Shecky’s

Happy National Volunteer Week! We’ve already introduced you to Catchafire, and we were so happy to see their Powerful Women series profiling women who give pro bono, that we had to share a few favorites with you!

First up is Christy Turlington Burns, the founder of Every Mother Counts and producer and director of No Woman, No Cry, a documentary film about at-risk pregnant women in four countries around the world.

I believe that each of us is born with unlimited and untapped potential to give of ourselves.

I also believe that one’s sense of service can be innate and instilled. Of course, this potential must be ignited before it can be realized. When I look inward asking what ignited mine, the answer that always surfaces is my Mother.

My mom was born in El Salvador and came to the US when she was eight years old. Not only did she quickly learn the English language, she also climbed to the top of her class, became a spelling bee champion and a cheerleader—all within just a few years. For as long as I can recall, my mom volunteered her time to a variety of causes. She brought gifts to the Children’s Hospital during the holidays, fed the homeless and for a period of time in the 1980s, volunteered for an HIV/AIDS hotline in the Bay Area (where we grew up).

See all of Christy’s story on [Catchafire.org].

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Christy’s story? How are you volunteering this National Volunteer Week? Who is your favorite inspiring woman?