Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member Jan Grillos.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
Jan: I joined the organization over 15 years ago, attending the potlucks and enjoying the social aspect (I am a vegetarian, so I eat dinner before arriving since I have such a strict diet).
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
Jan: For over seven years.
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer with OPALGA?
Jan: I assist with Spectrum and Prism youth, ensuring that any of the kids who arrive are given attention by other kids or by us.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA; that is, how did you first become a volunteer?
Jan: I wanted to invest time in helping youth to cope with issues that they encounter in their daily lives and in school due to their not conforming to general society’s expectations—especially with the bullying and shaming issues.
Empower: How would you encourage others to become active volunteers with OPALGA?
Jan: Simply ask a Board member where help is needed and determine whether you have the interest and time to assist the organization in that capacity.
Empower: There are so many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Oak Park area; what made you choose OPALGA as the organization with which to volunteer?
Jan: I was familiar with OPALGA since I have been a member for so long—it was natural to consider opportunities right here.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
Jan: Yes. I attend many of the West Suburban Gay Association functions—it is strictly a social organization. In addition, I give major support to the Gay Liberation Network, which is a gay rights activist organization, and I will be volunteering with Howard Brown’s Broadway Youth Center as a mentor for youth. I have also met with a number of GSAs (gay-straight alliances) for middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and I support PFLAG, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU, to name a few others.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying, rewarding, or inspirational about being an OPALGA volunteer?
Jan: The opportunity to have an impact on youths’ attitudes toward themselves and gay society in general. It is also good to see new attendees be accepted and helped by other members.
Empower: What is your professional background?
Jan: My background includes many years as a systems developer. Later, I was a professional sales representative, selling for management consultants, systems integrators, and software companies (I have a business management and marketing degree). I recently changed careers. I am now spending most of the time investing in real estate.
Empower: Is there any other personal information you would like to share with our readers? (Where you live, what your hobbies are, etc.)
Jan: I live in Elmhurst with my partner Chuck (who is from Oak Park). (Living in Elmhurst, one day Susan Abbott asked me “Are you okay?”
I am a vegan vegetarian (due to health reasons) and work out six days per week (three days swimming laps at the YMCA—I’m a member of their 100-mile club, swimming more than 100 miles per year—and three days working out at home for an hour). I am a modern art collector and have painted a number of modern art pieces myself, and I have collected a number of modern sculptures to decorate outside by the deck as well as in the house. And I am very interested in architecture, having seen many of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses as well as being a member of the Mies van der Rohe Society. I enjoy bicycle riding with Chuck and helping him to prepare something fabulous for dinner each night (he’s a great cook; I’m the gofer).
Thank you, Jan, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
I think its great that gays and lesbians are getting more rights and briging more awareness to their cause. That’s the power of an online community to help bring support your way.
Posted by on 02/21/08 at 10:38 PM
