It has been an honor to read this year’s story submissions and learn about the important community work being organized and accomplished. We’re thrilled to celebrate these special customers for their incredible and successful volunteerism, and we hope everyone is inspired to continue making a positive impact wherever you are.
Check out the stories below
The newest initiative launched by Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is Growing Opportunities (GO), a training and mentorship program. GO is designed to empower and equip justice-impacted individuals to succeed in their personal, professional, and entrepreneurial journeys. Mentees take entrepreneurship online educational training, attend expert-led group webinars, and regularly meet one-on-one with their dedicated mentors over a six-month period.
In 2022, the program had 25 mentees and 25 mentors. The ASBA leverages YourMembership software to recruit professionals and business owners as GO program mentors. Through the GO program, mentors help to bridge the gap between justice-involvement and gainful employment and strengthen the Arizona economy by helping mentees become successful entrepreneurs. “It’s good to have somebody behind you that has already done it because the justice system defines you in their eyes…we have to show them that our past doesn’t define us,” said Kathy, GO program mentee.
Each year the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) holds an International Symposium with the crucial help of their long-time volunteers. Since the individuals who volunteer have been active in the field for many years, their expertise is invaluable to the IAEDP as they work diligently to man the front desk and assist 1000+ attendees. These volunteers work tirelessly for the 6 days during and surrounding the symposium, making it possible for the staff to network and deal with any technical challenges of the event. Since communicating with their members is critical for such an event, the IAEDP heavily relies on Community Brands messaging options to keep volunteers informed of upcoming details.
“Amidst the hectic event environment, when the IAEDP staff stop by the main desk they are always greeted with a smile and an unflappable calm from our volunteers,” says Amy Deaver, Manager of Support Services. This premiere event is only possible with the help of the core volunteers who continually assist at the symposium year after year bringing their niche knowledge, understanding, and compassion.
The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law recently began leveraging Nimble Communities to better engage members. One group, the Young Professionals Committee, has greatly increased its community engagement, making a commitment to regularly post within its subgroup.
The Young Professional Committee represents the interests of lawyers who have practiced law for less than 10 years. The Committee leverages the community platform to post about how they volunteer their time to raise awareness and increase engagement with Foundation young professionals. The Young Professional Committee also boosts community connections by hosting a Young Professional Special Institute, implementing a mentor/mentee program at the Annual Institute, and hosting webinars on career development.