November is universally recognized as the month of gratitude and giving thanks, and we’ve always been told that actions speak louder than words. Our farmer volunteers are passionate about volunteering and service to their communities- and that goes beyond their volunteer time with CommonGround!
Farmers are at the core of so many rural communities. In between the endless tasks and projects a farm operation requires, many find the time to give back to their communities in a variety of ways. This month, we’re highlighting a few of the things our farmers do in their communities.
Sarah Kern, 4H Leader
Explain what you do in your role.
I co-lead our 4H club with another mom. We are responsible for laying out meeting agendas, coordinating activities, and providing support for our club youth leaders.
How long have you been in this role, and how did you get started?
I joined Whitney three years ago. I grew up in the Valley Victors 4H club and when my kids were old enough to join, we started to attend meetings. When I started saying, “when I was in 4H, we did this…” is when they asked me to co-lead the group.
What are some of the most rewarding things about this role? Why is it important to you?
I love 4H – always have. The opportunities kids have to develop so many life long skills are plentiful – public speaking, community service, team building, friendship. I wanted my kids to grow up with this community environment that allows them to make connections with other youth and adults of all ages.
What advice would you give to people regarding giving back and serving their communities?
It is such a pleasure to watch our young people working together – the light in their faces while they are doing the task brings me tremendous joy. Their enthusiasm and delight for accomplishing a task that benefits others in the community is truly inspiring.
Sarah McCabe, City Council Member
Explain what you do in your role.
I attend monthly meetings to help our small town work out issues, develop plans for construction, listen to community feedback, and try to keep the city moving in the right direction. I’m also on our Personnel Committee, which is geared towards listening to our city employees’ concerns and helping find the right hires for any open positions.
How long have you been in this role, and how did you get started?
I have been on city council for three years now. I wanted to have knowledge of what the city was doing, and how it was operating, so I put my name in the hat. Having a newborn at home probably should’ve made me think twice about taking on more duties, but it has been really eye-opening and interesting to me!
What are some of the most rewarding things about this role? Why is it important to you?
Getting to see that my voice is heard. Representing more than just my own opinions is important to me in this role. What’s been the most rewarding part is meeting the people who work for the city and forming relationships with them, as well as others in the community.
What advice would you give to people regarding giving back and serving their communities?
I would say, go for it! I didn’t know much about the way a city operates, or the ins and outs of all the numbers involved with city council, but after three years I feel way more confident in my understanding of all that. It’s cliche, but if I can do it, you can too! You never know if your voice might be the missing piece your city needs.
Gail Donkers, County Fair Superintendent
Explain what you do in your role.
As the superintendent of the sheep show at the Rice County fair I am responsible for hiring two judges, updating the premium book annually, working with the grounds crew to ensure the pens and show ring are prepared, receiving exhibitor entries, stalling, checking entries, lining up awards, clerking the shows, and making sure the exhibitors receive their checks. I also host an exhibitor picnic and social for all the exhibitors.
How long have you been in this role, and how did you get started?
I’ve exhibited sheep at the Rice County fair for probably 45 years, when the previous superintendent retired, he asked me to take over. Thinking I started in 2012.
What are some of the most rewarding things about this role? Why is it important to you?
We host phenomenal sheep and exceptional exhibitors, right in my hometown. Rice County has the largest open class sheep show in the state. We also host the Minnesota State Suffolk Show which is one of the top 3 shows in the nation. The Babydoll Bonanza started in 2020 and draws exhibitors from 4 states.
The sheep community is the best! We often show two animals in every class, that means you always need help. Exhibitors need to work together to get the sheep shown and form relationships that transcend generations. Showing sheep is a family affair, everyone in our family pitches in to do their part – whether it is helping wash, baling hay, feeding while we are at a show – it all makes a difference. It is fun to see families, often multigenerations at the show, grandparents teaching their grandchildren, it doesn’t get any better than that. I love hearing folks talk about ‘Gail’s fair’ – I want each and every exhibitor to know they are appreciated.
What advice would you give to people regarding giving back and serving their communities?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of every community. Find something in your hometown/community that you love doing and become a part of it. You won’t regret it!
Megan Sukalski, 4H Leader
Explain what you do in your role.
As an adult 4-H leader, my purpose is to help youth leaders create a learning environment for all members, mentor, assist, and advise youth leaders in their roles and the overall management of the club, support other volunteers and families, and be a resource to connect the club to the broader 4-H system. As a preschool teacher, mom. and a 4-H Leader, my goal is always to promote positive youth development for all members.
How long have you been in this role, and how did you get started?
I have been in this role for about 6 years now. Our club has a 3-year term as leaders, so new adults can learn the position over 3 years and take on more responsibilities as the years progress. I started as a 4-H Leader the year after my oldest joined 4-H. My husband and I have 5 boys. All 5 are now active in 4-H as the youngest just started kindergarten this fall! The club looks for new volunteers every August. I saw a need for another leader and decided to fill it! It is not uncommon in our club for the leaders to renew their three-year term if we do not have other parent volunteers. It definitely helps new leaders if they are paired with a veteran leader.
What are some of the most rewarding things about this role? Why is it important to you?
I have always enjoyed being involved in organizations. I have a passion for leadership and promoting growth (however that may look) to each individual, especially youth. Growing up, my mom was involved in our 4-H Club as a Leader and Food Stand committee member for as long as I can remember. Community involvement is something that is very important to me.
What advice would you give to people regarding giving back and serving their communities?
If not you, who? Being a volunteer is hard, but entirely worth it. There is such a need for additional help in all organizations. Getting involved and serving your community can make a lasting difference not only for others but also for your own sense of purpose and belonging. I think a lot of women shy away from volunteering and serving because they don’t think they can do a “good enough job” or they don’t know where to start. I think I have felt that in every new endeavor I’ve started. The discomfort isn’t unique, and it helps to get into a growth mindset. You’ll be growing an organization, other individuals and yourself.
Lauren Biegler, School Board Member
“School board members attend monthly meetings and serve on various committees to help guide and make the best public school we can! I have been a school board member for almost 9 years, and have been a clerk for most of those years.
I am proud of our rural school and the education and opportunities it gives our students. And employment for so many in our community, too! I am a very strong advocate for public education and students and teachers. They are a vital part of our society’s fabric! I want to do whatever I can to help ensure that continues!
My dad was a school board member my whole childhood, and was always said it was a worthwhile role to take on. So it’s something I always thought I would do. And I would encourage anyone to serve in some capacity like this. You learn so much- and realize how much the general public doesn’t know about our schools!
My advice to others is to something they are passionate about and find a way to help! Our communities need helpers and volunteers now more than ever. Be a positive influence on those around you!”
