Give and Get—All Year Long as a CVN Leader

As the year winds down it’s a great time to celebrate the efforts of the people who take on a whole variety of tasks to help CVN run smoothly—leaders! Yes, that means the Leadership Team (which I had the opportunity to be a part of this year). But it also includes a whole crew of folks who contribute in ways large and small. Some of them step up to plan and manage a one-time or recurring event. Others take on an informal leadership role by making a point to chat up newcomers at monthly meet-ups. And some serve as leaders simply by inspiring others through their dedicated and ongoing volunteering.

This blend of formal and informal leadership opportunities makes CVN special—there are so many ways to contribute! Whether you want to pitch in for a specific job or commit to something more extended, CVN offers a fun and flexible way to try out your leadership skills. And as the insights from the four CVNers below demonstrate, taking on a leadership role is a great way to “give” and “get.”

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Rachelle Stoll (center) was new to CVN in 2011 and jumped right in by co-leading a volunteer event gleaning apples for AFAC.

Describe your leadership style in three words.
Organized, enthusiastic, informative.

What’s one way that you’ve motivated someone else to get involved/stay involved with CVN?
I spoke about the variety of events that are available to us and the fact that there is absolutely no pressure to volunteer. Being able to volunteer when you can and still be a part of CVN is awesome!

What are you most proud of contributing via your involvement in CVN?
I could NOT believe how many pounds of apples we gleaned at Marker-Miller Orchards. When I saw that the truck was packed full of apples and on their way to AFAC it felt awesome!! It was truly amazing that the CVN volunteers drove all the way out to Winchester and gleaned apples in the cold rain.

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Babak Yaghmaei first got involved with CVN in spring 2011 and by the fall was co-leading volunteers through an orchard to glean apples for AFAC.

Describe your leadership style in three words.
Sociable, warm, goal-oriented.

What have you gained through your involvement with CVN?
The great feeling of giving back to the community. Being able to sharpen my skills of working in team driven environments. Networking with others of similar interests.

Why should others try out their leadership skills with CVN?
CVN's ability to facilitate a positive atmosphere allows anyone to take ownership of the event being led. No micro managing at CVN.

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Marjorie Censer (far right) has led a recurring volunteer event at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) since early 2010. She received the 2010 Outstanding Volunteer Team award from Arlington County and was honored as one of CVN’s 2011 All-Star Volunteers.

Describe your leadership style in three words.
Organized, lowkey, behind-the-scenes. Once we get to AFAC, their leadership runs the session so my role is just to organize CVN's visits and make sure we have people signed up.

What have you gained through your involvement with CVN?
I'm very grateful that CVN introduced me to AFAC, which has been a great place to volunteer. There's plenty of work to do and they're very welcoming.

Why should others try out their leadership skills with CVN?
It's a good opportunity for you to connect willing and able volunteers with organizations you want to help.

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Since fall 2010, Michael Manning (right) has led a monthly volunteer event at Tuckahoe Elementary School. He was honored as one of CVN’s 2011 All-Star Volunteers.

Describe your leadership style in three words.
Infuse positivity, humor.

What are you most proud of contributing via your involvement in CVN?
Helping put helping out on people's radar screen.

Why should others try out their leadership skills with CVN?
You get to make the menu instead of just select from the menu, which is a great way to use your creativity and cultivate relationships with others.