AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

PM: I volunteered for an organization called “Para la Naturaleza” which means in Spanish “For Nature.” They focus of planting trees, preserving wildlife species & habitats, among similar projects.

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

PM: The organization has a clear focus on Nature. Their mission is found on their website:     “For Nature brings together all people who seek a sustainable future for Puerto Rico, where our children can grow up in habitable cities, swim in rivers of crystal-clear water and feed on the fruits of our land. We facilitate transformative experiences in nature. We conserve land of high ecological value. We encourage the taking of responsibility for our natural resources and promote public policy for their protection. With more than forty years working together with other organizations for the protection of nature in our islands, we have identified a common goal for all Puerto Ricans committed to conservation.”

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

PM: No, I had done previous work for them back in December 29th 2023 by cleaning up the beach (That was one of the best days of my life).

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

PM: The activity required us to arrive to Fajardo, P.R. and pretty early too: at 6:30AM AST my time, which is 5:30AM EST. For context, Fajardo is a 50 min drive from my apartment. We had to be above the legal age and sign a responsibility waiver. The volunteer work required fairly good physical condition. They recommended tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. They provided us with the gloves, shovels, and small plastic stools.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

PM: It was a good opportunity for me to get in touch with nature and get some Vitamin D, plus I needed the exercise. Also, learning about plants is pretty cool and the Event Organizer was very knowledgeable. It was a bit of a journey to get there, but I managed to pull through the work.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

PM: So I went to what’s called a “Vivero,” which is Spanish, and it roughly translates to: Plant-Nursery, which also acted as a kind of Open-Vivarium. We got to meet some people like Eric who was the person in charge of the event; he gave us a tour of the “Vivero,” taught us neat info about certain species of seeds & fruits, some types of plants like the 4 species of mangrove trees in Puerto Rico, and how they maintained their plants every day.

The first task required us to dig up dirt from a mound and put it in small, organic, biodegradable bags. It was important to filter out all the rocks and wood from the shovel scoops. It was also crucial to not leave the bags with any wrinkles/space and to fill them with as much dirt as possible and keep them all compact. The Plant-Nursery’s yearly requirement is 20,000, and we did about 200 that day, which is 1%! I’d say we did a decently good job. We were doing that for a few hours.

The second task required us to take those bags and transport them to one of the greenhouses and to place them vertically and next to each other. Aligning the 12 bags correctly in each row was the goal of that task. We spent a little over an hour doing this.

The third task was to move some of the “Cariaquillo” plants (Lantanas) outside of the greenhouse to the designated area of growth. All hands were on deck, and this was the hardest job of the day for sure, since the plants were wet and the soil in the bags was moist and heavy. Each weighed like 12 pounds. We spent several hours doing this.

The last task was having us clean up. This required us to: sweep the greenhouse clean with a broom, clean the shovels & gloves, and spray the wagons with a hose. This took us roughly 30 minutes to complete.

Overall, I would say it met my expectations. Even though there were some mosquitoes and bugs around, and even though it rained a bit and that delayed our work, it was nice for the plants.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

PM: I think everyone should be using the Day of Giving every single year, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Helping the communities and organizations that you like and support is a good thing for the mind and spirit.

AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

PM: I’m glad that I came prepared to work. I was a bit in theme with my Bulbasaur hat (Grass-Type Pokémon) and I was able to talk to a few people about my job. You can actually see that I brought my Activus Connect backpack, heh.    The event organizers were very kind and serviceable. They gave us food, snacks, coffee, and beverages to recharge. We got a nice tour of the place and learned a lot about plants and nature. We did some stretching exercises. There were fun little games like having the men compete against the women on who did their tasks faster (we guys won by the way, LOL).     All in all, it was a lot of work, but it was also fun! I really liked the people I met and the teamwork that was created was awesome too. There were some funny personalities and a few fathers with their sons. I thought about my dad when doing the activity, he would have loved doing this type of work for Puerto Rico and we would have bonded for sure; he’s still alive, no worries, heheh! The best thing I would say was getting good exercise, absorbing that necessary sunlight, and breathing in that fresh air.

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Pierre’s story is a testament to the impact of environmental volunteering. With sweat, teamwork, and even a Pokémon hat, he helped nurture the future. To explore more stories like Pierre’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Planting Trees, Preserving Puerto Rico appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

MG: “Mayfield’s Sow God Seeds”

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

MG: They provide sustainable fresh produce to the community of Winnsboro, SC.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

MG: No, I often volunteer every weekend or every other weekend.

