NOMINATION SUMMARY

I nominate Val Jennings, a woman who has been right there for her community and three years ago created the speaker’s bureau for the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter. The speaker’s bureau is a pool of volunteer speakers who go out to talk about hurricane preparedness. As a volunteer, Val has spoken to more than 20,000 neighbors in her community, educating them to be ready for the hurricane season. Her selfless dedication in helping her neighbors is abundantly obvious in her enthusiasm when she teaches and in her any time, any day availability to serve her community. She is also a hurricane shelter volunteer.

Nominated By: Nancy Solomon.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Family: scattered around the country

Residence: Margate, FL

Occupation: Public speaker

Nonprofit Organization(s): American Red Cross and Toastmasters International

Hobbies: Sky diving, reading and public speaking

FUN FACTS

Who Do You Most Admire?: Margaret Thatcher

Where is Your Dream Vacation Spot?: Europe

What Animal Most Resembles Your Personality?: Giraffe

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteer History and Activities: Val had always enjoyed public speaking, so when her local chapter of the American Red Cross invited her to a training session for speaking engagements, she quickly accepted. After completing her training, she was asked to chair the speaker’s bureau. Val took on the challenge and began to train other speakers as well as market and advertise the bureau to her community. The bureau meets with both the private and public sectors and focuses on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, with the emphasis on being prepared. And when a hurricane does hit Broward County, Val helps to staff one of 12 emergency shelters for residents that have been evacuated.

Years as a Volunteer: Three

MOTIVATION

What Motivates You to Make a Difference in Your Community?: "It doesn't take a lot of effort, but educating the public is so important."

INSPIRATION

What Would You Say to Inspire Someone Else to Volunteer?: "For as much as the community gives to you, it is time to give back."

RECOGNITION

What Recognition or Awards Have You Received for Your Volunteer Efforts?: American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year in 1998 and The 1999 Eckerd 100

CHALLENGE

What Are Your Future Plans as a Volunteer and What Do You Hope to Achieve?: "To serve as a liaison with other east coast chapters of the American Red Cross in order to help them implement their own speaker’s bureaus."