Volunteering across the U.S.

Volunteering across the U.S. has been on the rise in recent years, but there are still many organizations that need help, especially this time of the year. Thats why “National Family Volunteer Day,” this coming Saturday is so important. It encourages people to get out and do something good for others – – and helps create life-long volunteers out of younger generations. Our guests today know all too well about helping their community. Joining us is Tim McLoone, Founder of “Holiday Express,” a volunteer group that brings festive musical parties to the needy, and Filmmaker Michael Sodano, producer of the documentary, “Rock and a Heart Place,” the unique story of the group– which he hopes will help inspire volunteer efforts nationwide. Gentlemen thanks so much for joining us. About Michael Sodano: HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA – My Alabama participation was a prime example of “southern hospitality” at its best. I was treated to first class guest speaker conditions from the very start. Roz Stevenson – Youth Volunteer Coordinator – picked me up at the airport, drove me to my hotel to check in and then took time out of her day to give me a tour of Huntsville (home of Space Camp, military facilities, an important part of US history and an incredible building boom). The tour ended at the offices of the Volunteer Center where I had the opportunity to meet the staff – who all expressed excitement in using ROCK and a HEART PLACE during their summer Leadership program. Taking hospitality to the next level, I was invited to dinner with Sheila McFerran – Executive Director of the Volunteer Center – and her family. It was truly a delightful evening getting to know Sheila and brainstorming with her about additional applications for the film. Next morning on the campus of the University of Huntsville, the documentary was scheduled to set the tone of the Wednesday session. While the film was screening, you could hear a pin drop in the room. Roz was impressed with how attentive the students – aged 13-17 – were throughout the film. According to their comments, the documentary truly affected them and their thinking about volunteering, leadership and taking part in their community. You can read about how the film worked into the course here. According to Roz, “In my experience, there’s no resource available for Volunteer Centers like ROCK and a HEART PLACE. It adds a level of understanding of volunteering that goes beyond the surface, and that’s what we needed. Now our students understand the work involved in forming a community based organization.” Roz’s thoughts summarize our goals for the educational and community use of the film. Generally speaking, when a filmmaker creates a film, connecting with an audience and stirring emotions are some of the best possible results. But if we can move an audience to action – that’s the ultimate compliment. And from the results in Alabama, I think ROCK and a HEART PLACE is doing just that. Roz summed it best by saying “We were thrilled. It was everything we wanted, and more.” https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35152