This week’s Featured Volunteer is Jada Watson. Check out our Q&A with Jada.

What motivates you to volunteer in Memphis?

What motivates me to volunteer in Memphis is the passion I have for my city and the people within it. I love meeting new people and volunteering helps bring out the best in the city. It is a way to connect with people in Memphis on a personal level that you would not get anywhere else unless you serve. 

What causes are you passionate about and what are some of your favorite non-profits in Memphis?

I am passionate about education and non-profits that work to create lasting impacts in the city. Some of my favorite non-profits in Memphis include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Peer Power, Urban Bicycle Food Ministry, Mid South Food Bank, Advance Memphis, Choose901, Memphis Tilth, Girls Inc. of Memphis and Volunteer Odyssey.

Can you tell us about your best volunteer experience so far? What makes it memorable?

My best volunteering experience in Memphis would be a service trip I did with partnering Universities across the nation at the Choose901 bunk house for an entire week. The nonprofit, Break Away, hosted a conference in Memphis and I was able to lead a team of like minded college students about the impact of educational efforts in Memphis and how to strengthen their university’s Alternative Breaks program. I am the Co-coordinator of the Alternative Breaks program at the University of Memphis with Sarah Jones. It was an amazing experience to grow as a leader, teach others and make a difference in the city. This volunteer experience included me showcasing my city and love through workshops and various volunteer sites through an educational standpoint. 

What are some lessons that you’ve learned from volunteering in Memphis?

Some lessons that I have learned from volunteering in Memphis is that you have to be flexible and willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Flexibility is key with any nonprofit regardless of their level of experience. The work in the nonprofit world from my experience requires you to be able to go with the flow and understand the work is influenced by the community. I believe the best nonprofits are the ones that challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and learn. I love the nonprofits in Memphis because they help change the narrative of so many people through their service initiatives. 

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