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Compassion to Action
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2018/09 - September
The Village Green in Cashiers, under the direction of Ann Self, is unquestionably the center of the activity in Cashiers Village. You’ll find music festivals, art shows, children’s events, and much more. It’s a lot to organize, but Rose Mary Achey helps by staffing the varied activities with local volunteers.
Achey is Volunteer Coordinator for The Village Green. Having come from a career in nonprofits, she knows how important it is to foster volunteer relationships. She feels that the most important part of her job is communication. A volunteer can feel lost or overwhelmed if no direction is given, so Achey is very aware that she needs to educate, too.
She’s a strong believer in the importance of seeing that each volunteer’s time is used to the fullest, which increases the level of satisfaction and probability of returning. It’s also vital that the interests of the volunteer be taken into account when making assignments.
Her model is obviously working, given the cadre of volunteers has grown from zero to over 300 during her tenure. She knew she wanted to get involved in the community as soon as she became a full-time resident of Cashiers. On one of her many walks through the Village Green with her black lab, Charlotte, she realized just what a special place it is and wondered how she might help. Achey began volunteering as the Volunteer Coordinator in 2015 and has consistently built the program over the last three years.
A great deal of her life is spent out-of-doors, with her bees, her garden, and hiking throughout the area. She treasures the peace and quiet of her life in Cashiers Valley and is a powerful advocate for her community. She has recently become the Secretary for the Jackson County Beekeepers Association, which currently has a membership of 37.
If you’d like to join the happy volunteers for the Cashiers Village Green, please let Rose Mary know. You may email her at [email protected] or call her at (704) 517-1976.
