Hearing Loss Association of America – Fox Valley Chapter: Volunteers are urgently needed to provide essential tech support for the group’s upcoming hybrid meetings scheduled for 2025 at the DJ Bordini Center in Appleton. Responsibilities include helping to set up and monitor the Zoom system, managing files, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the sessions. These monthly meetings are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, lasting for eight months of the year. Prior familiarity with Zoom and hybrid meeting systems is highly desirable. If interested in contributing your skills, please contact: hlaafoxvalley@gmail.com
Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity – ReStore: This organization is actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to manage cash registers, process credit card transactions, and answer phone inquiries at their ReStore locations. Candidates for this role must demonstrate strong social skills and possess a sound ability to handle monetary transactions accurately. Full training and shadowing opportunities will be provided to ensure volunteers feel confident in their roles. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. If you’re ready to make a difference, connect with us at: foxcitieshabitat.org/volunteer or reach out to Amy at amyc@foxcitieshabitat.org
Junior Achievement of Northeast Wisconsin: JA BizTown is in need of dedicated volunteers to assist fourth to sixth-grade students in running a simulated town experience at the BizTown facility. This engaging, one-day opportunity runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select dates. Volunteers will support students as
**Interview with Jamie Smith, Volunteer Coordinator at the Hearing Loss Association of America – Fox Valley Chapter**
**Editor:** Jamie, thank you for joining us today. Your chapter is seeking tech-savvy volunteers for upcoming hybrid meetings in 2025. Can you tell us why these volunteers are crucial for your organization?
**Jamie Smith:** Thank you for having me! Volunteers are absolutely essential for our hybrid meetings. We want to create an inclusive environment that facilitates communication for everyone involved. With tech support, we can ensure that both in-person and virtual participants have a seamless experience.
**Editor:** What specific skills should volunteers possess, and why is a background in Zoom and hybrid systems important?
**Jamie Smith:** Ideally, volunteers should be comfortable with Zoom and technology in general. Familiarity with hybrid meeting formats allows us to troubleshoot quickly and effectively, reducing potential frustrations for our participants. We’re planning to foster a space where individuals with hearing loss can engage fully, and tech issues can hinder that experience.
**Editor:** It sounds like a significant commitment. With monthly meetings scheduled for eight months, do you think potential volunteers are hesitant due to the time commitment?
**Jamie Smith:** That’s definitely a possibility. We understand that people have busy lives, so we appreciate any time they can offer. However, I believe many individuals value community service and connections, so it’s worthwhile to encourage them to consider giving back, even if it’s just for a few months.
**Editor:** Interesting perspective! Shifting gears slightly, how do you see events like these impacting the local community’s understanding of hearing loss?
**Jamie Smith:** Events like ours promote awareness and understanding. They provide a platform for discussions about hearing loss and strategies for living with it. Volunteers help foster that dialogue, bridging gaps between different community members and encouraging inclusivity.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Now, turning to our readers, what are your thoughts on the challenges of finding dedicated volunteers for causes like hearing loss, and how can we encourage more community participation? Would sharing personal stories from volunteers resonate with potential new recruits?
**Jamie Smith:** That’s a great question! Personal stories can definitely inspire others to get involved. When people see the impact their time can have, they’re more likely to consider volunteering. We need to create a community culture that values and elevates these stories, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Jamie. It’s clear that community involvement is vital, and your efforts are commendable.
