12 in 2012- In it to give it?

What is “12 in 2012″ you ask?

It’s simple.

Donate one hour per month of your time to volunteer for a local organization in your area. 1 hour per month; 12 hours of service in 2012. Simple, easy, life changing. We can all start a ripple that becomes a wave. Join me for the challenge and make 2012 the year to volunteer! You can choose one place and volunteer 12 times or pick several and spread yourself around.

If you made a resolution to lose weight, consider walking to your volunteer site if possible. Or volunteer somewhere you can be active and get some exercise while you help out.

If you made a resolution to spend more time with family, then multiply your 12 in 2012 contribution by using  volunteering as a family event.

If you resolved to be kinder, nicer or a better person, what better way to start than by volunteering for others?

And hey, even if you resolved to quit smoking, cursing or some other negative habit- this is one time per month where you know you won’t be able to do those things AND you’ll have something to keep your mind off of it.

If you already make a resolution to become more involved in the community or helping others, here you go. You’ll be part of something bigger, working with others who are part of the same mindset.

Whatever makes this work for you, let’s all be in it to give it this year!

I started the idea for this resolution on the nonprofit news show, Unsung. I volunteer to cover nonprofit events and stories that are sometimes featured on the show, but this was the first episode that placed our team in studio, all at the same time. Joe Wos from Toonseum graciously hosted us and we had a great time putting it together and being together for the Unsung holiday episode. Many other resolutions from locals and nonprofit’s are shared on the episode. View Unsung 18 and other community driven contributions on Pittsburgh On Video or watch the episode right here.

Let me know if you decide to jump on board. Stop back and share your volunteer stories here and tell everyone where you go and how it goes. There just might be a reward at the end of 2012 for the person who shares all 12 in 2012 volunteer experiences

Simply Put- Be part of the year to volunteer and give 12 in 2012!

Joyce Rothermel, Humble Hero

Every so often, if we are lucky, someone truly amazing crosses our path.  For me, this person is Joyce Rothermel. To those that know her, she is a tiny woman with a big life force that has worked her entire life to help others. From the noble idea that everyone deserves to live life without hunger, a small project became a lifetime goal that has resulted in what is now the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank(GPCFB). Her vision has helped create other organizations, as well as provided a voice for those that might otherwise go unheard. She is known not just in Pittsburgh, but around the country for her work in feeding and advocating for the impoverished.

But, it is more than the accomplishments she has under her belt that make her something special. I first met Joyce Rothermel at the Empty Bowls Dinner this year.  Being an advocate for hunger awareness, as well as always wanting to connect people to great stories as a correspondent for Pittsburgh On Video, I asked Joyce to talk with me on camera. I have no real explanation for what happened when we went aside to start her interview. 

We sat down and discussed a few things before starting the camera to get ourselves on the same page. And then, I looked into her eyes. If it is true that the eyes are the windows to the soul, then hers is the most pure and honest I have ever known.  Just being in her presence brought me to tears. I am sure she thought I was a bit odd, although she was most gracious and said nothing, even though I had to stop the camera and restart our interview. Words can’t really describe what it is like when you’re with Joyce. Her smile is infectious and somehow she combines sweetness with determination.  When you are with her, you just know you are with someone special. I still get weepy when I think of our meeting or read and watch things about her.  I’m envious of people who work with her.

After 30 years of being the founder and CEO of the GPCFB, Joyce Rothermel retired from her position on June 30th.  I have to say, I was a little sad to have met her at the end of her tenure.  In our brief meeting she inspired me to be just a little better than I was before; to give more of myself to others when possible; to keep goals and dreams in focus- both mine and those of others.  She motivates me to think bigger and be kinder.  And she probably has no idea of the effect she has on others.

I approached Christopher Whitlatch who curates the Pittsburgh On Video site for the Pittsburgh Foundation with the idea of putting together a video tribute piece as a correspondent with people who have worked or interacted with Joyce. The idea was then developed as a feature for their online bi-monthly non-profit news show, Unsung.  With his help, we put out the word and gathered several individuals who shared their thoughts about Joyce with me. The following is Unsung-Episode 5 with a clip of my interviews:

I’m grateful to have met Ms. Rothermel. Her impact in our brief meeting will last a lifetime. She has such infallible logic and a keen sense of what is needed. Her vision reaches a broad spectrum and her focus is one step ahead of others. Her pure love of humanity and dedication to meeting the needs of those less fortunate is inspiring.  We could all take a lesson from her book of life.

To Joyce, I would say thank you for being the person you are. Your tireless work and dedicated efforts have meant and will continue to mean the world to so many.  You are not just a true hero to us, you are like a patron saint to the hungry.

Simply Put- One person really can make a difference in the lives of others.

Full interviews will be available on Pittsburgh On Video‘s Unsung-Uncut soon.  Anyone that has a story about or thought for Joyce Rothermel is invited to leave a comment to this post.