Volunteering – Dairyland Electrical Industries

Volunteer Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity’s “Frame Up on the Square”

Madison’s Capitol Square is usually a bustling place, filled with cars, suits, cyclists, and farm stands with fresh produce. On a rainy day in late June, however, the square was filled with something else entirely: stacks of lumber, ringing hammers, and nearly a dozen Dairyland employees ready to get to work.

Habitat for Humanity, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership, closed down a portion of the square for their “Frame Up on the Square” event. These volunteer-supported events bring community members together to build houses for families who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Dairyland has partnered with Habitat for many years and was honored to work alongside the Habitat crews once again to “frame up” walls for Habitat homes in the Madison area.

This experience showed me how much we can achieve when we work together. I feel blessed to have made a direct difference in someone’s life today, and I am so thankful my company supports and sponsors such a life-changing mission. — Govind

Despite many of us not having any construction experience, we donned hard hats and safety glasses and got to work. The Habitat crews helped us learn the basic skills so that even the most unwieldy hammer found its nails in the end, and ensured that all finished frames were safe and sturdy for final construction. As a parting gift, we each signed our names on the frames and wrote good-luck messages to the families who would one day make these houses their homes.

Habitat’s work creates ripples of impact far beyond building houses. They help create stability, opportunity, and a stronger foundation for families across our community. We’re grateful for the chance to join Habitat, along with many other dedicated community partners, in supporting this important mission. — Amy

The walls we helped build are destined for the Owl Creek neighborhood, where the city of Madison has set aside space for Habitat’s affordable housing. Dairyland’s “Business as a Force for Good” inspires us daily to make a positive change in the lives of others, and it’s events like these that drive home the importance of caring for our community members—one nail at a time.

Dairyland Volunteer Week — April 20-24, 2026

Dairyland strives to use Business as a Force for Good every day, and in keeping with this spirit of intentionality, we choose one week per year to carve time out of our schedules and mobilize in service to our communities.

2026 marks the 6th installment of Volunteer Week, and it was the best year yet! Thank you to all the employees, partners, friends, and families who organized and attended events to address issues of housing insecurity, hunger, inaccessibility, and more.

Below are some of the highlights from Volunteer Week, and the Dairyland “Spirit Week” that brings unique joy and enthusiasm to each day.

Volunteer Event 1: Camp Daniel

Dairyland continued its partnership with Camp Daniel this year by helping with construction and infrastructure, landscaping, and cabin deep-cleaning. Camp Daniel offers summer camp experiences and year-round community support to people with disabilities and their families. Dairyland has partnered with Camp Daniel for the last 6 years and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside this organization.

I really enjoy volunteering at Camp Daniel. There [are] a wide variety of things they give us to do, anything from cleaning to maintenance and repairs… My favorite is Carnival Days when campers are present, [and] seeing the joy and enthusiasm on their faces. It is a remarkably well run camp that makes a positive lasting impact on their campers lives and it has been a nice opportunity to be part of something so special. — Sherry A Kostreva

Monday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Dairyland Spirit Day”

Volunteer Event 2: Second Harvest

Several groups from the Stoughton office, alongside Dairyland partners The20, The Employer Group, and Alliant Energy, volunteered at Second Harvest to sort and process donations for food pantries in Dane County. As the largest food bank in Southern Wisconsin, Second Harvest provides thousands of households with much-needed relief to alleviate the impacts of food insecurity.

It was most meaningful to become aware of the realities of our community. Never would I have thought the local counties in Wisconsin would require 1000s of bags of food. Though the actual work felt meaningful, it was the mentality shift for gratitude for what we have and the desire to make a change that resonated with me personally. — Mason Spang

Tuesday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Twin Day”

Volunteer Event 3: Highway Cleanup

The fearless Pound crew, some Stoughton friends, and several Dairyland partners spent the morning cleaning trash off Dairyland’s sponsored stretch of highway. Note that highway cleanup coincided with Wig Day, and Dairyland employees showed out in neon blue and white wigs!

