The Buzz with ACT-IAC
The Buzz with ACT-IAC
Empowering Communities: Christina Binhack and the ACT-IAC Gives Back Initiative
In this episode, we sit down with Christina Binhack, Director of Operations and HR at ACT-IAC, to dive into her background, experiences, and passion for nonprofit work. Christina shares her journey from the Midwest to the DMV area, her involvement with ACT-IAC, and her dedication to community service through the ACT-IAC Gives Back program. She discusses the importance of volunteering, the various successful initiatives launched under ACT-IAC Gives Back, and offers insights into how service-oriented projects can shape leadership development. Christina's vision for the future of the program and her unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for giving back shine through in this engaging and inspiring conversation.
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Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)
Yohanna: [00:00:00] Hello everyone. I have Christina Bin Hack with us. She's the director of operations and HR over here at Act ix. So nice seeing you again. I saw you yesterday at our staff meeting where our new merchandise was. Uh, revealed. Really excited about these new scars that are coming out. Are you, are you getting one?
Yohanna: Oh, I
Christina: mean, I, I don't just get one, but I will be buying one at our popup merch shop for sure. I, that scarf is awesome, but I'm glad it's dedicated to the Gives back program. [00:01:00] It's gonna be perfect for some of our upcoming volunteer events this winter.
Yohanna: I love it. It looks so nice and fluffy.
Christina: It does. It's cozy.
Christina: It's a great material.
Yohanna: All right, cool. Um, so I guess let's get some background information. Who you are? Um, where did you come from? How did you get involved with ACT iac? Why are you talking to me? No, I'm kidding.
Christina: Yeah, no worries. Um, yeah, you, my name's Christina Ben Hack. I am originally actually from the Midwest, from the great old state of Michigan.
Christina: Um, and moved me to Indianapolis for my master's degree, which is where I met my husband and worked there for a few years. And then we decided to move out to the DMV area just for better work opportunities, um, better future opportunities for our kids and things like that. Uh, so prior to coming to ACT iac, I was working at an adult literacy organization in Indianapolis called Indie Reeds because my background is in nonprofit management.
Christina: So both in education and experience, I'm all nonprofits. My [00:02:00] entire career has been at 5 0 1 c threes, which I think is probably more unique about myself. Um, as a staff member of act, I really enjoy. Anything I can do to give back to the community and when coming to work with at Diac, they do it in a very unique way.
Christina: I have never worked anywhere that, you know, hosted conferences and hosted all these great summits and that concept of networking, helping people in their professional capacity, I've always helped people in their personal and community. Status and just their personal lives. But getting to work with people while they're, you know, representing where they work and their career field was a unique twist, um, for my career when joining Act ix.
Christina: So I'm glad that they brought me on where I can continue charitable giving, especially through our ACT Tech Gives Back program, um, but also serving in the operations and HR realm. I'm kind of. Diving into a few different things. So different I think path to get here. I don't come from the GovCon community.
Christina: Um, I come from nonprofit.
Yohanna: That's really good. There's [00:03:00] diversity of thought here. There's diversity of background.
Christina: Absolutely. Well
Yohanna: that's great. So you've always really been drawn to service oriented and community building work and that's why, so I'm assuming that's why you started Act Diet gives back.
Christina: Yes.
Yohanna: Right.
Christina: Yeah, so when I first came in, um, with, at Diac, it was shared with me that they'd like to boost their charitable giving programs, both for the program and realizing that we are in a, we're in a good position where we have a wonderful membership base that likes to give back to the community, and we can help facilitate those opportunities.
Christina: So they used to have a program called Volunteer Core. Core spelled C-O-R-P-S. But when we rejuvenated it, when I took it over a couple years, a few years ago, I decided to rename it act. I gives back one because it's a little catchy, in my opinion. It's a little bit catchier, but also I didn't want any confusion where the program might be associated with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps.
Christina: If people know of those, [00:04:00] we are not in one of those cores. So we wanted to make sure, um, it was a little bit more clarity that it's an internal act I act program. And it's catchy. So the goal was, you know, for. The organization and our members to be able to create opportunities for our membership base to funnel their passion, um, into giving back, and they can help give suggestions on how they want to do it.
Christina: I always welcome people to share their ideas. In fact, when I first relaunch the program, I actually sent out a survey to our membership base. It went out on our news flash a few times, went on our LinkedIn profile and it was just. Very simple survey, less than five minutes for them to share focus areas, you know, do they wanna focus on the environment, veterans, children, animals, food, um, ins, seniority, financial literacy.
