcome to come and ask questions or offer examples of their volunteer experience.

Panelists:
Karen A. Christie, Chief Human Resource & Community Engagement Officer, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Karen also serves on the Western New York Service Learning Coalition Steering Committee
Suzette O'Brien, Volunteer Services Coordinator United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Adam Bartoszek from The ServiceCollaborative. He is the Hands On Greater Buffalo Volunteer program Coordinator.
Sandy Falsone from Wegmans. She coordinates many Wegmans volunteer projects and youth programs. She is the lead developer and executioner of Day of Caring volunteer projects
Seamus Gallivan, President, The Good Neighborhood

Moderator:
Caesandra Seawell, Youth Coordinator, WNED LiveWell Service
Caesandra has been working for and with nonprofits in Buffalo since 2007. Caesandra is an Air Force veteran (and military brat) who has lived all over the world and has served her community every place she has lived. Caesandra promotes volunteerism because she believes there are a multitude of ways to serve your country. Caesandra's experience with organizing volunteers includes environmental stewardship, neighborhoods clean ups, planting 1,000 trees in Cold Springs neighborhood, nutrition and cooking demonstrations, building community gardens, DIY home repairs, canvassing, parades, art exhibitions, painting murals, and fund raising, as well as, photography and other arts.