National Volunteer Week: Where WE Volunteer, With Ron Kirk
With National Volunteer Week in full swing, we asked Memorial & Museum staff about the causes that were near and dear to them. Beyond our work here, we volunteer with a diverse range of organizations — for an equally diverse number of personal reasons. Today Ron Kirk, Vice President/Controller, Finance, tells us about his work with a group that helps young people continue their education.
Which organization do you volunteer at?
I've been associated with LEAGUE Foundation for the past 25 years. I am a board member/treasurer for the organization, which awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ high school seniors to help offset the costs of their first year in college. Since 1996, we've given 195 scholarships totaling nearly $425,000. I joined the board in 1998 and have participated in the application review/selection process every year since then. I'm also responsible for managing the organization’s finances and preparing their financial statements.
Why is this cause important to you?
I want to help LGBTQ+ youth overcome obstacles to continuing their education. Through the work done by the LEAGUE Foundation, we’re developing potential future leaders of the LGBTQ+ community.
Why is it important to volunteer?
I think it’s important to give back to the causes and communities that I feel passionate about. Through my volunteer work at the LEAGUE Foundation, I can share my skills and experience and to help other organizations achieve their goals.
By 9/11 Memorial Staff
Meredith Ketchmark, Assistant Manager of Youth & Family Programs here, tells us about the organization for which she volunteers, and why its mission — building mental health awareness and preventing suicide — strikes a chord with her.
Earth Day inspires us to make the planet a better place. Read about the ways one high school in Queens is doing just that by caring for Survivor Tree seedlings and in turn helping us carry out our mission.