Christina: There's so many focus areas that they could possibly want to volunteer in. So they felt, I had a few different survey responses to show me, you know, where's the passion mostly focused. So that gave me a, a [00:05:00] place to start. So I, at least I know I'm hosting events that people, their heart is in it, which means more people might register and participate.
Christina: So that was something that really helped me relaunch it with that rejuvenation back in 2022. And just the mission of the program overall is to provide opportunities for them to come together, give back to their community, and kind of create a way for them to network with each other at the same time, just in a bit more of a casual environment.
Christina: Um, rather than at one of our, our larger events. Yeah.
Yohanna: So if you haven't been paying attention, that is what Acti is all about, coming together, building community networking. This is what we do over here at ACT iac. Um, so real quick shifting gears are, have there been moments in your career inside of, inside or outside of government or tech mm-hmm.
Yohanna: That have shaped your approach to volunteerism? Um. I know that you like, that's what you're, that's where you've always been. You've always been in the nonprofit space, but has there ever been something where I. It really kind of solidified like, okay, this is [00:06:00] where I really wanna be. Mm-hmm. This is what I really enjoy doing.
Yohanna: I'm passionate about this.
Christina: I think it was a blend of things. So growing up, I come from a family that was very involved in their community. My parents would volunteer a lot, and so as a family we would volunteer a lot. I. I did Girl Scouts as a kid, I did student council honor societies, you know, so I kind of always was brought up with, you have to volunteer.
Christina: Um, so it's kind of second nature that you do volunteer events. So I think that led me into. Being able to be a part of a very cool leadership program in my undergrad experience, it's, um, the Leadership Advancement Scholar Program at Central Michigan University. It's a very competitive program. They only take, you know, in the year I was in, they accepted 40 of us, but there were over 2000 applicants and you go through a whole competition day where they judge you all day on these activities.
Christina: And I was fortunate to be chosen out of over 2000 people. Um, and it pro provided me an opportunity to go [00:07:00] through. Classes all about leadership with 39 other leaders, same age, same kind of back sta stature in life, you know, going into school and seeing what we're gonna do in our careers. So I kind of had that great support system in my undergrad as I was kind of learning about my myself and learning about my, or I might wanna work.
Christina: And it was both academically 'cause we were actually taking class abroad leadership styles and things like that. But we were required to do certain service projects throughout the year and do so many hours of volunteering and giving back and things. So it was just kind of always a part started as a child with my family.
Christina: Um, modeling that type of role in the community throughout my, you know, schooling. I was deeply involved and it just kind of has always been like, I can't fathom not volunteering even today. I work at a nonprofit where we volunteer at other nonprofits, but on my own, I also volunteer at other nonprofits that are connected, so.
Christina: Um, I just, I, it, it would blow my mind if people don't give back. 'cause it's just, [00:08:00] it's, it's second nature to me, I think at this point. So it was kind of a blend of academic experiences and real life experiences.
Yohanna: That's a lot. Where, where are you getting all these extra hours? I need to, uh.
Christina: Cost. Weekends.
Christina: Weekends, yeah. Uh, weekends are, I try to, at least once a month. Prior to, I recently, um, we grew our family recently welcome a newborn son. So prior to him joining us at least once a month on a Saturday, I would do, there was an organization called City Dog. City Kitties. I, I assist with their animal intake, um, and things like that.
Christina: I'm hoping to get back into that now that. Life has settled again, but, um, yeah, found a separate one that I'm also passionate about. We, we adopted our own dog from them, so I loved what they did and said, I, I wanna become a volunteer. So just, you know, donating a couple hours, one Saturday a month, not too hard.
Christina: Um, just, I think. Prioritizing it is something that folks need to do.
Yohanna: Well, that's a, well, I didn't know any of this, so when I [00:09:00] got hired, I was just like, oh, Christina seems really nice. Oh no, I'm being led and I'm being inspired by someone who is amazing. What a wonderful heart. Thank you so much, Christina.
Yohanna: Oh, thank you. That's very kind of you. Yeah. I'm like taking notes and I'm like, oh, wow. She's amazing. Okay, cool. Um, all right. Do you, um. Uh, what, what I really wanna know are any examples of programs or events that ACT IAC Gives back has already spearheaded. So, in the past, what are some things that you were proud of, and I guess maybe even looking forward, what are some things that we should be looking forward to with, uh, ACT IAC gives back?
