Friday, January 12, 2018

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - January 2018

Happy New Year!

What an exciting start to 2018 we are having.  I haven’t been this cold in years!

We begin the year in a celebratory spirit not just because of holidays, good times, and good food but because we are at the 6-month mark in our “Red Cross year” and we are over the 50% mark on our goals!  Now that is starting the New Year in the right way.  Congratulations to our team!

I was especially impressed with the number of volunteer hours you have recorded.  Last year, this was a struggle for us all but we ended 2017 with 8,810 for our six month point with an annual goal of 16,773.  Thank you so very much for taking time to enter the hours so we have a record of the generous donation of time that you make repeatedly.

During the last month, I have talked with several of you about things we could do to improve your volunteer experience.  One theme that keeps recurring is a request that we explain “why”. We are now making the commitment to taking the time to explain why things are a certain way.  In return, my request is that you ask us if we don’t remember to explain.  Let’s make this a year of transparency in Northeast Tennessee.

Another theme that threads through our conversations is a request for help with the technology side of our processes now.  We will have computers available at meetings this year.  They will be there so that you can show us where your challenges are and we can try to help immediately.   Notice the word try.  We are sometimes just as frustrated as you are but together we can conquer anything!  Again, I have a request of you.  Take a moment and remember the frustrations we often had before technology changed our processes.  Anyone remember the multiple copy disbursing order that was so much fun as you filled out one for each separate item?  Sometimes we forget the challenges that we had before those facing us now.

My resolution this year is to continue to talk with you and ask how we can improve your experience. I care about the value that you receive because I know the incredible value of what you give.

Again, Happy New Year!
Glenda

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