Cleaning our highways is more than just picking up garbage — it’s about showing pride in our community and respect for the people who live here. Small acts of service can make a big difference, and when we work together to keep our roads clean, we help create a safer, more beautiful place for everyone. Every piece of litter removed is a reminder that positive change starts with people willing to step up and help. — Brandon Baeten

Wednesday’s Spirit Day Theme: “Wig Day”

Volunteer Event 4: Heartland Farm Sanctuary

A small but mighty Inside Sales team returned to the Heartland Farm Sanctuary in Stoughton to lay pavers for an accessible pathway and help with spring beautification projects. The Heartland Farm Sanctuary offers rescue and rehabilitation for farm animals on their way to being rehomed.

I love how Dairyland truly encourages each employee to get out of the workplace and go volunteer to serve people and communities well. It’s yet another reminder that Dairyland is more than just a business, but one that cares about what’s going on in the world and people as a whole. — Megan Aasby

Thursday’s Spirit Week Theme: “Dress Like Mike Day”

Volunteer Events 5 and 6: Phil Eggen and Ben Jacobs

Volunteer week goes nationwide! Employees Phil Eggen and Ben Jacobs organized volunteer events in Chicagoland and Pittsburgh to serve their local communities. Phil brought Dairyland partners Lukas Enterprises, VCP Sales, Nicor Gas, Pembina Pipeline, and Kinder Morgan to the Northern Illinois Food Bank—together, they packaged enough food for 8,698 meals! Ben worked with partners from DT Midstream and local community members to clean up about 12 cityscape blocks and a stairwell in the Southside of Pittsburgh.

I was very proud to lead this event as Dairyland and AMPP Chicago came together to support our local communities through volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank.  We plan to continue this partnership and complete more volunteer events in the near future.   — Phil Eggen

Friday’s Spirit Day Theme: “Work from Home Day”

Volunteer Event 7: Habitat for Humanity

Members of Dairyland’s leadership and business development teams, as well as partner Tracie Duellman Search, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to complete interior and exterior projects on new housing for low-income individuals. Habitat for Humanity provides sustainable housing across the country and Dairyland has partnered closely with them since 2018, even sponsoring a build in 2021.

[I] really enjoy serving with others and doing the “small” things that add up. [It’s] amazing what can be accomplished when many people give/serve just a little. — Ken Schuh

Conclusion:

This is the heart of Business as a Force for Good: giving of our time and resources to support our communities in tangible, meaningful ways. We carry this spirit with us throughout the year and invite you to do the same.

If you participated in Volunteer Week and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.   

Thank you for your support, and for partnering with us to use Business as a Force for Good! Keep an eye out for Volunteer Week 2027—we can’t wait to serve with you again next year.

Ripple Effects: A Year of Purpose, Service, and Shared Impact

If this year showed us anything, it’s that our community continues to creatively and passionately demonstrate what it looks like to use business as a force for good. Across departments, locations, and roles, our team and our partners consistently chose to show up with generosity, curiosity, and compassion. Together, we created ripple effects of impact that reached far beyond our walls and into neighborhoods, nonprofits, and communities across the country.

Our story is one of movement, of a culture taking deeper root, of people modeling service in a way that inspires others, and of the ways we are becoming more connected through purposeful action.

Bright Spots From a Year of Service

The spirit of Business as a Force for Good (BFG) comes alive in the stories of our collective action. Each partnership and volunteer moment illuminated a different side of what it means to care deeply for our community and for one another.

Partner Spotlights

Our partnership with Camp Daniel supported a community centered on joy, empowerment, and belonging for individuals with disabilities. Connecting with the Camp Daniel team and campers challenged us to see things from different viewpoints, deepening our understanding and empathy.

My niece has been a camper at Camp Daniel for most of her life; it is special to be able to be part of her experience in these behind-the-scenes kinds of ways. Dairyland could choose to give only money to various groups to be a “force for good” but it chooses to also send its people, on the clock, to do the tangible work the organization needs to accomplish its mission; it helps to connect us to our community in a deeper way. -Jon Kavanagh

Our ongoing relationship with Habitat for Humanity brought similar meaning. From hands-on work at the build site to supporting the Habitat ReStore, employees experienced firsthand what it looks like to equip people to flourish. Habitat for Humanity Dane County CEO, Hillary Parker reaffirmed that every hour we contribute helps make that future possible for a family:

Habitat’s work creates a powerful ripple effect. When people have a safe, stable home, they gain the strength and stability to flourish in other parts of their lives. For example, we know that children of homeowners are 25% more likely to graduate high school and 116% more likely to graduate college. That growth doesn’t stop at the front door; it extends into schools, workplaces, and communities, inspiring the kind of lasting change that transforms generations.

