March 2025

We are frequently asked, how can Next provide so many programs and services with such a small staff and limited resources?

I have a one word answer, volunteers!

If it weren’t for our volunteers, Next programs and offerings would be considerably less — or our staff would have to grow exponentially, meaning our operational expenses would balloon.

Volunteer hours do not show up on a financial statement or balance sheet, yet we rely on an army of volunteers to make Next what it is today. Over 200 volunteers facilitate programs, teach classes, support staff, cover the front office, deliver meals to homebound seniors, serve on boards and committees, work special events, and so much more.

Trying to get an understanding of why people volunteer, and why at Next, I spoke to several volunteers over the last couple of days. Toby, who teaches computer lessons and facilitates several discussion groups, loves what Next stands for. “Next isn’t just a place to come to play games or hear a lecture, it’s a place where I have found friendships, support and encouragement. I love giving back, when I volunteer at Next, I feel full.”

Maureen has volunteered in the Next front office for more than a decade. She spoke about using her professional skills to support Next but has found it a place where she is inspired by the vitality of Next members. “I enjoy the members; they are great role models and have become part of my social network”.

Ed likes helping people. Facilitating several card games throughout the week, he likes to adapt the games to be sure everyone who wants to play feels included. He likes giving confidence to players, so they are comfortable playing with people of all skill levels. That confidence he provides may mean the difference between someone coming to Next to socialize or staying home isolated. A pretty impactful endeavor.

Harley, who facilitates discussion groups, gives program suggestions, and admittedly, offers me support and often some well needed words of encouragement, explained why he volunteers at Next. “I like to create a sense of belonging in the groups I am involved in. Shaping an inclusive and supportive group of people from many different backgrounds and perspectives is what makes life meaningful.” Like many of our members who have created a smaller community inside the Next community, members check-in on each other, celebrate and grieve with each other, share meals, share faith, and at times commiserate, all while offering comfort and no doubt, a little levity.

Our volunteers not only bring great service, passion and commitment to Next, but also great value by providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in operational savings. Interestingly, Next volunteers come from all over. In fact, a vast number of volunteers at Next are not from Birmingham. Next attracts volunteers from many surrounding communities because of the culture we have created making Next not only a great place to belong, but also to volunteer.

When thinking of volunteering, Harley said it best, “community is not only a noun, at Next, it is a verb.”

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next