Why I Say "Yes" and Volunteer for Alpha Xi Delta

This year during Volunteer Appreciation Week, I am reflecting on why I choose to volunteer for Alpha Xi Delta and continue to say "yes" to new volunteer opportunities.

When I was an undergraduate member of the Epsilon Phi Chapter at Iowa State University, my chapter had an amazingly dedicated Chapter Advisor, Carrie Gottschalk Stout, Iowa '92. Carrie drove an hour each way from Des Moines to Ames every Sunday to attend our Executive Committee meetings and every Monday to attend our chapter meetings. She said "yes" to supporting our chapter and was there for us in so many ways, guiding our decisions and challenging us to realize our potential. Carrie truly modeled what lifelong membership in Alpha Xi Delta looks like. I can't imagine how challenging it would have been if we didn't have Carrie and other volunteers involved with our chapter.

Having experienced strong alumnae involvement as a collegian, I knew I wanted to say "yes" and volunteer for Alpha Xi Delta once I graduated. After moving to Minnesota, I sought out volunteer opportunities with the chapters closest to me, located in western Wisconsin. I served in a variety of roles on the local advisory boards, working closely with collegians and fellow volunteers. I then moved into the role of Area Facilitator, where I had the opportunity to engage with multiple chapters and their volunteers. I enjoyed challenging each chapter to do their best, no matter their situation, and it was very rewarding to watch them reach their goals!

Moving into volunteer roles on the recruitment and philanthropy teams as well as volunteering with Autism Speaks and my local Alumnae Panhellenic Association has enriched my life in so many ways. Whether reviewing a report, facilitating at a conference, or offering encouragement, I knew I was making an impact on each Sister (and each chapter) I interacted with. I've served in a leadership role in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Association for many years, and I am immensely proud of the connections we've fostered among local alumnae. The friendships I've made through volunteering have absolutely changed my life and I feel so fortunate to have met the Sisters who have become my best friends!

Looking back over the past 19 years since I graduated from Iowa State, I have said "yes" to SO many opportunities and I have gained SO much from each position and each experience! Through volunteering with Alpha Xi Delta, I have strengthened my leadership skills, gained confidence, met many new people, learned how to leverage my strengths, and had SO much fun with my Sisters.

There are endless ways to say "yes" and get involved as an alumna whether you're able to dedicate time as a year-round volunteer at the local, regional, or national level, lend your expertise for a one-time project like reviewing scholarship applications or facilitating at an Area Wide Training, plan an event for your local alumnae association, or donate to the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation or Autism Speaks to show your support of our organization and our philanthropic partner.

I feel so fortunate to have had such a wonderful role model like Carrie Gottschalk Stout to show me what lifelong membership looks like. Her dedication to Alpha Xi Delta continues to inspire me to say "yes" to opportunities that come my way. It's my hope that I can inspire Sisters I interact with to seek out ways to continue their own Alpha Xi Delta involvement beyond graduation through volunteering.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week, Sisters! Thank you to our past, present, and future volunteers for ALL that you do for Alpha Xi Delta!

-Becky Soderholm, Iowa State ‘97