Volunteer Week: Showing Up Together

Volunteer Week remains one of our most energizing traditions. This year, Dairyland employees joined with industry peers, family, and friends to mobilize in service within our communities. In addition to spending time volunteering together, we incorporated a “Spirit Week” to foster some extra fun and camaraderie.

Dairyland Volunteer Week 2025 Recap

I genuinely look forward to volunteer week each year—especially since Dairyland incorporated spirit week into the mix. Spirit week brings out the competitive side of Dairyland employees, and it’s always so much fun getting to see the creative ways that everybody has participated. This week not only serves as a week to give back to the community around us, but fosters even more connection in the office (which is one of the things I love most about working for Dairyland). I already can’t wait for next year’s! -Megan Aasby

Individual Stories That Inspired Us

Some of the most meaningful moments this year came from employees who found personal ways to serve, aligned with their passions and community needs. Whether by mentoring local youth, supporting community safety efforts, delivering meals and connection, or advocating for animals in need—these stories remind us that service isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal.

Upward Intuition represents what I believe real community impact looks like. It’s local, relational, and rooted in creating opportunity rather than charity. It’s about investing in people and places with intention, and trusting that when you do that well, the impact carries far beyond what you can measure. -Jarret Brelsford

Celebrating Our Collective Impact

This year, our industry came together to show how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change. By dedicating hundreds of hours to volunteer service during volunteer week and beyond, and supporting both local and national nonprofits through generous financial contributions, we amplified our collective impact. Notably, our collaboration at the Camp-themed AMPP lounge during the Annual Conference + Expo 2025 in Nashville resulted in a $1,100 donation to Camp Daniel, reflecting the power of partnership and shared purpose among all Camp Dairyland participants.

Finding the Feeling

Throughout the year, one theme kept surfacing: when we serve, not only are we a part of meaningful changes for others, but something in us also changes.

Working together reminded us that generosity is energizing and deeply satisfying. It draws us into the lives of others, strengthening connection, empathy, and joy. Listening to our partner organizations reinforced that our efforts truly matter, while personal stories reminded us that we are surrounded by people doing quiet extraordinary things every day.

This is how generosity can change us: one action at a time, multiplied across people who care. What an encouragement to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, in service to others, and for the sake of human safety and flourishing.

Generosity is both an others-focused practice and a self-enriching experience. When we give, we always hope that the person on the other end flourishes. But what we often underestimate until we give is the joy and fulfillment that floods us during and afterward. It isn’t uncommon for me to experience or hear from our team about how much fun they had on a Habitat build or meal distribution. Generosity is a gift that multiplies, bringing abundance in our lives and the lives of others. -Kailey Tachick

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look towards 2026 and beyond our goal is simple: keep the momentum going.

There is no finish line to this kind of work. Just the next opportunity to step forward, take action, and practice generosity.

Thank You

To everyone who volunteered, donated, shared a story, helped shape this path, or offered encouragement – thank you. Your actions matter. They ripple outward in ways you may never fully see, shaping a culture of compassion, purpose, and impact.

Dairyland Volunteer Week—April 20-26, 2025

Each year, Dairyland designates a week to mobilize the industry in service to our local communities. While Dairyland employees volunteer year-round—both individually and in small groups—Dairyland Volunteer Week offers a dedicated opportunity to join with our industry peers and coordinate efforts to give back to our individual communities.

We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who participated – customers, vendor partners, family, and friends! Together, we are using business as a force for good to make a safer world for ourselves, our families, neighbors, customers, and people around the world.

In addition to spending time volunteering together, each year we incorporate a “Spirit Week” into the mix to foster some extra excitement and camaraderie, and this year was the best one yet! Below you will find a variety of photos from Volunteer Week / Spirit Week 2025.

Many from our Manufacturing, Shipping, and Receiving facility in Pound volunteered at Camp Daniel.

