VOLUNTEERING SPECIAL
Why I Volunteer
By Tracy Moede Coordinator of AWCH ’ s From the Heart Pillow Project
have not always been a volunteer . I did a little of this and I that in the kindergarten and schools when my daughters were little . Finding the time to be an effective volunteer with small kids is a challenge . I did feel I wanted to do something for the AWCH , but it wasn ’ t feasible until they were a bit older .
Over 10 years , I served on the AWCH board in three positions : membership , FAWCO rep , and treasurer . I enjoyed my time working with other board members , moving our club forward and doing our best with all members in mind .
However much fun that was , the strong interest in volunteering began when I became the coordinator of the From the Heart Pillow Project ( FHPP ). Susan Stanley-Witt and I arrange working bees , purchase materials , and sew and deliver pillows and cloth carrying bags for Redon bottles . This is a job I thrive in . It does not need my attention every day , but when the Asklepios Mariahilf Krankenhaus in Harburg calls , we dive into action . This is , by far , one of the most rewarding and satisfying activities I have been involved in .
Can you imagine ? After an eighthour working bee in my home , we are surrounded by sewing machines , ironing boards , pillow filling , and thread and fabric scraps up to our ankles . But the results are amazing — piles and piles of colorful pillows and bags waiting to be delivered to recovering breast cancer patients . And do we get feedback — so much positive and grateful feedback ! The efforts made by our working bee group provide such joy , care , and emotional support . This is one of the main reasons I work for the FHPP : knowing
that the work I do is not only successful in its goals but is also recognized and appreciated .
After retiring from teaching , I was looking for a more ambitious pursuit . Both Becka and Ally had received the Dual Cultural Award from The FAWCO Foundation , and I felt strongly it was time to pay it forward by looking for something to do within that organization . I was quickly assigned the position of vice-president of programs due to an unexpected vacancy , and with no experience and a huge learning curve ahead of me , I accepted . I was a bit hesitant and very unsure but found that I had the organizational skills to get the job done . After four years in that position , I remained on the board as vice-president of communications . It is here that I am not only doing for others but am profit-ing from my experience as well . I am now confident
24 Special Theme : Volunteering