Catalina Roberts: Driving Global Change with Innovative Communities | Volunteer Matters

Guest:

Catalina Roberts BA, FRSA,

Chairperson – Board of Directors, InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation

Join us for another inspiring episode of Volunteer Matters, where we meet the extraordinary Catalina Roberts, a dedicated volunteer with the Innovative Communities.org Foundation. Broadcasting from the beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, the episode dives deep into Catalina's eight-year journey with ICO, an organization known for its bottom-up approach to community development in over 25 countries. Learn how this all-volunteer foundation builds schools, provides clean water, and offers eye care to marginalized communities. Catalina shares heartwarming stories of personal impact and underscores the values of friendship and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to community service, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement to get involved. Tune in to be inspired and see how you can make a difference!

00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters

01:03 Meet Catalina Roberts

02:20 Innovative Communities: A Bottom-Up Approach

04:20 Sustainability and Global Impact

08:38 Youth Involvement and Personal Journey

17:29 The Power of Volunteering

19:32 Volunteer Service and Corporate Engagement

20:44 Employer Supported Volunteerism

21:16 Three Fun Questions

26:40 Future of Innovative Communities Org

28:53 Personal Reflections and Board Experience

32:10 Final Thoughts and Commitment to ICO

https://www.innovativecommunities.org/

Exploring Leadership and Legacy with John Hughes | Volunteer Matters Podcast

Welcome to Volunteer Matters, a podcast coming to you from beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we sit down with John Hughes, the Executive Director of Craigdarroch Castle, a historic house museum with a rich tapestry of stories and a vital role in the community. Join us as we delve into John's journey from a jewelry designer to a nonprofit leader, the significance of the Castle, and the vibrant culture in Victoria’s nonprofit sector. We also discuss the importance of volunteers, leadership philosophies, and the overarching challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit landscape. John’s insights and experiences offer a compelling narrative for anyone interested in community service, leadership, and heritage preservation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation and discover the heart behind the history of Craigdarroch Castle.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

01:05 Introducing John Hughes and Craigdarroch Castle

02:10 The History of Craigdarroch Castle

03:59 Craigdarroch Castle Today

09:29 The Role of Volunteers at Craigdarroch Castle

14:16 John Hughes' Journey to Executive Director

20:25 Starting a Journey in Goldsmithing

20:52 Early Influences and High School Experiences

22:16 Transition to Jewelry Design

23:29 Leadership and Business Skills

25:33 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership

27:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life

30:36 Reviving a Passion for Jewelry Making

32:28 The Future of Goldsmithing

35:02 Non-Profit Sector Insights

37:57 The Importance of Volunteering

41:07 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Meet the Visionaries Behind Voluntoria! In this episode of Volunteer Matters, host George Colussi introduces the young and inspiring creators of Voluntoria—Will Porter, Jude Edgington, and their colleague, Liam Murtagh, who couldn't make it to the podcast. George, dives into a fascinating conversation with Jude and Will about their journey into volunteerism, their passion project Voluntoria, and how they aim to engage the youth in community service. They share insights on the benefits of volunteer work for personal and community growth, discuss their plans for the future, and reflect on the influence of mentorship in their lives. Tune in to learn about these dynamic young changemakers and their vision to make the world a better place through Voluntoria. Plus, get a glimpse of their personal aspirations, favorite travel destinations, and much more. 00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters Podcast 00:22 Meet the Hosts and Guests 00:52 The Tech Setup and Humor 02:38 Introducing Jude and Will's Project 04:41 The Importance of Volunteering for Youth 13:25 How to Get Involved and Contact Information 15:41 Fun Personal Questions with Jude and Will 22:18 Discussing Business and Investments 22:37 Tennis Talk: Novak Djokovic's Greatness 24:34 Magic Wand: Changing the World 27:32 Misconceptions About Youth 29:52 Encouraging Youth Volunteering 33:42 Future Plans and Influences 42:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Check out Voluntoria at https://www.voluntoria.com/