Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, it was decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member David Steven Rappoport.
Empower: How long have you lived in the Chicago area?
David: I have lived here for one year.
Empower: What town, village, or city do you live in?
David: I live in Oak Park.
Empower: What is your professional background?
David: I am a consultant, working primarily with safety net health care systems. Previously, I was the senior program officer of a large health care philanthropy, managed AIDS clinical research, worked as a hospital administrator, and was a housing consultant.
Empower: Tell us about your family—are you single, dating anyone special, or do you have a partner? Do you have children and/or pets?
David: I am presently single, and everyone I date is special or I don’t date them. No kids, no pets. I hope to get one or two dogs at some point over the next year or two.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
David: One year.
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA, and in what capacity do you volunteer?
David: I am on the Board and I am the chair of the Social Committee.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA?
David: I moved to Oak Park from Maine in the summer of 2007. I joined OPALGA as a way to meet new people and to become established in the community.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
David: Yes—Twin Spirit Tribe, which is primarily an LGBT spiritual group.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying or rewarding about your OPALGA involvement?
David: It’s very community-focused and full of smart and interesting people.
Empower: What is your favorite color?
David: Any that mimics lichens and moss.
Empower: What are you listening to on your iPod?
David: Everything from Bach to Bettye Lavette.
Empower: What is your favorite restaurant?
David: Ethiopian Diamond. I love Ethiopian food!
Empower: If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
David: I’d like to have dinner with any or all of the following: Voltaire, Casanova, Gautama, Rasputin, Hesse, Marlowe, and Kinsey. Unfortunately, they’re all dead.
Empower: What is the greatest music video of all time?
David: I don’t pay much attention to music videos.
Empower: What is your greatest accomplishment?
David: Enduring.
Empower: If money were no object and you could do anything you want, what would it be?
David: Just what I’m doing now—only I’d have a fabulous house to do it in.
Thank you, David, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
