What's Your Reason?
Jessica Norman is a mom, graphic artist, web designer, business owner, community volunteer and a SHARE Neighbor. She also has an adorable little five year old daughter who goes everywhere with her - learning how to be a giving member of her community right from the start!
We recently caught up with this very talented, very busy professional to find out why she works volunteering into her life.
You juggle a lot of priorities, between being a mom and a business owner. Why do you make time to volunteer?
For me it's a chance to use my calling to help my community. Many people have an occupation - something to occupy their time until they can do what they really enjoy. I have a vocation - a calling that fulfills me and uses the skills and gifts with which I’ve been blessed. It is important for me to share what I have been given.
I’m currently working with the Council for Children’s Rights on their digital communications and a new design for their website. I connected with them through SHARE Charlotte because I knew I wanted to find an organization that needed my specific skill set. I attend most Communication & Marketing Committee meetings, but otherwise we communicate primarily through email.
What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering?
I would keep trying different opportunities until you find something that fits. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out the way you expected. If you have a specific talent, there is likely a community group that could benefit from having you volunteer.
A note from SHARE: Everyone volunteers for a different reason. What's yours? Join our conversation on Twitter (#whatsyourreason) and remember you can find tons of ways to get involved here in our Collection of Good.