Rachelle Erickson, CPPS’ Post

While applying for my current role as communications director for the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment and throughout the hiring process, I learned an incredible story about the creation of the only health-focused philanthropy in the nation operating within a private medical school (that school being the Medical College of Wisconsin).    For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing AHW’s story and the impact of its work on the health of people, populations, and communities across the state.    In AHW’s 20-year history, we’ve invested more than $338 million in nearly 650 projects devoted to improving health and advancing health equity for ALL Wisconsinites. That’s the headline. This video, which we’re sharing as part of AHW’s 20th anniversary celebration, provides the backstory, from the people who lived it.   If you’re unfamiliar with this history, as I was, here’s a summary of how the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment became Wisconsin’s largest health philanthropy. *** Beginning in the 1930s, nonprofit Blue Cross voluntary pre-paid hospital plans were created across the U.S. to provide affordable healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. Wisconsin Blue Cross was chartered in 1939 as a “charitable and benevolent corporation” to cover hospitalization costs, later adding coverage for physician services and growing to become the state’s largest health insurer as Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin in the decades that followed. In 1994, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association voted to allow its nonprofit members to become for-profit corporations. Blue Cross & Blue Shield plans interested in converting to for-profit entities would have to divest their assets. In Wisconsin, Blue Cross & Blue Shield United’s transformation, precipitated by the planned retirement of its CEO, resulted in a $618 million gift made in 1999 to the people of Wisconsin, split evenly between the state’s two medical schools—the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and the Medical College of Wisconsin. https://lnkd.in/g7pukMDr

Animal Instincts Australia offers transformative animal-assisted learning experiences that foster personal growth, improve mental health, and cultivate resilience. They provide individual and small group sessions for people with disabilities or mental health challenges to engage with rescue animals, improve observation and communication, reduce stress and anxiety, develop life skills, foster empathy and self-confidence, and build relationships. 🙌 Animal Instincts Australia also offers employee assistance programs, hosts corporate workshops, leadership training, and team-building experiences, provides career preparation and business coaching services for the animal-assisted services industry, and supports assistant dog and therapy dog training.☺️ They prioritize local suppliers, provide free services to local not-for-profits and community groups, support local animal rescue organizations, and sponsor local community events. ❤️ Animal Instincts Australia is part of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC). Goombungee, Queensland, Australia https://lnkd.in/eba_igph

I wear it better!…and learned a great deal more from volunteering as a Scout leader. It began about 3 years ago, when I put my name down  as a regular ‘helper’ at my son’s local Beaver Scout colony, but within a couple of months, was asked to step up and take over as leader of the group. This was something well out of my comfort zone. I’d no idea how on earth to hold the engagement of, and keep safe, 24 ...shall we say lively... six to eight-year-old children for an hour every week. How do you sustain that with unwavering patience (did I mention the six to eight-year-olds) and confidence? As I get ready to start the Autumn term, I’ve been thinking about the journey I’ve been on, and the huge personal reward I’ve taken from becoming a volunteer leader /  teacher, friend, mentor, coach, cheerleader, organiser, first aider, fundraiser, and vital shoulder to cry on because someone’s marshmallow fell in the fire. (Always bring extra marshmallows.) I’d not planned it, but it’s been a fantastic way to practise and keep sharp skills important in my line of work, from presenting, facilitating, engaging an audience, being in and adapting to the moment, to planning, adjusting for neurodiversity, team leadership, and continuous improvement. But more than that…there have been so many memorable moments that make it worth it. It might be the payoff from coaching and encouragement, as one of them goes from scared hesitation to celebrating their crowning achievement standing atop of the climbing wall and demanding to do it again. Or proudly watching another amaze their fellow Beavers after learning the formula to solve a Rubik’s cube for a personal challenge badge. I wouldn’t change a thing. (Except perhaps the first few sessions, that was a steep learning curve!) I’m a firm believer in ‘it takes a village’ and it’s an honour to play my small part in their development and growing up.