Christina: Absolutely. So the first year was 2022, but it was in the fall, so we kind of did a couple test runs of a couple programs. So I would say 2023. Um, in 2024 were the years that I really was able to take off with the event, um, with the goal of having today, you know, as my goals of doing at least one activity a month.
Christina: So, when I first rejuvenated the, the number one program that was repeatedly shared with me that the [00:10:00] previous volunteer corps used to do was partnering with honor flights, many. Staff members that have been here a long time and volunteer leaders in the program approached me and said, we loved this, please bring it back.
Christina: So that is definitely one that we brought back immediately. And I have continued to do on an annual basis. Actually, last year we did it three times. Um, this year we do have one coming up. And Honor Flights is a great organization that supports veterans. It's a national nonprofit with chapters in every state, I believe.
Christina: So there's a chapter here that works out of the DCA airport, and what they do is they partner with the chapters throughout the country that in, so maybe they're looking at Indiana and there's an Indiana chapter where they grab veterans from the state of Indiana that apply a volunteer paired up with each veteran.
Christina: They get them on a flight out of Indianapolis and they fly them to DCA. These flights come in nearly every day, flying in and out. You can see [00:11:00] their schedule online. You just Google honor flights and check 'em out. Um, so what we do is we go find a flight on a day and time that is landing in DC and that kind of seems to work in most people's schedules.
Christina: And we go to the airport and we welcome them as they're exiting the terminal near a baggage claim and going to get on their bus to go. Explore the nation's capital C, D, C. See the monuments that are dedicated to memorializing the wars that they've served in. We surprise them as they're exiting the terminal through those doors.
Christina: We are there in patriotic gear. We've got flags, we've got signs, we've got cowbells whistles. We are cheering, we are welcoming them. We are shaking their hand. We are thanking them for their service and we're welcoming them to DC and wishing them a wonderful visit. You see tears of. Joy and, and, and just being overwhelmed, you see smiles.
Christina: Um, I really love encouraging our members to bring their family, their kids, you know, friends. Sky's the limit who can participate? Especially kids. Oh my [00:12:00] gosh, the veterans love when they walk through and see the little kids waving with little signs. I just, their hearts ex your heart explodes. Watching them interact.
Christina: Um, I've seen family members surprise them to go tour and it's a great, um, it's very easy sign up. It's very easy volunteer task that makes a big difference in somebody's day. Um, sometimes I think people think they need to do such a big impact. Donate thousands of dollars or, um. Get their hands dirty, like in the, you just, but sometimes it's just a matter of giving thanks to somebody and showing up for them.
Christina: And that's a great example. So we brought that back. We do that regularly. We have one coming up on June 17th, if anybody's interested in the morning. It's on our website. Um, sky's the limit, who can volunteer Unlimited spots. We've also, um, liked to partner with our professional development programs. So you folks that have been listening to the podcast have been hearing associates, um, showcase sharing their experiences, and hopefully we see some voyagers in the future.
Christina: I will partner with those cohorts on an annual [00:13:00] basis. I'll work with our PD staff members to help those cohorts pick a charity that is near and dear to their heart and raise dollars for that charity. So, um, it might be through doing some activity that raise money or hosting some ACT event that raises money.
Christina: Often we do a lot of silent auctions at events, so in total they have raised thousands of dollars for a few different nonprofits. A couple examples are the American Heart Association. There was a heart walk last fall. The associates chose Canine for Warriors, was just showcased at our Voyager talk and they raised, um, you know, thousands of dollars for them and St.
Christina: Jude's Children's Hospital in the past and things like that. So those are on an annual basis where members get to choose and then I just kind of help guide them. You know, we want them to get that leadership development experience of planning their own events. I'm here as guidance and I'm here to support logistically at the event.
Christina: Um. Um, so that's been a great partnership with those team members. We also like to go beyond the DMV. While most of our activities are in the DMV, we do [00:14:00] recognize that we are in a unique opportunity where we host two conferences a year that bring hundreds, if not over a thousand people to a smaller community elsewhere.
Christina: And instead of just going there and hosted a conference, why don't we give back to that community that's hosting us at the same time? So, example, coming up we have our emerging technology and innovation conference from May 4th to sixth. Everyone attending that conference, um, are going to be invited to participate in a clothing drive.
