Local Volunteers Give the Gift of a Chance
Old Saint Nick is arriving soon, which got me thinking about all the other saints that I am surrounded by. For the talent and dedication that volunteers bring to ACCION USA, I deem them all saints! Volunteers, with their diehard support and energizing enthusiasm, have infiltrated all aspects of the operations here at ACCION USA.
Hear from a volunteer that has been with ACCION USA since August. Elise talks about how she supports her local small business community and about her dedication to ACCION USA.
How do you support local businesses in your community?
In a city like New York, it’s easy to support local businesses. I’m surrounded by local providers of all the services I need! I love to go to local cafés; there is one near my house in the Chelsea neighborhood where I’ve gotten to know most of the staff. I like that they always offer unique seasonal coffee selections! I also like to buy fruit and veggies from the local farmers markets. The prices are better and the food is more fresh and delicious than the produce that you can find at the large supermarkets in the City.
How are you involved with ACCION USA?
I’ve been volunteering at ACCION USA for five months. As a member of the Microfinance Council of ACCION USA, I learned about the volunteer translation team and began doing Spanish translations. Erica, the Kiva/Volunteer coordinator, asked me if I’d like to get involved on other projects. Since I was unemployed and had the time, I came on full-time as the Kiva intern. I’ve been involved in getting the Kiva program integrated into the operations at ACCION USA. It’s been rewarding to see how far the partnership with Kiva has come! The best part of volunteering at ACCION USA is that you are given quite a bit of freedom to take on various projects at the organization and to learn as much as you can.
What do you find inspiring about working with ACCION USA?
First and foremost I am inspired by the clients. I’ve gotten to see firsthand their ingenuity and incredible work ethic. Each client has a different story of entrepreneurship. Their lives inspire me. Also before I came to ACCION USA, I’d never worked at a non-profit, so it has been incredible to see how supportive the staff of ACCION USA is. Everyone is always willing to help out one another and to collaborate.
Any words of advice for small business owners who want to get more involved in their community?
1. Strike up a conversation with your local business providers. More than just making a purchase, it is making a connection to someone in your community, widening your social circle.
2. Learn how to use technology to improve every aspect of your business!
3. Focus on meeting the needs of your costumers and making them happy.
After spending five months of dedicated volunteerism to ACCION USA, Elise was hired this week! I can’t think of a better gift to ACCION USA than to have Elise join us as a loan consultant. Her hardworking spirit will ensure that many microentrepreneurs in New York City will be treated with dignity and will be given the chance of a microloan. To all the saints out there, your dedication to social good through volunteerism brings gratitude beyond words. Thank you for giving the gift of chance.
Above and beyond, Elise has been an innovator on the Main Street Microfinance blog, check out her in-depth posts on ACCION USA staff and the Kiva program. Most recently Elise put together the content for our new video. Her creativity has inspired an organizational video strategy, so stay tuned for more ACCION USA videos!