VOLUNTEERS--VERY IMPORTANT PERFORMERS

Bette Branch Lehmberg

Brief description of HARRA volunteer service performed (roles, responsibilities, relate an experience or story, etc.): For the past 3 years, I have served as the registrar for the HARRA Just for Kids Fun Run. Initially my 2 daughters, Laura and Jennifer participated, one as a volunteer and the other as a runner. They had so much fun with the face painters, clowns and smaller children. This last year Laura helped me with the registrations as well. Both girls helped me develop the website and on-line registration for the race since each had learned those skills in school. This year, Laura, is using the basic plan of the Just for Kids Fun Run to hold a fun run for less fortunate children as part of her Gold Award in Girl Scouting.

How did you get involved with volunteering or what motivates you to volunteer? My father died when I was an infant and my mother, who worked very hard her whole life, along with several aunts and uncles and families that I babysat for, helped me get through school. I have been so blessed in my life that I try to give of myself so others can have the opportunities that I have had.

What benefits do you perceive from volunteering? No question that the benefits are the connection with other people and the great feeling you get from helping others and providing others with opportunities they might not have had otherwise I started volunteering in high school working with an adoption agency. When I was in college, special emphasis was placed on volunteerism in organizations that I joined, and so I have just continued through the years. There are so many well-run charitable organizations with wonderful causes.

Which of the following are motivators?

•  Affiliation Yes

•  Accomplishment Yes

•  Influence/impact Yes

•  Leadership opportunities

•  Recognition

List skills, abilities, hobbies, training, educational back-ground or other volunteer experience that aids you in your volunteer support for HARRA: Running obviously is my hobby having run 12 marathons and I am currently an assistant coach with Houston Fit. I also enjoy the Navy Seal Physical Fitness program which has helped build my sense of teamwork. I have been on the board of a special needs adoption Agency, Spaulding for Children, treasurer for 3 PTA ’s, a Sunday School teacher and a Girl Scout leader for more than 10 years so I have worked with lots of children and learned how to organize my time and how to work on large events. I ’m a lawyer and a CPA.

What can HARRA do to provide a positive experience for its volunteers? HARRA as a collection of many different runners in the area, provides a great mechanism for teamwork and camaraderie. They always get the job done and it is a great organization for getting to know many others outside of our regular running groups.

Thank you for volunteering!

APRIL/MAY 2003