Unlocking the Power of Giving Back: on the Benefits of Volunteering

On this episode of 'News from the Peak,' we are excited to have Veronica Riley, Stephanie Jones, Tricia Harper, and Janice Neal talking about volunteerism.

In this world where we tend to wear stress and being busy as a badge of honor, taking time out of work and family life to volunteer can seem impossible to squeeze in. It can be easy to overlook the profound impact that volunteering can have on both individuals and communities.

From fostering a sense of purpose to building strong social connections, the benefits of volunteering are limitless. That idea that volunteering can be worth the time and effort even if you have a lot of other responsibilities is the focus of this edition of Community Table Talk. I’m excited for you to hear from our esteemed panel of superpower women, Veronica Riley an owner and founder of her own consulting and training company, Stefanie Jones my best friend and the President and Founder of a successful public relation company, Feed Media, Tricia Harper, a Lead Partner for KPMG, and Janice Neal a lead consultant for Grays Peak Strategies.

Join us as we talk to our guests to uncover the transformative power of giving back. Through engaging discussions and inspiring stories we’ll delve into the many ways volunteering enriches our lives and strengthens the fabric of our communities.

One of the key themes we’ll explore in our podcast is the profound impact volunteering can have on personal well-being. Research has shown that engaging in acts of altruism can boost mental health, reduce stress levels, and increase overall happiness. By shifting our focus from self to others, we not only find greater fulfillment but also gain valuable perspective on our own lives. Moreover, volunteering offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and build strong social bonds. Whether you’re working alongside like-minded individuals or reaching out to those from different walks of life, volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is essential for building resilient communities.

But the benefits of volunteering extend far beyond individual well-being. Voluntary service plays a critical role in addressing pressing social issues and creating positive change on a larger scale. By dedicating our time and talents to causes we believe in, we contribute to the collective effort to build a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.

Remember: no act of kindness is ever too small, and together, we have the power to change the world—one volunteer at a time.

Left to right: Tricia Harper, Janice Neal, Veronica Riley, Stephanie Jones

Resources:

Veronica Riley, Senior Consultant, Grays Peak Strategies: Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Stefanie Jones, President and Founder, Feed Media: https://feedmedia.com/

Denver Urban Gardens: https://dug.org/

We Don’t Waste: https://www.wedontwaste.org/

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and

Community (Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023):

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

Guns to Gardens Metro Denver: https://www.gunstogardensdenver.org/

Tricia Harper, Partner, Advisory, Health; Government Solutions, KPMG US:
Community Foundation Board: https://www.cfrichmond.org/About/Board

Young Life: https://younglife.org/

Janice Neal, Senior Consultant, Grays Peak Strategies: Indiana Writers Center: https://www.indianawriters.org/

Find a volunteer spot near you: https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Maureen LeifComment