The 2009 Oregon Governor Volunteer Awards

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in Starbucks studying for my Spanish finals when I recieved an email notification that I was the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awardee of the statewide 2009 Oregon Governor Volunteer Awards! Rosemary always tells me about these things she nominates me for, so I immediatley called her but she had no idea what I was talking about. A couple days later, Pamela called me to tell me "some good news", and I discovered it was her that nominated me. I have never even heard of this award, nor have I ever dreamed of being recognized for the work I do. OFYC hardly seems like a job or "work" to me, and I would be lucky if it was my job. Here is what they wrote about me in their pamplet:

"As Chair of the newly formed advocacy group Oregon Foster Youth Connection (OFYC), Jamie has worked vigorously for the past two years to give voice to the over 15,000 Oregon children in foster care. Not so long ago, Jamie was a youth in foster care herself, moving from home to home in a system where it is easy to fall through the cracks. Now that she is out of foster care, Jamie leads OFYC on its mission to improve the foster care system through advocacy, activism and leadership.
"Recently, under Jamie’s leadership the OFYC was able to draft a bill that empowers foster youth to take control of the process in obtaining their driver’s education and license. Testimony by Jamie and other OFYC members to various legislative committees has also helped advance legislation that would give health care to youth aging out of foster care until age 21. Outside of the legislature, Jamie has worked closely with the Oregon Department of Human Services to ensure that there is a youth voice within all boards that affect the foster care system. Furthermore, Jamie is dedicated to teaching others to advocate for themselves and conducts youth trainings statewide to ensure that all members of OFYC have the tools and encouragement to be powerful advocates in their own communities."

It was surreal to read about myself; I'm not sure I have ever had this opportunity before. It doesn't seem like I have accomplished much in such a short amount of time, and perhaps this little blurb is a bit exxaggerated. I have so many plans for OFYC and the Oregon foster care system, that these things they mention seem so tedious. I can think of many others who deserve to be recognized for their hard work. It's the people you don't meet that need the most gratitute, because they are working so hard for you that you never see them.

They asked for a quote from me about volunteerism. All I could think about for the last few weeks was the night I visited Melissa at her sorority and how her sisters described "their philanthropy." It makes me want to throw up, and it distracted me from coming up with an original quote. I wanted to keep it short, humble, and personal. This is what I settled on (since they didn't give me much time):

“I believe volunteering for a cause you are passionate about is the most stimulating and fulfilling way to spend your time. When you do what you are passionate about, you become what you love, and the world changes. What a difference the world would be if everyone did what they loved!”

The song that is refereced on the right side of my page inspires me to keep doing what I love, and I wanted to inject that passion into this quote so that maybe those who read it would be inspired to do what they love as well. I wanted to tell the world that you don't have to have a job you hate. So many people are blinded by finances and commutes, but I'm sure if you have a passion, there is a way to fulfill it.

The luncheon is coming up, and I want to invite everyone!