Embracing November: A Month of Reflection and Gratitude It's November, a perfect time to reflect on the year so far and to express gratitude for the experiences and lessons we’ve gained. This month, many of us prepare for the upcoming holiday season, a time that encourages us to pause and appreciate our achievements, both personal and professional. In the workplace, November is an opportunity to assess our goals and realign our strategies for the year ahead. It’s a moment to celebrate our teams’ hard work and to acknowledge the collective efforts that have driven our success. As we approach the end of the year, let’s take the time to uplift one another, share our insights, and foster a culture of appreciation. Additionally, November reminds us of the importance of giving back. As we reflect on what we’re thankful for, let’s also consider how we can contribute to our communities. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply supporting local businesses, every action counts. Let’s make this November a month of intentional reflection, gratitude, and giving back. What are you thankful for this month? How can you support your colleagues and community? Share your thoughts and let’s inspire one another as we move toward the new year!

Happy International Volunteering Day! I look back on a rewarding year of giving back to the project management profession through my volunteer work with Project Management Institute. From supporting PMI certifications to offering feedback on new products, presenting at global events, and engaging in thought leadership initiatives, it has been a rejuvenating and fulfilling journey filled with collaboration and friendship! #Volunteering #PMI #ProjectManagement

It's not every day that you get interviewed in your office! This past Monday, I had the opportunity to discuss the important work of Sustainable Campus and the Food Recovery Network. We are so grateful for our campus partners that allow us to work together and create a meaningful impact on campus for students. Please enjoy the full article below and let me know your thoughts!

How does volunteering benefit? Taking a career break can be a time of uncertainty — but also opportunity. In this blog, we share the inspiring story of one of our amazing volunteers who joined our community café to hone his baking skills. What started as a way to gain experience quickly turned into the first step toward landing his dream job as a professional baker. #MakingADifference #GiveBac #VolunteerImpact #HelpingHands #WellbeingThroughGiving Read Peters story here; https://bit.ly/3C15Gpy

Organizations Management and Volunteering Work Certificate

Volunteering: A Pathway to Growth and Impact Receiving this Service Award from the CEO of Pamtech Group, Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere at the International Volunteers Day Celebration 2022 in Owerri, is a profound reminder of my journey as a volunteer and how it has shaped my life. Volunteering isn’t just about offering your time; it’s about building character, expanding networks, and creating lasting impact. Throughout my journey, I’ve realized that the greatest investment we can make is not just in ourselves, but in the people and communities around us. By contributing our time, talent, and wealth, we unlock doors of opportunity, not just for others but for ourselves. Whether it’s through mentorship, skill-sharing, or community engagement, the act of giving back fosters personal growth, leadership development, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. The value of volunteering goes beyond recognition. It is about the quiet moments when your contributions inspire change, solve problems, and uplift others. Every effort counts, and the impact often goes further than we imagine. As we continue to strive for success in our careers and personal lives, let us remember that true fulfillment comes when we create value beyond ourselves. I urge you to volunteer for something worthwhile today. Whether it’s a cause you’re passionate about or an initiative that aligns with your values, your contributions can ignite change and shape a better future. #Volunteering #Growth #CommunityImpact #Leadership #ServiceAboveSelf #MakingADifference #GiveBack #Sirwyte #IfeanyiOchije

🌟 The Power of Connection Through Volunteering with ASQ 🌟 One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) is the incredible connections you make along the way. From collaborating with industry professionals to exchanging ideas with passionate quality advocates, every interaction enriches your journey. These connections aren’t just professional—they’re personal. They’re built on a shared commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and making a difference. Volunteering has introduced me to mentors, peers, and friends who inspire me every day. It’s a reminder that when you give your time and skills, you gain so much more in return. I’ve learned so much about efficiency and teamwork from Manny Veloso and Rosa Melton. And now I know how to cook a really great hot dog! Working with Dr. Betsy Macht, DBA, CQA, CSSGB has shown me how powerful collaborative relationships can be. We’ve done some great things together for our ASQ section. Danielle Gaines, MBA has shown me that juggling many tasks with grace and getting them all done on time is possible. Melissa T. D. and Dr. Courisse Knight, Ed.D, CPHQ, PMP,ACP, LSSBB, ACC,CSM have inspired me with their enthusiasm and professionalism. I’m really grateful for their help this year. I’m looking forward to learning some new things from them. There’s so many others who have been a joy to work with, really too many to mention. I look forward to building more relationships in the future. If you’re passionate about quality and want to expand your network while giving back, I highly recommend getting involved with ASQ. The opportunities for growth and connection are endless! #ASQ #Quality #Volunteering #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #myqcoach