What I’ve Learned at Work and How It’s Transforming My Volunteer Efforts

Since joining the BecomeMore Group 2 ½ years ago, my career has shaped my life in ways I never expected. One big shift? I now see every project—even the volunteer events I coordinate—through a new lens of efficiency and improvement.

Recently, I helped with the Blast Back to School packing event, where we packed over 1,700 backpacks in just one day. In fact, after setup and coordination, the actual packing took only 2 ½ hours—a new record! AND even with such a huge success, I couldn’t help but think: How can we make this even better?

That’s when I reached for a tool from my Green Belt project—3P (Production, Preparation, Process)—to reimagine next year’s approach.

This year, we improved from last year by setting up four clear grade-level lines plus one pencil pouch/box line. Still, feedback showed there was a lot of walking, and we noticed an overlap in where certain supplies were placed.

Proposed Change for next year I want to decrease the amount of steps from start to finish with the backpack lines. Also, we took a look at the adjacencies of the lines and what overlap we had with certain supplies.

My proposed changes for next year could mean:

• Fewer steps in the process – less time AND ultimately less waste.
• Less prep work with labeling.
• Clearer guidance for volunteers on where to place completed backpacks resulting in less volunteer onboarding time and a better volunteer experience.

I’m excited to see the impact these changes could have, especially for our loved volunteers and committee members. For me, it’s about more than just streamlining a process; it’s about leveling up the things that matter most. AND if I can take what I’m learning at work and use it to make a difference in my community—that’s a win in my book.