The Volunteer Spark

Most life-long volunteers discover, quite unexpectedly, that they found the meaning they were looking for in their lives in a volunteer experience: helping clean up a community park; gathering donations for a vital humanitarian effort; building shelters in their home town devastated by a natural disaster. At some point in these experiences, a spark ignites a deep sense of belonging and value.The spark ignited in me when I was four years old helping sell ice cream and count change at the local church ice cream booth. I knew then -- in my little kid heart -- that I would always live my life feeling this way -- as a contributing and cared for member of the community.

Now, 44 volunteer years later, I still have that spark. I still listen to that little kid heart. And, what I've learned and shared with others over the years is how to be a volunteer rock star -- someone who inspires others to a life of service -- by showing others it's possible to maintain that spark AND enjoy a balanced life.

Resiliency Tools for the Volunteer Rock Star

For over 15 years I trained volunteers in the nuts and bolts of doing their job well (whatever it may be): accountability, respect, enthusiasm, focus, effectiveness, and good humor. I also shared with them the life skills essential for balancing their dedication to their volunteer work with their paid employment, family, and personal wellness.

One of the fastest growing volunteer efforts is taking place within our military support system, the Operation Ready Families of the National Guard. With National Guard deployments continuing into the foreseeable future, more and more families need the connection and support of dedicated volunteers. Many of these volunteers are spouses and family members of the deployed service people. Managing their volunteer commitment with their own deployment stresses and family responsibilities is both rewarding and challenging.

After leading life skill workshops at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events in California, I was asked to put together a breakout session for the 2011 TAG Family Readiness Symposium in San Diego. Nothing could be closer to my heart than sharing my experience and practices with this group of deeply committed volunteers. We had a great time. At the end, they walked away knowing the value of their contribution to their community, chanting, "I'm a Volunteer Rock Star!"

After the symposium, I formalized the material into a program designed for Operation Family Ready volunteers and trainers. Below is a summary of the program. It can be customized to address the specific issues of other military or civilian volunteer organizations and groups.

Volunteer Rock Star^TM Program Overview

• Volunteer Rock Star Program: Resiliency Tools for Volunteers and Trainers provides continuing education for increasing volunteer effectiveness and longevity.

• Program focuses on the issues of compassion fatigue, community building, self-care practices, time management, inter-personal communication techniques, and community stewardship.


• The Volunteer Rock Star Program is modular and resilient in nature. Currently offering 2-hour workshops, one-day and weekend retreats, and online classes and training modules. Depending upon the need, the program can be expanded and customized as requested.

• This program is available in workshop and online class form through Laura Hansen's consultancy. It can also be administered through a partnership with the California Adjutant General's Office, or through an existing 501(c)3 providing support services to military.