On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at United Way’s “On Board” event in Springfield, Jim Couchon and Sandy Ward greeted potential volunteers, telling them about our mission and the opportunity to join us in this important work. Many people came by our table and we had lively conversations. Quite a few remarked about how much they had learned, and how their perspective had shifted in a positive way. We were often thanked for our good work. We did not get any firm volunteer commitments. Five people picked up our “Seeking Volunteers” handout.
FCAWM first attended On Board in 2015. We caught the attention there of Cecile Richard, who soon became a board member and is now our board President!
“On Board” was founded in 2009 by attorney Ellen Freyman as a way to help match community nonprofit organizations with new people who are willing to serve, but not sure how to gain access. Ellen saw a great need for more diverse representation on nonprofit boards, and knew that boards needed in attracting people of different ages, ethnicities, and talents. She organized these “match-making” socials every other year. United Way now aims to host On Board annually.