Christina: There's a Salvation Army located, um, the Potomac branch. It's in Cambridge, Maryland. That we are welcoming new or gently used in good condition clothing donations that will be been throughout the conference, so conference attendees can make a donation to that. But we will also host an activity this first day of the conference as people are kind of checking in and looking to the conferences.
Christina: You know, kickoff and dinner is coming up in the evening, so in that afternoon I'm hosting a couple hours where folks can come in and help me build blessing bags for, to donate to the Salvation Army. [00:15:00] Um, it's in the afternoon where goal is 200 bags. And it's a mixture of items, um, to those that are struggling, um, that might need a few things.
Christina: Everything from socks to combs to toothbrushes, um, to chapstick, uh, granola bar, bottle of water, stuff like that that they can hand out to people in need that come in to their office looking for something. So that's an example coming up. And then at the Imagination, ELC conference every October, every year we've done a food drive and a for a local food bank there.
Christina: So we try to stick with one that smaller, we not. You know, giant food banks across America are wonderful, but when we go to a smaller town, we wanna support a local nonprofit. So we do every year do a food drive, um, for the Hershey Food Bank, which we'll be doing again this year. And then last year we also partnered with an organization called Coco Packs, um, to help sort their toys from a big toy drive for an upcoming holiday.
Christina: Donations that they were doing for families around, they had mountains, hordes of toys, don amazing donations, but it was a giant mountain that needed to be [00:16:00] sorted by. Age and, and um, gender and, and type of toy, whether it's a puzzle or, um, clothing, you know, things like that. They had all sorted. So sometimes we get really hands-on activities.
Christina: Sometimes it's more of a drive, so we like to partner at those as well. So we always like to post photos and results of every volunteer activity do on our website. It's acta act.org/act Act gives back. So if you want to, listeners can go to that website. And go down. There's a past events dropdown menu and you can see photos.
Christina: I love to document every single one, um, see the results of that event. And we also post testimonials from our volunteers to share what they did and why they volunteered in hopes of inspiring others to volunteer as well. Then lastly, I mentioned a couple things coming up this year. Um, you know, June 17th was that honor flight.
Christina: Another one coming up that I wanna make sure we point out is on August 25th, we have an annual golf tournament to support our programs, but we also partner with some local nonprofits [00:17:00] around the Leesburg area. And so this year we are partnering with Backpack Buddies, foundation of Loudoun and Vet Sports.
Christina: To raise funds for both of those charities. So if anybody's looking to come to a golf tournament, they can join, enjoy both golf or non-golfers. There's a reception afterwards that you don't have to do the golfing, you just come and enjoy the reception after. Um, we're still seeking sponsors for that event, and I'm also seeking in kind donations for the raffle auction, which the, the proceeds from the auction go directly to those two charities.
Christina: So, um, check that out on our website as well. I'll keep adding more as more events get locked in. Like I said, every month there's hopefully something going on or, so I've always got something. Just reach out. Busy.
Yohanna: Be busy. Be busy. Bee. Oh yeah, jam packed. I'm gonna prob, I'll probably put a list too for in the show notes for this podcast.
Yohanna: Perfect. You know, so we'll have it in both places. Absolutely.
DMI AD
Christina: Mm-hmm.
Yohanna: I didn't know of all of these things. I'm just kind of blown away. Yeah.
Christina: And there's so many more out there. Um, there's endless volunteer opportunities in the communities. It's just, you gotta know where to look and, and the number one thing is just asking where can I help? And how can I help? Yeah.
Yohanna: I, my next question, I feel like it, it makes sense for leaders to do the, these kinds of things, but how, how do you see mm-hmm.
Yohanna: Service influencing leadership development? Like among our members, like why is it that you think that like this is something that, you know, goes together with professional development and for leadership? Like what is it about volunteering that makes a really good [00:20:00] leader?
Christina: I think when people are able to donate, you know, whether it be their time, their talent, or their treasure.
Christina: To any organization in need. It helps them learn about those others needs that, you know, they wanna know where their time, talent, and treasure are going and why and how is it being used, which I think just helps expose them to other people with different backgrounds and different needs. Um, and I think all of that together could really develop a leader's emotional intelligence.
Christina: Yes. Leaders need experience. They need education. They need good communication skills. They, they, they need to figure out their leadership style, but you can be a great leader and if you have low emotional intelligence, you're gonna struggle with relationship building. And so I think getting exposed to other parts of the community that you might not normally be exposed to without volunteering and without seeking opportunities to give back.
