Redefining Volunteerism

Today we have a super fun episode! We’re going to be talking about how people from different generations view volunteerism, zoning in on Gen Z. Suzetta Cannon volunteered at her first three-day, 50 mile walk two weeks before she was born. That's because her mom, Teri Cannon, has been planning nonprofit fundraising events for three decades and Suzetta was born into volunteering. Teri Cannon has a wealth of experience with volunteers as she currently works as the Senior Major Gifts Officer for Children’s Hospital, she was previously the Executive Director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and before that a VP with the National MS Society. Both women talk about how they see volunteerism differently, and the same.

Today we have Karen Casanova, the Chief Development Officer of the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), with us. NAZ exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. What have been the recent effects of the pandemic, distance learning, racial reckoning, on scholars and their families. How can the community continue to support?

Today we have Carolyn Deters, the Executive Director for Gifts for Seniors with us. Carolyn is fiercely passionate about alleviating social isolation and leads Gifts for Seniors, a local nonprofit striving to improve the wellbeing of older adults in our community. Through her consulting practice, Indelible Aging, she advocates for innovative, inclusive, social aging options that honor choices, preserve dignity, and prioritize human connection.

Today we have Deb Moses, the Former Executive Director of House of Charity/St. Stephens joining us. The merger of St. Stephen’s Human Services and House of Charity represents an opportunity to integrate services more fully in support of people experiencing homelessness, hunger, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The merger aligns with the core missions of both organizations and will create a comprehensive continuum of care for those we serve, as well as a stronger voice as we advocate for equity and social justice issues at the local, state, and national level.

Today we have Jonathan Palmer joining us. Jonathan is the Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, a 92-year old African American nonprofit social service agency in Saint Paul, MN. Tune in to hear Jonathan talk about the extended need for food, Hallie Q’s response to that growing need, and how they maintained customization of food items to meet dietary/cultural preferences and needs in the community.