Local Volunteer Story

We caught up with Shelley Odishaw to learn about her volunteer journey, and we found that she has a great deal of expertise on the subject.

Shelley shares that that when her children were small, she began volunteering with Relay for Life initially on the planning committee (when they lived in the U.S.) and she continued this work firstly when the family moved to Canada.

When her children started school, she obtained her first Board experience, sitting on School Councils and Fund-raising Associations. During this time Shelley had the opportunity to attend the Alberta School Councils’ Association annual symposium and AGM. She came back from this experience as an elected member on the board. Here is where Shelley notes seeing the difference between local School Council and advocating at a Provincial level. This led to her serving on the Red Deer Public Library Board. Shelley touts the valuable lessons learned from colleagues when serving on a Board. Everyone will have a different experience volunteering. For Shelley, seeing the impact she could have on her community locally or across the province, was important.

Shelley’s advice to anyone, including job seekers: “Get out of the house and go volunteer. Step into places that interest you. Pick an opportunity that speaks to you, whether it’s personal joy or interest, and remember that this also becomes a networking opportunity. Everyone comes to their volunteer roles with different strengths.  The variety of ages and employment experience and personal experience is vast.

Considering sitting on a Board? There are many opportunities, so just start somewhere. Contact organizations and ask questions. Someone will be able to point you in the right direction. Know that in a board environment there could be 8 to 12 people, from all backgrounds coming together.  

“It’s a great way to serve the community, boost your skills and meet new people. It’s true, the point you are in your life and/or career will make a different on the type of volunteering you’re available for, but it’s worth exploring, no matter the commitment,” says Shelley*. She continues to look for ways to give back.

* Newly announced Executive Director of the Alberta School Councils’ Association