Christina: Um. It might be more difficult to grow that intelligence. So I think that emotional intelligence side of things [00:21:00] is really unique to leadership development through service oriented, um, projects.
Yohanna: Yeah, I agree. I agree. I think a good leader listens. A good leader has patience. A good leader like is, is generous, you know?
Christina: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Empathetic. Um, even if, even if they don't personally agree with some, you know, but they can accept that others, you know, that's the path for that person, even if it's not the path for you. And that's okay. It's still a human being in the community and we're, we need to support each other.
Yohanna: Yeah, absolutely.
Yohanna: Um, all right, so with, with everything that you're doing, with all of the amazing things that you are doing currently, how do you see, what is the, um. What is your vision for Act Diet gives back? Um, how is it going to evolve, I guess, in the next couple of years? And, uh mm-hmm. I, and also like, what is the impact that you believe the organization has [00:22:00] hopes for in, in terms of like achieving, um, some of its efforts through our community?
Yohanna: Like where do you see us going with Act I mm-hmm. Gives back.
Christina: I would love to see Acti gives back, continue to grow as a part of all of our other events. So I mentioned how we know I've been trying to par, we've been partnering with the conferences and PD programs, have really wanted to partner with us.
Christina: I'd love to see our program continue to expand and just start being a part of everything we do and help our members see that. Um, we are a membership association, but we are a 5 0 1 C3. We are a nonprofit. I think sometimes that does get lost and the term nonprofit is a, is a misnomer. So I'd love whenever a member registers for an event or program, I want to hear that, that the first question maybe they're asking is, how can I help at the event?
Christina: How can I give back while I'm there? Um, because a lot of our members are in good places in their lives where they can give back. And if they. Are willing to do so I'd [00:23:00] love to be able to provide opportunities for them, um, to get back in any way that it might be for all of our larger events. Kind of continue those partnerships and see where else can I, uh, partner with other staff members.
Christina: I think the impact that the organization Invi is, is just trying to help make sure our members feel that we are a safe place for them to grow and learn, whether it's their growth in their career or their role as a community member. Internally, we are very volunteer driven. So whether it's taking on a volunteer leadership role in one of our various programs or volunteering in the community through Atag Gives back, we want them to see us as a, a one stop shop for how they can grow and learn in all the avenues of their life, um, and that they are comfortable coming to us and asking for help.
Christina: Um, and so, and we can quickly respond. In an empathetic way, in an understanding way, and in a quick way, a positive way to get an answer to them and see where we can place them and, and [00:24:00] help them on a journey.
Yohanna: This is amazing, Christina. It, I really like how, where we're going. I like your vision to tell you the truth, you know?
Yohanna: Thank you. Um, so for those listening who are. For those listening and, and they're inspired by this, like I am, um, and want to contribute, whether they're ACT IAC members or just industry professionals or just people looking for ways to make a difference. You know, like maybe you're just stumbled upon this.
Yohanna: Podcast and you're like, oh, this is interesting. What's the best way to get involved? Yeah.
Christina: I mentioned earlier about folks donating their time, talent, or treasure. Those are like the three T's in the nonprofit world. Um, and those are three ways to get involved, whether it be with act, act or act. Act gives back specifically.
Christina: So. You know, they can sign up for any events that we have coming up on our calendar or on our website, and they can donate their time. They can just come participate in an activity. Most activities are gonna be Sky. I, I try to do activities. I can accept as many volunteers as possible. Sometimes there are limits, so register sooner rather than later for [00:25:00] some.
Christina: Other ways are they can use that talent if they actually have a unique skillset or they're looking to do more than just volunteer one time at an event. They can work with me to plan these events. If they wanna lead an event, um, if they wanna get their company or their place of work to send a whole group of people and we do an exclusive act that gives back just for their team, but I can maybe help them plan it 'cause maybe they've never done it before.
Christina: Happy to do so. I've done that with some partner with some of our member companies and you don't even need to, I can partner with anybody. So definitely using that talent and stepping up as a leader to lead a program with me, I would love the partnership. And then lastly, that treasure, they can donate financially to the program as a 5 0 1 C3 organization ourselves.
Christina: Any financial support can really go a long way with the activities we host. I mentioned that we're doing blessing bags at our co upcoming conference in May. I have to purchase all of the supplies that go in those bags to donate. So any, um, we have an Amazon wishlist out there, and we do have members [00:26:00] step, we have people stepping up and have sent donated items to put in the bags, which is wonderful.
