Celebrating 30 Years of Giving Back - Board Service, Mentoring, and Volunteering
I realized 2025 marked 30 years of non-profit service in many capacities. It started in 1995 when I volunteered with a new Minnesota-based Liberian NGO (non-governmental organization) and became a board member. From there, I lived in Liberia for two years and volunteered with three local NGOs serving children, gender-based violence against women and girls, and climate change.
On the domestic front, I volunteered as a trainer to help women entrepreneurs build websites, served on a few non-profit boards, co-chaired a professional networking group to start their first annual summit in 2013, and mentored other founders of non-profit startups. Then in 2013, I turned my attention to Uniting Distant Stars as the executive director and served in many capacities to help move the organization forward.
Giving back can provide a sense of purpose, happiness, and more. I am grateful for making new friends and learning new things during my 30 years of service.
As a small organization in Minnesota, we are looking for people interested in serving on the board and volunteering. I wanted to take a moment to share what is expected and open the door to a meeting with anyone wishing to learn more.
Board Member Overview:
Based in the U.S.
Welcome people from 16 years old to retirees.
Serve one of two committees for finance and fundraising.
Volunteer about 10 hours a month to help with projects, participate in meetings, and assist with fundraising. The board meets every other month on the first Saturday of the second month. The committees meet at least every other month.
Develop strategy and budgets, and execute action plans.
Collaborate with other board members, volunteers, sponsors, and others to promote our programs.
Make introductions for potential donors and partners.
Organizational governance.
Volunteer Overview:
Serve in a short-term, long-term, or project-based capacity.
Help with administration, events/fundraising, marketing, projects, social media, strategy, etc.
Mostly virtual with some in-person for fundraising events.
This position is open to anyone with the passion, time, and ability to advance the organization's mission of serving Liberia’s youth.
Learn new or enhance existing skills with various digital apps, programs, and tools.
If you would like a 15 to 30-minute meeting to learn more, please email info@unitingdistantstars.com to book a time during one of the following days and times:
Monday 6 PM to 7:30 PM CT (GMT-6)
Wednesday 6 PM to 7:30 PM CT (GMT-6)
Saturday 1 PM to 2:00 PM CT (GMT-6)