Every company has a culture; when the culture is rooted in a strong identity, a strong reason for existing, it’s a beautiful thing. My first volunteer week affirmed that Dairyland truly does care about Business as a Force for Good. It would be easy to simply put out a signup sheet and get whomever we get for a community-based project, but for there to be such a welcoming encouragement to leave the work behind for a day or two because it’s the better thing to do, was wonderful. To work together to accomplish good for someone else, to create ripples of influence and improvement, to truly live engaged, not disconnected from the people and processes around us… It’s a beautiful thing. – Jon Kavanagh

Monday’s Spirit Week Theme: Favorite Sports Team or Funky Socks

A small group from our offices in Stoughton spent time at the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Tuesday’s Spirit Week Theme: Dairyland Cow Day

Another large group from our facility in Pound cleaned a stretch of highway that was adopted by Dairyland.

Volunteering offers great benefits both to those who serve and those who are served. It fosters a sense of purpose and builds connections. We were lucky enough to have one of our suppliers, JET Industrial Inc., join us this year to do road cleanup. The impact is magnified, creating a more unified community. Their participation not only strengthened our bond, but also underscored the power of collaboration in making a substantial difference. – Kiley Dura

Wednesday’s Spirit Week Theme: Twin Day

A formidable female building crew spent time working at a local Habitat For Humanity job site.

This was my first experience working at a Habitat build site, and it was amazing how quickly you go from knowing nothing about construction to doing hands-on, sweat inducing labor. It’s extremely rewarding and a privilege to be capable enough to contribute to the availability of affordable housing in our community. – Cassie Bohn

Thursday’s Spirit Week Theme: Dairyland Spirit Day

Dairyland’s inside sales team (and Mike) offered their services to Heartland Farm Sanctuary.

I genuinely had such a good time volunteering at Heartland. The crew at Heartland were so welcoming and fun to work with. You can tell they’re all truly passionate about what they do. We spent the afternoon loading up and stacking multiple dozens of straw and hay from one barn to another. I loved my time there, and will actually be going back to volunteer again in a couple weeks! – Megan Aasby

Friday’s Spirit Week Theme: Comfy Clothes / P.J. Day

Phil and his son worked at their local church rummage sale, while Jens circled the business park around our offices collecting trash.

No act of service is too small or insignificant. You too can make a difference in your community.

If you participated in Dairyland Volunteer Day 2025, and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com. 

Be on the lookout for information regarding Volunteer Day 2026. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.

The entrance to Camp Dairyland at AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2025

Business for Good at AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2025

Camp Dairyland: Honoring Camp Daniel

Visitors entered the Dairyland lounge at AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2025 by walking under a hanging wood plank arch that read “CAMP DAIRYLAND.” Designed to bring greater awareness to Dairyland’s concept of “using business as a force for good,” Camp Dairyland plays on the fun and nostalgia of summer camp, and highlights an organization very near and dear to our heart.

Dairyland team members volunteering at Camp Daniel during Volunteer Week, October 2024

One of our favorite local partners, and the inspiration for the lounge theme this year, Camp Daniel, is a non-profit organization located near our manufacturing facility in northern Wisconsin. They provide a safe summer camp experience for people with disabilities, adapting to meet the unique physical, social, and emotional needs of each camper. The campus has largely been constructed through volunteer time and labor, to which Dairyland has contributed significantly over the last five years through various volunteer days. Each year at AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, Dairyland designates an organization to receive a donation as a direct result of attendee participation—for each visitor to the lounge this year, Dairyland pledged to donate $3 to Camp Daniel.

The Camp Dairyland Experience

The fun didn’t stop after guests entered Camp Dairyland and had their badge scanned to count toward the Dairyland donation to Camp Daniel. Guests were given a tote bag, their first patch, and instructions on how to obtain the three remaining patches. Through a mini scavenger hunt, patches could be obtained by completing a “task” such as getting a photo taken in the Dairyland canoe or visiting our booth across the expo hall aisle.

Account Manager Kody Kindle being interviewed by AMPP in the Dairyland canoe

Camp Dairyland visitors could take a printed copy of their photo with them

Once the first three patches were obtained, guests were given a final “Nashville” Patch and could pick any letters or numbers available on the picnic tables to add to their tote bag design. We saw many clever designs, especially as the supply of letters and numbers began to dwindle over the course of the event.

Dairyland Lounge guests choosing letters and numbers to add to their tote bags

The Final Results

After close to 350 badge scans, a total of $1,100 was donated to Camp Daniel on behalf of all of the Camp Dairyland participants at AMPP Annual Conference + Expo 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

A very big thank you to AMPP and Freeman for helping bring Camp Dairyland to life. And thank you to all the event attendees who took time out of their day to stop by the lounge, hear about our vision to make a safer world, and participate in Camp Dairyland. It was one to remember, but we can’t wait to do it again next year.

