New Volunteer/Communications Coordinator Joins NAHFH – Alicia Ralls
Article By: Terry McElligott
February Habitat Happenings
Alicia Ralls – New Volunteer/Communications Coordinator Joins NAHFH
Alicia Ralls’ journey to Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity (NAHFH) might be described as a life-altering crossroad. Alicia had worked in various school systems as an after school Special Education inclusion specialist, a skills teacher, and as a student support specialist. In those roles, she helped navigate transitions for students, taught classes on self care, and served as a counselor helping students with their social emotional growth. But it was her partnership with local businesses while working at the Alliance Charter Academy in Oregon City organizing a resource fair that sparked her interest in advocating for people of all ages.
“That is the point of life – to advocate for others and their needs,” she stated. She became a member of a small group of women who founded Peace Tree Collective, an organization that supports individuals through a creative grief process. Retreats allow individuals to participate in discussion circles, journal with prompts and encourage individuals to move through grief instead of just moving on. “I learned that my work has to have meaning and a deeper purpose. That is what Peace Tree and Habitat have in common.” ”I had applied for many jobs and just was not finding one that was the right fit. Then I reached out to my friend who was a grant writer for Habitat.” Alicia wondered if there might be an opening in the NAHFH in the future. First she volunteered at the Habitat Gala event in Sherwood and later had an informal meeting with Shannon Selah, the executive director for NAHFH. Since the Newberg affiliate was losing the AmeriCorps member who had done digital content and volunteer tasks, Alicia’s skills were just what was needed. Her position would be part-time and would have limited hours with a targeted focus since it would need to be paid through Habitat funds.
Alicia’s work tasks will be communication through digital platforms and recruiting and retaining volunteers. One of her initial ideas after being hired in November was to plan a ReStore party to thank volunteers for their dedicated service. Thirty volunteers were in attendance, and she included a “Price is Right” game where the volunteers had to guess what they had previously priced certain donated goods. “It is important that events be fun, honor our volunteers, and give us an opportunity to laugh together while we appreciate each other.” NAHFH does need volunteers to continue the work of building houses. One of the marketing ideas has been to create a campaign entitled Build Skills, Build Hope. “Participating volunteers can learn skills like installing flooring, plumbing, trim, or hardware on cabinets from skilled Habitat volunteers and then transfer that skill to their own DIY projects in their own home.” The opportunity to learn from seasoned Habitat volunteers gives valuable lessons to people who want to learn and hopefully they will in turn become intermittent volunteers for the Habitat organization.
“Most of Habitat’s volunteers are retirees because they have the most time, most skills, and most wisdom, but Habitat needs an age range of volunteers.” Alicia is interested in connecting with organizations in the community. If you are part of an organization that has a heart for volunteering or Habitat, she would appreciate a chance to meet and talk to see how you can help. “Yes, it is about relationships and connections. If someone reaches out, I want to make sure that I reply within 24 hours. I need to meet people where they are at and figure out the next step. I have to help coordinate the pieces.”
Alicia’s core passion is evident when visiting with her, “Every person needs an outlet of volunteerism. It is about community.” With multiple projects on the horizon – Dundee Commons, the 5th Street Veterans Build, and more houses on the College site – the capacity for building depends on the capacity for recruiting. “I have been here a short time and have already learned that NAHFH has the most dedicated, selfless volunteers, and I am immensely inspired. These volunteers are like a family, and I can see why their passion for families is so strong. It comes down to the people who are building and working at the ReStore. They are our foundation and they are the Super Power of Habitat.
