I grew up in a family that values volunteering. I carried the orange UNICEF box to collect change on Halloween as a girl, watched my parents actively engage in the community through the Jaycees, and joined my grandmother in delivering mail to patients in the hospital as a candy striper.
The foundation of service to others was firmly established in my upbringing. I continued to volunteer throughout college, career and kids when time permitted. In 2010 service switched from being a pastime to a priority. I was invited to join the local chapter of a global organization focused on literacy.
Room to Read began in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children. Room to Read operates in 14 countries and has an extensive volunteer network worldwide. I read the book by the founder, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, and was immediately hooked.
As we began to develop the New Jersey Chapter, I wanted to share the story of Room to Read’s work with the community and engage others to help. We scheduled a couple of events and I was tasked with addressing the groups. I am an outgoing person socially and had conducted training sessions for work occasionally, so I felt comfortable taking that role.
We had a group of 20 eager volunteers seated and ready to hear about Room to Read’s mission. I started off strong, but soon felt my voice shaking, my hands trembling and my throat drying up so that I could barely speak! The audience was sympathetic, but I was not.
I had heard of Toastmasters in passing previously and thought it might prove helpful. I was pleased to discover a local club in my area and joined. I was overwhelmed by the support, warmth and enthusiasm the members offered. I was impressed by the focus on leadership and communication emphasized in the two introductory manuals.
I quickly completed my CC and CL and have given over 30 compelling, confident speeches throughout the community to share the story of Room to Read with schools, book clubs, Rotary Clubs and businesses. I often tell people the value of volunteering extends beyond helping others in that it allows one to learn new skills and meet incredible people. Toastmasters has blessed me with both.
I am currently in my eighth year as a volunteer for Room to Read and our chapter has grown. Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools in low-income countries during two time periods that are most critical in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls’ education.
I believe we thrive when we have a sense of purpose in our lives. Toastmasters has enabled me to continue my quest for lifelong learning and giving.