Mobilizing Volunteers when the White House Calls

LeeAnn Harvey

It was also a whirlwind for the city staff and volunteers. The newly renovated, five-decade-old Decatur Recreation Center had just held its Grand Reopening the week before. In addition to staff support from the Active Living and Children and Youth Services departments (housed in the Recreation Center), Police, Fire, and Public Works, a request was made for 40 volunteers to assist with the many phases of getting attendees into the gymnasium and seated. A flood of potential volunteers were eager to help with the event. This was an unusual dilemma for any organization that utilizes volunteers - having more volunteers than you can effectively use. So, volunteers who had made special contributions of their time and talents were individually invited to participate (as well as city staff members who were readily willing to donate their time).

Volunteers had to attend an orientation the evening before and be available the entire day of the visit. The White House staff did all of the training and assigned volunteers in teams to various jobs. It was easily apparent that they were extremely knowledgeable about these events. It was impressive to see how well organized the event was considering the limited amount of time to plan it.

It is ironic to think that asking a person to volunteer would be a reward for countless hours spent volunteering. Everyone was extremely honored to be asked, even if they weren’t able to volunteer. It was a special way to acknowledge the contributions that the volunteers had made and let them know how highly they are valued. It was also a very special memory to have the opportunity to play a role in a presidential visit.