Crystal, Sonny, Raashid, Davina, Chelsey, Katherine, Mandi, Jessica, Molly, Dana, Sarah, Alison, Cindy, Lindsay, Holly, Amber, Laura, Briana, Cheryl, Kate, Anne, Marie, Quinn, Stacie, Erin, Deanna, Gaonyia, Tara, Denise, Kelly ….
I cannot begin to name all the tremendous young people who have interned with United Way throughout the time I have been fortunate to work here. Over 125 interns have added to the quality and level of community impact of United Way since we opened our doors in St. Cloud in 1967.
I hear from some who have gone on to become social workers, teachers of the English language, researchers, fund development professionals, child care advocates, lawyers, United Way directors, volunteer coordinators, hospice coordinators, multicultural program coordinators, police officers, the list goes on….
One thing I know is that the very practical, on the ground experience they gain through their internship is a real asset. It helps them identify their abilities, what challenges their values, build their skills and meet a broad range of people from throughout the community. They meet CEOs of companies and people who have arrived this year from a refugee camp in Kenya. They meet 3 year olds excited about getting Imagination Library books and retirees who volunteer at our office. And they meet hundreds of volunteers and staff who work with non profits that our community could not live without.
What do they do? Author weekly volunteer opportunities columns that are published in the Times and emailed to hundreds of local people, staff outreach displays, research community needs and trends, develop and update resource listings so people can find services in the community, coordinate Llama Llama Read-A-Rama activities, create flyers for events, interview community volunteers and people helped through United Way supported services, share fresh ideas and perspectives, the list goes on …
Hats off to all these people. They gain much in return but they can never be thanked enough for all they do for our community.
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