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

MG: There are no requirements to be a volunteer other than being of age.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

MG: I picked this business because it’s a family business and I knew the help was much needed. So many plants have sprouted, I needed to help in some kinda way.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

MG: I spent the day picking collard greens for her customers.  I was also taught how to till up the dirt because so many weeds had grown up that it was much needed.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

MG: ” Just do it.” It takes no time to help out someone in need. And you feel a level of accomplishment after.

AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

MG: No really, I’m hoping that’s the last bit of volunteering I will do there because it is hard work. Feels like a workout every time.

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Marie’s story reminds us that giving back can be tough work, but it’s worth every moment. Her contribution nourished both bodies and spirits. To explore more stories like Marie’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Farming with Purpose and Community Spirit appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

TS: I made plates of Christmas sweets for all of our local first responders, county and city police, firefighters and EMS and delivered them to each one so they’d have goodies to snack on for the holiday weekend. Those on shift sacrificed time with their families to keep us safe!

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

TS: No, I try to do this for all of them every year as a thank you from the community.

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

TS: None.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

TS: It makes me feel better knowing there’s still someone to call in the event that something happens or goes wrong, even on a major holiday. Those who volunteer to cover those shifts sacrifice time with their own families for our community.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

TS: I spent the day baking different kinds of cookies, making Rice Krispies, and also made brownies, but forgot to get a picture of those. I then put everything on plates and put them in baggies to keep them all fresh and delivered them to both the precincts and the local fire dept.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

TS: Helping in your community is very fulfilling, and even the simplest acts can make an impact.

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Tori’s tradition is a powerful reminder that gratitude in action goes a long way. A plate of cookies may seem small, but to someone working through the holidays, it means the world. To explore more stories like Tori’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Sweet Thanks for First Responders appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

EW: I volunteered for “Love for our Elders”

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

EW: Love for our Elders mission is to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

EW: This was my first time volunteering for this organization, I learned about it from the other tecs.

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

EW: No requirements, just write a letter and send it to the provided address.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

EW: I think it’s important to bring joy back to the generation that raised us.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

EW: Me and my kids worked on letters and some personalized art to send out to them. My kids took some of their art kids they received for christmas and made art to send them.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

EW: Remember to give back to those who helped us get to where we are today!

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Elizabeth’s story reminds us that even the smallest gestures can make a profound impact. Sharing joy with the generation that raised us helps preserve dignity and connection. To explore more stories like Elizabeth’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: A Family Effort to Uplift Our Elders appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

MD: The organization I donated my time to was Love for our Elders.

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

MD: Our mission is to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

MD: This was not my first time volunteering for this organization. I volunteer multiple times a year and have nominated my own father for an elder.

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

MD: Our Guidelines:  1. Letters must be legible (large print), handwritten, and include no glitter. No worries if you’re not artistic– make your card as what you’d like to receive.    2. Avoid religion and controversial topics. Your letter should be meaningful to anyone    3. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters colorful and fun– photos, crosswords, and drawings are great!    4. Be kind & thoughtful. You can include a return address, but please do not expect a reply. We want to ensure recipients don’t feel burdened by the need to reply.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

MD: I chose to volunteer with this organization because it helps an often overlooked member of our community to feel loved and appreciated. Aging can be extremely lonely, but there is so much to learn and gain from our elderly.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

MD: I really enjoy reading about the nominated elders. I like to make my letters align with their likes to keep them interested. I have many who I make ongoing pen pals with. I even request drawings from local schools to add to the letters as well.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

MD: I share this organization with members of my team. I want them to reach out to those who feel neglected.

AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

MD: All it takes is your time, paper, pen, and the cost of a stamp to make someone’s day better.

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Michelle’s ongoing commitment shows the lasting power of handwritten kindness. Every letter sent is a reminder that someone cares. To explore more stories like Michelle’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Handwritten Connection That Lasts appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

TV: We live in a small area. Many churches in our area have what we call Blessing Boxes. The church I attended as a teen is called Union Church and they have the main one I know of in our town. They host meals every week for the community, have a warming center, and overall they give back in many ways. I no longer attend, but I still think it is so important to give back to those less fortunate in the area. I have always wanted to fill a blessing box, and what better time to hand out a blessing the right after the Holiday?

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

TV: This was my first time filling a blessing box, but not my first time giving back to my community. I will say this one felt more rewarding than others as the last image I attached shows how much people needed in just 24 hours!

