An Interview with Jessica Murray

1. An Interview with Jessica Murray Author of “Do Something”

2. Let’s get started Q: What inspired you to get involved with your community? A: As I was growing up in Central New York and later Lincoln, Nebraska, my father worked in the not-for-profit sector. My family instilled in me the importance of giving back, and I started volunteering as a teenager. My earliest memory of doing what would be considered volunteer work was stuffing envelopes for an election campaign for a friend of my father, and following that I went on to volunteer with organizations in Lincoln. Today as an adult back in Central New York, I dedicate time to several non-profit and philanthropic organizations, including the Junior League of Syracuse, a women's civic leadership and community service organization. I firmly believe that, as numerous writers and scholars including Nicholas Kristof (Half the Sky) and Arthur Brooks (Who Really Cares) have explained, those who give to charity (through gifts of money or time) receive far more than they give.

3. Jessica’s Community Service • Want to learn more about getting involved with the JLS? • The Junior League of Syracuse • “I firmly believe that… those who give to charity… receive far more than they give.” • Nicholas Kristof’sHalf the Sky • Arthur Brooks’ Who Really Cares

4. HELPING IN NEBRASKA Q: Did you do a lot of volunteer work in Nebraska? If so, what kinds of organizations did you work with?

5. Jessica’s work in Nebraska A: My first significant volunteer commitment was at Madonna Rehabilitation Center, a long-term rehabilitation facility in Lincoln. I worked in the gift shop twice a month all through high school. Some of the traits I learned while working at Madonna were compassion and patience while helping - in a really trivial way, really - the facility's residents and their loved ones. Later, while in college, I did a volunteer internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service, helping with the completion of a land use study.

6. Could you tell us more about them? Q: Besides the junior league of syracuse, What other kinds of non-profit organizations have you volunteered with?

7. The Lupus Foundation of America • A: I've been very lucky to have volunteered with a range of organizations as an adult in Houston as well as in Central New York. Each of these organizations is very different from the others, but all of them have a place in my heart! Before relocating to Syracuse, I volunteered in Houston as I was planning a career change to the non-for-profit sector. I was involved with the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, helping to plan and execute special events and serving a year on the Board of Directors.

8. “I also assisted the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast as a volunteer in their biannual allocations process.”

9. “Small investment, BIG IMPACT!” • Here in Syracuse, in addition to the Junior League, I'm on the steering committee of the Future Fund of Central New York, a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation and a giving circle for emerging philanthropists. For $100 a year, a donor becomes a Future Fund member and has a voice in selecting that year's grant focus area and recipient. It's hands-on philanthropy without the large price tag, appropriately summed up by the tagline voted on this spring by its members: "Small investment, big impact"!

11. Upstate NEW YORKERS FOR NEBRASKA In addition, almost two years ago I helped form Upstate New Yorkers for Nebraska, our region's official chapter of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. As the 69th chapter of the NAA, we bring together alumni, friends, and fans of the University. We host events throughout the year, and are excited to be planning a summer picnic for members and their families to build excitement for the coming football season. (Go Big Red!)

12. What can they do to help their community? Q: What if Someone doesn’t have time to go out and volunteer?

13. Other ways to help out… A: A person need not make a huge time commitment to be a volunteer. It's still possible to make significant and meaningful contributions on a less frequent basis through employer-sponsored volunteer programs, annual fundraisers, or holiday-focused events (e.g., serving dinner to the needy). Many people dedicate time to their children's schools or sports endeavors, volunteer at their houses of worship, give blood, or mentor a colleague in their workplace - all of which is volunteering!

14. Those who give receive far more than they give “And of course, as any not-for-profit will tell you, charitable contributions are always a good thing. (In fact, when it comes to donating goods vs. donating money, many nonprofits will prefer cash, because their buying power can put that money to work much harder than you or I can at a local grocery store.)”

15. Many cities have United Way organizations with volunteer centers that serve as clearinghouses for local volunteer opportunities. In fact, that's how I first was connected with Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln!

16. Q: Finally… What made you decide to get an advanced certificate in Information Sciences?

17. A: I feel that social media is a powerful tool for individuals, businesses, and organizations to monitor and engage in the conversation going on in the real-time web. I work at Syracuse University, so the opportunity to pursue a certificate of advanced study in Information Innovation was too good to pass up. I hope to apply what I learn in my role as a community volunteer, and even eventually in my job as a fundraising analyst at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.

18. In Conclusion… • GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING! • Get involved! • For more information about Jessica and her blog, “Do Something,” click here!