At iACT, we have great appreciation for the wonderful volunteers who make our service work possible! In this Volunteer Spotlight iACT Volunteer Katie Carmichael tells us a little more about herself.
Q: How long have you been in Austin?
A: I officially moved to Austin after graduating from college about 15 years ago. But having gone to school just down the road at Texas State University in San Marcos, I spent a lot of time here and started working at the Texas Capitol while finishing undergrad, prior to formally making the move. I definitely consider Austin home, and feel like a true “Austinite” talking about how much the city has changed since I moved here!
Q: How long have you volunteered with iACT?
A: I just recently became involved with iACT a few months ago, but I already love the sense of community and the focus on bringing people together.
Q: What made you want to volunteer with iACT?
A: I initially came across iACT while researching organizations in Austin that work with refugees, as I am currently in law school with the goal of working on international human rights issues. I immediately connected with iACT’s mission of bridging religious and cultural divides and cultivating peace and respect. I was also impressed with the wide range of crucial services iACT offers and the important work iACT does for members of our Central Texas community.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with iACT?
A: The people! Everyone I’ve met and interacted with so far is very positive, uplifting, caring and warm. The three things I enjoy most in life are learning, helping people, and meeting interesting people with unique perspectives and life experiences. I grew up in a very Catholic household and attended Catholic schools most of my life, so I deeply value the chance to learn more about other religions and belief systems, in addition to connecting with people from different backgrounds and hopefully helping them in some way. I sincerely appreciate iACT for providing the opportunity to do all the things I enjoy most!
Q: What’s the most challenging thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
A: I have encountered some language barriers, but fortunately smiling translates! Personally, my biggest challenge is finding enough time to be as involved as I would like to be. However, I appreciate that iACT offers many different ways to engage, including individual volunteer opportunities for particular events as well as longer-term commitments like the mentorship program.
Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
A: Literally everything! I love bringing a smile to someone’s face and brightening someone’s day. It is very fulfilling and rewarding to think I might have something to offer that could be what someone else needs, or could benefit them in some way. But the thing that stands out most by far, especially given the tumultuous state of world affairs, is how incredibly moving and encouraging it is to see people from various religions and all different walks of life coming together to celebrate faith, unity and community. Words can’t describe how inspiring and rewarding it is to witness and be a part of.
Q: Why would you encourage others to perform similar volunteer work with iACT?
A: I know everyone can feel very busy in their daily lives and adding one more thing to the to-do list or calendar can seem like an exhausting proposition, but volunteering with iACT is one of those rare activities that “fills your cup” instead of draining it. Taking the focus off ourselves and our own problems, and instead expanding our focus onto the needs and well-being of others, is often the best and healthiest thing we can do for ourselves. Connecting with and serving others is so vital to living a happy, purposeful life, and we all reap the rewards and benefits. The world needs more people who are willing to invest even a little time and effort into collectively making a big difference. Volunteering with an organization like iACT can amplify seemingly small acts of kindness and compassion. Everyone at iACT is so appreciative, flexible and understanding, I can’t think of a good reason not to reach out and get involved… right now!