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

TV: My kids’ school did a large food drive prior to Christmas break. That food drive was to send food boxes home to families in need. Knowing that a lot of kids really depend on the schools for 2 of the 3 meals a day is a very sad reality. I want to help limit that in any way I can.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

TV: My son and I drove by in the morning to see what all was needed. The Blessing box itself was fairly bare aside from empty boxes. We emptied all the empty boxes and headed to our local Aldi. From there, we bought pastas, sauces, soups, rice, canned meats, vegetables, applesauce, fruit cups, and a variety of other shelf-stable food options. We did add some bread, peanut butter, and jelly as well. We then took it all back and cleaned and organized it. We returned the morning after to see how many people we helped, and the food we added did not go to waste! This was really nice to see.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

TV: If you have a local Aldi, and a blessing box near these boxes can be filled spending a pretty small amount of money. You never know whose life you are changing. Who needed just 2 more meals until payday. Who just lost their job. Who got their hours cut or laid off. We just don’t know all the situations, and it is good for your mental health to help when you can. Going back to see you helped is a great boost of serotonin.

Taylor’s experience is a beautiful example of how small acts of generosity can meet real needs. When we give what we can, we may be giving someone hope. To explore more stories like Taylor’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Filling the Blessing Box, Filling Hearts appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

DF: I chose to use my time to volunteer to write Love Letters for Our Elders. I wrote 20 love letters to elderly individuals and used stamps, stickers and markers to decorate them. I’m not much of an artist, but I hope it will make them smile! These letters go to people who don’t have family and/or a lot of support. These letters are meant to brighten their day and help them feel a little less alone in the world. 🙂 It is the perfect volunteer opportunity for people who have limited mobility like me.

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

DF: Their mission is to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

DF: Yes, this was my first time volunteering for this organization, and it was such a positive experience. I hope these letters bring as much joy to the recipients as it brought to me while making them!

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

DF: Guidelines:    1. Letters must be legible (large print), handwritten, and include no glitter. No worries if you’re not artistic– make your card as what you’d like to receive.    2. Avoid religion and controversial topics. Your letter should be meaningful to anyone    3. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters colorful and fun– photos, crosswords, and drawings are great!    4. Be kind & thoughtful. You can include a return address, but please do not expect a reply. We want to ensure recipients don’t feel burdened by the need to reply.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

DF: I have never participated in the Day of Giving before because my physical limitations make it difficult for me to volunteer for most organizations. Michelle Dunton, a fellow TEC, also has limited mobility and told me about this amazing opportunity that she does each year.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

DF: It was so special to be able to spread joy and love to elderly individuals from the comfort of my couch! It was an amazing experience, and I will continue to write these letters throughout the years.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

DF: I would encourage everyone to volunteer their time to this organization. They can write one letter or 20 letters; each one makes a difference in someone’s life!

AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

DF: It was a very rewarding experience, and I was very blessed to hear about it and participate. I am grateful to my company for giving us this opportunity to do a Day of Giving each year.

AC: Are there any links to the organization, additional educational resources, etc. that you would like to share?

 DF: https://loveforourelders.org/letters

Dawn’s story shows that accessibility and impact can go hand in hand. Whether writing one letter or twenty, her kindness ripples outward. To explore more stories like Dawn’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Letters of Love from the Heart and Home appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

TJ: Hoodies and Healing

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

TJ: Significant events focused on providing meals and hygiene care to individuals experiencing homelessness, bringing our community together to offer support and assistance.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

TJ: I volunteer at least six times a year. Additionally, my church sponsors and makes monetary contributions to support the cause.

AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?

TJ: Everyone is encouraged to participate and assist. There are many opportunities available, including cooking, cleaning, serving, engaging in conversation with those in need, and other related activities.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

TJ: I typically volunteer regularly, but this year I chose to dedicate my day of service to a day after Christmas. Given that this has been a challenging year for many, I wanted to help bring some joy and a smile to people’s faces during the holiday season.

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

TJ: I enjoyed serving the food and assembling the gift bags. Additionally, I contributed to the cleanup process once the event concluded.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

TJ: It is truly rewarding to give back when you are fortunate. The sense of fulfillment that comes from assisting others in need is difficult to put into words, but definitely warms the heart.

AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?

TJ: The attendance exceeded expectations. We received numerous donations, including food and clothing.

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Tamika’s consistent service and heartfelt dedication reflect the true spirit of community. Her story encourages us to show up with compassion, especially when it’s needed most. To explore more stories like Tamika’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Giving with Grace Through Hoodies and Healing appeared first on Activus Connect.

AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?

cc: I volunteered at my son’s school arts and crafts end-of-the-year party.

AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?

cc: Provided kids with a free day where they were free to participate in many activities.

AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.

cc: No, I volunteer all the time at my child’s school.

AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?

cc: Because I am familiar with everyone there

AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?

cc: My experience was very relaxing and fun. I passed out snacks, cakes, and toys. We built bird houses painted, and made pretty pictures. Yes, it meet my expectations.

AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?

cc: It makes you feel good on the inside, do it out of good grace

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Sometimes the most meaningful way to give back is by showing up where you’re already needed. Cherette’s experience proves that familiar faces and open hearts can brighten any day. To explore more stories like Cherette’s, visit the Inspiring Forward collection.

The post Inspiring Forward: Painting Joy at the End-of-Year Party appeared first on Activus Connect.

The good news? With a few simple changes, you can stay warm, productive, and keep your energy costs under control. Here’s how to master winter energy efficiency while working #SafelyFromHome

Optimize Your Home Office Environment

A well-prepared workspace can help reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and create a cozy atmosphere that keeps you focused throughout the day. With these helpful tips, you can transform your home office into a winter-ready environment that will enhance your overall work-from-home experience.

A little preparation goes a long way in creating a comfortable, energy-efficient workspace.

Efficient Heating Strategies

Keeping your workspace warm without driving up your energy bills is likely at the top of your list for managing energy usage during the winter. By adopting efficient heating strategies, you can do just that!

If you’re using a space heater, place it in your home office and run it only during work hours to avoid heating unused areas. Be sure to also adjust your thermostat to a slightly lower setting and consider a programmable model to maintain comfort while reducing energy waste.

Natural light is an energy-saving renewable energy source and can boost your mood and help you feel relaxed. If your desk is a little far from the windows, consider rearranging your office to shed more light on your workspace to take advantage of sunlight to naturally heat the area. However, keep in mind that any sunlight behind you will make you appear shadowy on video conferences.

Using these simple strategies can help you stay nice and warm while still keeping your heating costs in check.

Reduce Energy Usage from Devices

Don’t let your devices quietly run up your energy bill! Your home office equipment can silently drain energy, even when you’re not actively using them. To help cut back on unnecessary consumption, start by enabling power-saving modes on your computer, monitor, and other electronics – they’ll use less energy without sacrificing performance.

Making it a habit to unplug devices you’re not using, like chargers, printers and other gadgets will help to eliminate phantom power usage. For the ultimate energy hack, consider upgrading energy-efficient equipment, such as smart power strips, that do the heavy lifting for you. The use of smart power strips is one of the easiest ways of conserving energy, just hit one button and cut the power to multiple devices to ensure that your tech is only switched on when it needs to be.

These simple tweaks can keep your workspace powered up without silently overloading your wallet.

Smart Lighting Solutions

Let’s brighten your workspace without dimming your energy savings by embracing smart lighting solutions. Start by swapping out traditional bulbs for energy-efficient LED ones – they last much longer and use significantly less electricity. Lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home’s electricity use and the average household saves about $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting.

As stated earlier, take advantage of natural light, when possible, to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. However, when working after dark, focus on using task lighting like desk lamps to illuminate only what you need instead of lighting an entire room.

Sustainable Habits for Remote Workers

Adopting sustainable habits as a remote worker can make a big impact on your energy savings and efficiency. Try batching tasks that require energy – like charging devices or using high-power equipment – so you’re not wasting electricity throughout the day.

You can also use smart meter apps to monitor your energy usage and identify areas where you can cut back. Smart meter apps are becoming more and more popular, and energy companies are now letting clients monitor their energy consumption through these apps.

Lastly, and possibly most important, involve your household! Encourage everyone in the home to practice energy saving habits, such as turning off unused lights or sharing heated spaces. Working together not only reduces your energy footprint but also creates a more eco-friendly and cost-effective home environment.

Conclusion

Managing energy usage effectively this winter isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s great for your comfort, productivity, and the environment. By optimizing your workspace, using efficient heating and lighting strategies and adopting sustainable habits, you can create a cozy, cost-effective home office.

Experiment with these tips to find the perfect balance that fits your own personal and unique setup and routine. This winter, take charge of your energy habits and make a commitment to working smarter, staying warmer, and saving more! Your home – and your energy bill – will thank you in the long run.

The post Winter Energy Hacks for Remote Workers appeared first on Activus Connect.