For the past three months, I have been working with the United Way of Sheboygan County and the Volunteer Center as a Community Development Intern; I have to say this has been one of the greatest internships I have ever had! With every internship I’ve had so far, my goal has been to utilize the knowledge and skills I have obtained throughout my academic career at Lakeland College. Working here at United Way, I have been able to do just that.

As a nonprofit management major, what I have learned and believe is that there are several keys that go into running a successful nonprofit. Out of everything, there are three that stick out the most: relationship building, volunteerism, and fundraising. The United Way’s Volunteer Center hits all three of these keys. The Volunteer Center has more than sixty member agencies that rely on the work we do. The Volunteer Center’s main responsibility is assisting these agencies in recruiting volunteers via or website and social media channels, local newspapers and radio for sharing different volunteer opportunities. This one task has taught me how important relationships are in the nonprofit world. We have multiple organizations working together to recruit volunteers in order to impact change in the community.

My first event at United Way was the Spirit of Sheboygan Volunteer Awards banquet, honoring exceptional volunteers. My role at this banquet was as photographer, taking pictures of everyone who received an award. Even though my role was minor, I realized how important it is to celebrate those who selflessly put themselves second for someone else’s good. I began to realize how important individuals like those honored are to nonprofits; nonprofits thrive and communities are shaped for the better because of individuals like them. It was a great thing to see!

My biggest task so far has been putting together the Dine Out for United Way event! I have put together events before but not at this scale. I had to ask multiple restaurants to participate and donate a percentage of their earnings back to us; learning the skill of making an ask is one that was needed to be learned for my future success in the nonprofit world as fundraising is essential to a nonprofits success.

The staff at the United Way of Sheboygan County is definitely one of a kind. I’ve sat in meetings with numerous board members, CEOs and staff for other nonprofits, but none have been as rambunctious as this group here. With only one-fourth of the staff of most national nonprofits, they manage to operate efficiently and surpass many of their own goals. They are truly some of the most intelligent, selfless, dedicated and hardworking individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Sheboygan County should feel comfortable knowing that this group of people is diligently working for the county’s greater good.

Although not all the problems in the Sheboygan County can be solved, the United Way and its partner agencies are trying their best to make life better for the county’s citizens. I’ve learned so much in these past three months; the new skills I’ve gained and the amazing people I had the opportunity to meet and work with, will be carried with me throughout my career in the nonprofit world.

Thank you United Way of Sheboygan County for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow.