Volunteer Work at WORTH: Women on the Rise Telling HerStory

WORTH is a non-profit organization serving as advocates for currently and formerly incarcerated women. WORTH provides guidance to women seeking educational, housing and other life essential pursuits. WORTH also raises awareness amongst the community concerning public policy and misconceptions towards women who have served time in prison.

Although my involvement with WORTH was brief, it has been very rewarding. WORTH was facing tight deadlines while being short staffed in preparation for their annual fund raiser. Initially, WORTH decided to distribute a lengthy three-page document listing all of the items that would be auctioned off. I was asked to help as a Volunteer and offer professional insight. After looking over the material, I felt that the information was too cumbersome to walk around with since a guest would also be occupied with other matters in addition to carrying various forms of literature. I suggested a brochure that would not only include an image of the items being auctioned, but would also contain brief information concerning the organization itself. Another advantage of the brochure would be to serve as a creative quick reference guide for WORTH, listing it’s contact information, community resources, and an office to where additional contributions may be sent. A guest at the event would have the means to introduce friends, families, colleagues and neighborhood organizations to WORTH, thus strengthening their presence within the community. WORTH now had an important, yet simple vehicle to which advertise, educate and inform. At the end of the auction, I helped to raise an estimated $600.00 and established an inventory/profit worksheet. A worthwhile achievement to me both professionally and personally.