2012: The Year of the Volunteer

I'm sure that you have heard me say in the past that we could not accomplish what we do in downtown if it were not for volunteers.  It's a pretty general statement, I know, but our volunteers are truly making an impact in not just downtown, but in the City of Orrville as well.  Have you ever driven through a community and it's downtown was just "off"?  What impression did that leave regarding that community? I would guess probably not a very good one. The downtown is many times the first impression people get of a community.  That's why Main Street Orrville exists.  Because we wish to leave the best impression on our guests as possible.  And our volunteers make this happen.

Main Street Orrville uses volunteers for everything from leading the organization to selling beverages at events- and everything in between.  So what does that mean for me, you ask?  It means if you have a talent or skill and a desire to make a difference then we can use your help.

In the non-profit world many organizations taut the dollar value of volunteer time.  For instance, Independent Sector, lists a value of $18.54 per hour for a volunteer's time in Ohio. What's missing from this value is your opportunity cost (see I learned something from my business classes.) Simply, what you had to give up in order to volunteer for us.  With both of these in mind we pledge to value your commitment to us and promise to not waste your time.

In 2012 we have some pretty ambitious goals~ build the Orrville Rib and Music Fest bigger and better than ever, find fun ways to draw people into downtown Orrville, increase our reach through digital media, bring wifi into downtown, develop a public art plan, prepare for the coming Rails-to-Trails path, create the best business climate downtown that we can, and above all else~ have fun while making an impact.

So, ready to sign up yet? We've created this online interest form which you can find here.  Tell us a little about yourself, your interests and skills, and how much time you may have.  I, or someone from Main Street Orrville, will get back to you with possible matches and you can decide if it is the right fit.  If it is, then we will plug you in and the fun begins.  If not then that's it, no pressure.

Connect. Cultivate. Celebrate.