Royal Neighbors knows purpose-driven leadership. It’s been a core concept since our founding in 1895 when nine pioneering women formed Royal Neighbors as a fraternal benefit society. They set forth an organization dedicated to Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠.
Today, one way we continue this centuries-long tradition is through our Employee Volunteer Program. Our employees go beyond the boundaries of our physical and virtual office walls volunteering for various causes and nonprofits with Royal Neighbors’ support.
For some, they share their talents by serving on nonprofit boards. By serving in leadership roles, our employees give back to the community and engage in invaluable learning experiences. It’s a reciprocal cycle of giving and growth, enriching both the individuals involved and the causes they support.
Shannon Gruhkle, Manager, Accounting Operations
Dress for Success Quad Cities
My board leadership allows me to share my expertise and to learn from the many other professionals around the table. These connections are not only beneficial for personal and professional growth but also invaluable for Royal Neighbors as an organization.
This experience allows me to gain insights into the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities present within the communities we serve.
Chris Geerts, Product Manager
Every Child
When I was approached to discuss my role on a nonprofit board, I initially hesitated. I’ve always believed in quietly serving and letting the organization’s impact speak for itself. However, I’ve come to realize the importance of sharing the privilege I’ve had in serving others. It’s crucial for others to understand the value of this form of leadership. I’ve witnessed the profound effects of volunteerism on my leadership journey, teaching me invaluable lessons in empathy and resilience.
Amy Jones, Senior Director, Social Impact
Regional Development Authority and River Bend Food Bank
Volunteer service is a profound school of leadership. In the relentless pursuit of a solution to complex issues, I have found that volunteer leadership isn’t about dictating orders, but about inspiring collaboration and empowering others to contribute their unique skills and perspectives towards a common goal. The presence of Royal Neighbors employees on various boards underscores our commitment to being responsible corporate citizens, and I am grateful for the encouragement to give back.
Juliet Christenson, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Development
Family Resources
While being a volunteer board member requires dedicating time and expertise, it also provides a great opportunity to learn from others. Helping an organization advance its mission while expanding its impact in my community is extremely rewarding (both personally and professionally). I am proud to work for an organization that has never lost sight of the importance of service-driven leadership and continues to promote it to this day.
Angie Johnson, Chief Administrative Executive
MCSA , Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, and Women Lead Change
The passion to make a difference in the community I was born, raised, and live today was the beginning of my journey to becoming a volunteer board member. What I have learned and experienced has been empowering both personally and professionally. To be successful, it requires human connection. Building relationships, listening, learning, and understanding the need leads to a greater outcome for those we serve. These experiences have cultivated who I am as a leader today as RNA focuses on insuring lives, supporting women, and serving communities.
This purpose-driven leadership is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world around us, and we acknowledge that Royal Neighbors is a recipient as well.
These experiences are pivotal in fostering leadership development among our employees and living our values. Through our support and their participation, our employees embark on a journey of learning and growth, gaining invaluable insights and experiences that shape them into transformational leaders.
