Award-Winning Volunteer Believes in Leading by Example
Tina Bird, safety, health and environment administrator at AECOM, was recently recognized with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal for her outstanding community service. In a recent blog post, Bird explains why she's so passionate about volunteer work.
I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I recall mentoring younger students and helping them learn to read. I also provided peer support throughout my elementary and high school years by promoting drug-free choices and teaching students how to deal with peer pressure in a positive way. Once my husband Craig and I had our children, Chris and Cassandra, we moved to Estevan, Canada. As the kids grew and began getting involved in different activities, I decided that the best way to support and encourage them was by showing them how to help others. For me, leading by example is such an important part of educating our young people, who will grow to become our future leaders.
I have volunteered across numerous groups, including Estevan Comprehensive School Community Council, the youth soccer association, Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada, Estevan Army Cadets, Relay for Life, Canadian Cancer Society, Southeast Regional Victim Services, Lions Club, United Way, and Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name a few. In these groups, I have held various positions including event chair, logistics chair, victim support worker, canvasser, camera and phone operator and food server. Typically, I dedicate a minimum of six hours per week to volunteering, but as additional events arise, the hours can rapidly climb.
Volunteering is near and dear to my heart, and I believe that the time and energy I have given is an investment in our future. I also believe that if you want to make an impact, actions speak louder than words. It is important for everyone to step forward and help because a seemingly small action can create a ripple that continues to grow. I have seen the benefits in my children who are, I am proud to say, following my example as adults. Cassandra helps by taking pictures at numerous events, including the United Way telethon, while Chris volunteers with the cadet corps in Lloydminster and helps out in the community as needed.
I have also seen the benefits of positive role models while volunteering alongside other youth, where they have been able to benefit from new friendships and mentorship opportunities. My fondest memories are of hearing from past volunteers — who are now adults with children of their own — when they’ve told me that I helped foster their growth in volunteerism and that they are now volunteering alongside their children.
Recently, I was awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. This is a highly prestigious honor that recognizes people with outstanding volunteer service and/or exceptional community involvement in an area that is the beyond the performance required for normal duties.
During the award ceremony, I was introduced by Doreen Eagles, member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for the constituency of Estevan, and presented with the medal by Her Honour, Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor. I was extremely honored to have been selected along with a 92-year-old World War II veteran and six other amazing award winners. The strong sense of community in the room was unforgettable.
Although recognition for volunteerism efforts was very unexpected, it’s astounding to me since I volunteer because I believe in the motto engraved on the medal, “Nos Ipsos Dedimus,” which means, “We gave of ourselves.” If we all give a little of ourselves, think of the feats we could accomplish and what a fabulous world we would live in.
Without the support of my husband, children and AECOM, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my passion for volunteering. And to all current and future volunteers that give of themselves, please remember that we are truly changing the world one action at a time.
Check out more blog posts on corporate social responsibility on the AECOM Impact blog!
About AECOM
AECOM is a premier, fully integrated professional and technical services firm positioned to design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets around the world for public- and private-sector clients. With nearly 100,000 employees — including architects, engineers, designers, planners, scientists and management and construction services professionals — serving clients in over 150 countries around the world, AECOM is ranked as the #1 engineering design firm by revenue in Engineering News-Record magazine’s annual industry rankings, and has been recognized by Fortune magazine as a World’s Most Admired Company. The firm is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, oil and gas, water, high-rise buildings and government. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering customized and creative solutions that meet the needs of clients’ projects. A Fortune 500 firm, AECOM companies, including URS Corporation and Hunt Construction Group, had revenue of approximately $19 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2015. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.
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