Volunteers are the lifeblood of our giving circles, our communities and because of that, the wider world. 

The contributions of volunteers – the giving of time, treasure, talent, ties and testimony – is so valuable that the month of April is dedicated to honoring volunteers globally. Philanos decided to set aside June to honor our “local” Philanos volunteers - our board and committee members and the women of our Philanos Affiliates. 

The work of each and every volunteer in your circle is priceless. 

Whether it’s serving on the Board, heading or serving on a committee, planning events, or cheerfully greeting the members at functions. You have women who gladly give their treasure, women who give selflessly of their time and talents, women who will use their personal networks to find new members, or speakers, or sponsors; and women who will use their voice and their platforms to tell others about the work you are doing and the communities you are trying to serve. 

Through meaningful engagement, many of these same women will find ways to give more – to help nonprofits you’ve funded with extra dollars, offer extra time and talent, serve up additional ties and expand networks, and perhaps even board service for a nonprofit organization they have bonded with through your giving circle. 

Some affiliate leaders and members also go on to volunteer here on the Philanos board and in other ways.

So many women give their time, talent, and treasure to support Philanos. Whether serving on the Philanos Board or its committees, or helping the network host national conferences, offering educational and leadership resources, or foster connections and peer learning between and among our 90+ circles - the generosity and willingness to serve our organization is humbling. 

Two such leaders are Ellan Bernstein and Deborah Majewski.

Ellan (Impact100 Philadelphia and Giving Circle of Women's Connection Philadelphia Chapter) and Deborah (Women’s Impact Fund of Charlotte) are rolling off the Board at the end of this month, and we’d like to recognize their exceptional volunteer contributions to the network. 

Both Ellan and Deborah have been engaged and early leaders of their organizations, and both have been involved with hosting a national conference in their hometown. Both have done their Philanos board work while holding down full-time jobs in demanding careers – Ellan as a practicing attorney, and Deborah as a finance officer and, more recently, as Senior Program Officer at The Leon Levine Foundation. Ellan has served on our Executive Committee as Board Secretary, and she and Deborah have co-chaired the Education Committee. Their wisdom,  counsel, grace and good humor are treasures that will be missed.

And, we want to thank Maggie Glasgow, who has served as our co-Chair the last two years. We are so grateful Maggie will continue to share her wisdom on our Board of Directors!

Perhaps our ultimate volunteer role model in this network is Colleen S. Willoughby.

Colleen is one of the five founders of the Washington Women’s Foundation, as well as a founding member of the 8 giving circle leaders who formed the Women’s Collective Giving Grantmaking Network (WCGN), now Philanos. Our signature award for a visionary woman leader in philanthropy is named The Willoughby Award in her honor. Colleen believed in and brought women to the table to make decisions and a difference in the male-dominated world of philanthropy. This month Colleen will turn 90 on June 28th, and all of us at Philanos wish her a very happy birthday! We are indebted to her hard work and belief in women’s leadership in philanthropy.

Enjoy the summer days – and thank your lucky stars for volunteering!