abarnes86
Apr 24, 20202 min
by Kaylin Beach, Volunteer Coordinator
Currently, she volunteers her time for the Accokeek Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees, serving countless hours to ensure that the Foundation’s direction and leadership are top-notch.
During the Accokeek Foundation’s last Fiscal year (October 2018-November 2019), Judy Meade volunteered over 132 hours in her position on the Governance Committee. She played an instrumental part in the review of the Foundation’s articles of incorporation and the update of organizational bylaws, and is currently working on policy reconciliation. She was one of six volunteers who received the award of Highest Honors, given to volunteers who serve 100+ hours in a year. As one of our stellar volunteers, I sat down with Judy and asked her to share with us her thoughts about volunteering with the Accokeek Foundation.
Kaylin Beach: How long have you been a volunteer at the Accokeek Foundation? What made you decide to become a volunteer?
Judy Meade: I joined the Accokeek Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2018, after recruitment from neighbor and fellow board member Jim Potts, to help provide some new leadership and direction. I decided to volunteer because I felt connected to the mission and purpose of the Accokeek Foundation.
KB: What is your favorite part about volunteering at the Accokeek Foundation?
JM: My favorite part of volunteering at the Foundation is being able to make a difference in its future, especially for its programs, services, and educational opportunities. Knowing that what I am doing will have an impact on its future challenges me to do my very best on every task.
KB: What do you know now that you didn’t know when you first started volunteering?
JM: My personal knowledge base about rural farming, livestock management, and colonial gardens has expanded greatly since I joined the Board.
KB: How has volunteering impacted your life?
JM: Volunteering at the Foundation has taken more time and energy than I expected, but has repaid me many times over, in personal growth and new friendships. And I’ve become a big fan of pigs.
KB: What’s one piece of advice you would give to potential volunteers about volunteering for the foundation?
JM: My advice to potential volunteers: Find a project/topic/animal that appeals to you, and have fun.
We are grateful to Judy for bringing a smile to every board meeting and for pouring herself into the Foundation as a volunteer. Her support makes the Foundation a better place and empowers staff and other volunteers to accomplish the Foundation’s mission of connecting people to the land.
The Accokeek Foundation staff would like to say “Thank You!” to Judy for being such a stellar part of Team Accokeek.