Christina: Um, but also if they're like, Hey, I, I don't have the time. My schedule's too crazy right now, but I do have a five bucks extra, 10 bucks, a hundred bucks, whatever amount they can donate. Those funds are able to help support these events. Um, you know, in the past we've, if we go volunteer somewhere, I would love to also make a monetary donation.
Christina: So in the past I have also said, Hey, we have this activity with this nonprofit, but I'm also doing a drive to raise funds on however much we raise. We'll also donate to them when we're done volunteering. So whether it's the time to come, volunteer talent. To partner and help create and host events or donating monetarily?
Christina: No. No amount is too small or too large, and we can definitely make sure that those funds go to be used in the best way that they can to give back to our community.
Yohanna: I like how everything is taken care of. I like how if it's this I got you. If it's that over [00:27:00] here, I got you over there too.
Christina: Oh yeah.
Christina: Everything is, check all the boxes. We are always, I was a girl scout, I was younger. Gotta be prepared. Always prepared. I gotta make a badge for you. Like Oh, I act I badge. Yeah. Absolutely.
Yohanna: Okay, good. Yeah, I'll also put that in the show notes, all of the things that you would, uh, the Amazon wishlist and stuff too.
Yohanna: Um, all right, so looking forward, are there any exciting new initiatives or partnerships on the horizon? Um, for ACT I gives back.
Christina: I think we've covered a lot of them. Um, I would say just keeping an eye on our actad gives back webpage. I update everything we have locked in right now is up there, but I do have some in preparation, so if there's any month that you don't see on there, know that I have one lined up.
Christina: We're just waiting for things to get locked in. We are, we have the organization identified where we're going to volunteer. I'm just. Working with my POC over there to lock everything in before we start publicizing it. So I think just keep an eye on that. [00:28:00] Um, because we, things are always in the planning stages and my email and name is on there as well.
Christina: So if people say, oh, these are great, I also think this is a great place for you to volunteer, I welcome people to email me. And say, this organization has this event coming up and needs volunteers, or they have ongoing group volunteering opportunities. I think that's the key. I have to do group volunteering, so we can't really do options where like tutoring, I.
Christina: I love tutoring. I have volunteered as a tutor many times in my past. However, when I'm trying to organize group volunteer opportunities, you know, a weekly tutoring gig is not really something that I'm looking to set up. I'm trying to find ways to bring our members together to give back as a group, um, whether they be a government member, industry member, or friend or family of a member.
Christina: I think that's the key is that any new initiative or partnership we do, I want a group opportunities and I welcome folks to sending their suggestions. If they know of a nonprofit in the DMV area looking for some help from a group, [00:29:00] I can organize that group.
Yohanna: Okay, good. All right. This has been fun.
Christina: Very fun.
Yohanna: I always like talking to you, Christina. We always talk about so many fun things, but this has been a, I know, solid, solid conversation.
Christina: It's a wonderful day to spend. A Thursday morning is, is just chatting about some things that we're passionate about. It's a great way to wrap up the week.
Yohanna: Yeah, yeah. Agreed.
Yohanna: Agreed. All right. Yeah. So before we wrap up our conversation, what's one key takeaway you hope that our listeners can walk away with? Right now, you know, towards, towards the end of our amazing conversation. Yeah,
Christina: so I think we've talked a lot about the community and this is about act, act gives back and how people can give back.
Christina: So I want people to leave with something that I tell myself and something that I hope, um, other people will, will keep in mind is never under underestimate the power of a small gesture. It might be the spark that someone else needs to keep going. You don't know what's been going on on a person's day or going on in their life, so if you can help [00:30:00] provide.
Christina: Even though the smallest positive experience in that day, that might be a tipping point to turn their day around to cancel out a negative experience they had earlier that week. Um, so whether you're giving back through an organized volunteering opportunity like our program, or you're just going about your day and you see somebody that needs a little bit of extra help and never underestimate the power of that small gesture and be that person, make that gesture count So.
Christina: That's about it.
Yohanna: Oh, that's a good one. I like that one. I'm gonna take that for myself too.
Christina: Oh, wonderful. Thank you.
Yohanna: Thanks. Thanks. Talking to you. Thank you so much.
Christina: Thank you for having me. It was wonderful, and I hope that folks. Volunteer throughout the rest of their lives.
Yohanna: Yep. Thank you [00:31:00] so.