2009-2010 Loaned Executives, Working Hard, Playing Hard
Posted October 23rd, 2009 by adminPosted by Neva Geisler, Director, Volunteer Engagement
If you were to drive by Julia Davis Park last week, you would’ve seen this:
And though you would’ve wondered to yourself, “What is a group of grown adults doing in a chorus line in the park?”, what you were seeing was the dedicated team of the 2009-2010 Loaned Executives and Loaned Executive Alumni Philanthropists (LEAP).
These are the folks ‘on loan’ to United Way to help us with the community campaign. United Way runs some 300+ campaigns during the Fall, with a staff of about 12. How is that possible? LOANED EXECUTIVES. These volunteers are out in the community, most of them in addition to their full time jobs, helping us share the UW story through workplace campaigns. They are hard working volunteers committed to our community.
Occasionally, they’ll take a break for a little breather and some team building. Here’s what a couple of our LE’s had to say about their experience:
From Emielle Centrella:
“Friday I had the awesome opportunity to participate in a team building experience with my fellow Loaned Executives, members of LEAP and United Way of Treasure Valley staff. I am once again impressed with the level of commitment that the UWTV has given to supporting their volunteers. It was a great opportunity for us to come together as a team, get to know new faces and develop our leadership skills.
We participated in a lot of challenging activities that tested our ability to communicate, listen, build trust, brainstorm new ideas, and execute while under pressure. All important qualities found in leaders, and this group excelled. This activity gave us the opportunity to leave our jobs as bankers, fundraising professionals, program managers and volunteer coordinators behind and simply have a few laughs in the sunshine.
Being new to the area, it was a fantastic way to meet new people, focusing on what we have in common as young leaders in the Boise community.”
From Ben Moore (Bank of the Cascades):
“For most of this year’s United Way Loaned Executives and Loaned Executive Alumni Philanthropists (LEAP), teamwork is a large part of our everyday jobs. This is certainly true for a group of individuals donating their time and talents to spread the good messages of the United Way. Teamwork seems like a simple concept, yet there are challenges that even the most talented teams face. Last week we were fortunate enough to have the YMCA facilitate an excellent team building experience.
We learned many nuances of team building and team work. How do you flip over a 10×10 tarp with nearly 20 people standing on it? We tried one way with limited success, and someone stepped up and said to cut our loss and start over with a new idea. The new idea worked, and the lesson learned was at times we need to re-evaluate the situation and take action, even if it means starting over from scratch. Leadership, cooperation, creativity, risk and trust were all vital parts of this lesson.
Thank you to the United Way for sponsoring the event, and to the YMCA for facilitating. It truly was a rewarding experience.”
Doesn’t that sound like a kick in the pants?
If you’re interested in serving as a Loaned Executive during next year’s campaign, contact Kathy Wold . Team builders welcome.