About Dairyland and Business for Good

Dairyland Electrical Industries engineers and manufactures rugged and reliable decoupling products that are critical to cathodic protection systems. Dairyland decouplers keep workers and valuable assets safe from AC faults, lightning, and induced AC voltage, all while optimizing CP systems.

Beyond our products, we use business as a force for good to support our vision to make a safer world. We do this by volunteering locally in our communities and working with non-profit organizations that provide safety and stability for people around the world. We believe that by working together, we can expand our reach and create more opportunities to enhance the quality of life for others.

Volunteer Day 2024

Each year we pick a week to mobilize company-wide in service to our local communities. While Dairyland employees volunteer year-round on their own and in small groups, Live Engaged Volunteer Day (LEVD) is a chance to coordinate our efforts and invite others to join us.

Thank you to everyone who participated – customers, vendor partners, family, and friends! Together, we are passionately using business as a force for good to make a safer world for ourselves, our families, neighbors, customers, and people around the world.

Here are a few snapshots from a week of volunteering, fun, and togetherness. Some picked up garbage along highways while others packed food at food distribution centers, served with Habitat for Humanity, prepared safe spaces for folks with disabilities, and more. Notice some fun accessories and outfits? This year we incorporated an extra element of whimsy by making it Spirit Week, selecting a unique accessory theme for each day: hats, fancy socks, sports apparel, decades, Dairyland-themed gear, and camouflage.

A group from our Manufacturing and Supply Chain location in Pound spent time cleaning our stretch of highway that was adopted by Dairyland.

Many volunteered at various food banks and pantries. Two groups kicked off the week at Second Harvest in Madison, occupying both the morning and afternoon shifts.

Volunteering with our technology partner, The20, was a pleasure as we built personal connections while serving our community. By the end of our shift, staff estimated we helped divert 3,000 pounds of produce from the landfill to those in need. It was inspiring to see both the positive impact for people in our communities and the reduction of food waste. Even the blemished produce we sorted was diverted to feed pigs! – Amy

Working at Second Harvest was a really positive experience. In addition to four Dairyland office employees, we were joined by one of our recruiting partners who wanted to take time out of her day to join us. It was hard work, and we packaged close to 1200 lbs. of cereal to be distributed to families across southern Wisconsin. – Cassie

Three different groups of Dairyland employees from the Stoughton office spent time at the Habitat for Humanity Restore over the course of Volunteer Week.

Up north, another group from our Manufacturing facility volunteered at Camp Daniel, an organization we have worked closely with for the last few years.

I never doubt that volunteering is going to be meaningful, but it always surprises me just how rewarding it feels. I loved getting to work alongside teammates and Jen, one of our trusted business consultants, to support Camp Daniel’s mission to serve folks with disabilities. They run on volunteer support and generosity; it’s an honor to play a small part in what they make possible. This is consistently one of my favorite weeks of the year. – Kailey

Our remote employees also participated, volunteering at food banks and food pantries assisting people in their areas.

I had a good time at the food bank – they have an interesting program where folks in need can log in to their system and order food basics for delivery. We boxed up the orders based on what they wanted (canned goods, milk, eggs, vegetable, fruit, cheese, etc.) and then prepared for the delivery drivers. It works well for some folks who are hesitant to go to a food shelter and request help – it gets more food out to those in need. A novel approach in my mind. – Phil

If you participated in LEVD and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com. 

Save the Date: Starting in 2025, we’re moving Volunteer Day to the spring! We will announce the exact week shortly, so stay tuned.

This year we continued a tradition that is now three years in the making: Live Engaged Volunteer Day (LEVD). We love this event because it builds on the potential of our industry, the generosity of its people, and the vision of making a safer world together.

Thank you for joining us, giving up a portion of your week to find and meet a need in your local community. We love getting to serve with an increasing number of industry friends, both near and far.

Here are a few moments and reflections captured throughout the week. Rain or shine, this is a community determined to make an impact in their spheres of influence.

A group from MESA walked 20 miles together as part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in Dallas, TX.

“Our shirts said, ‘our feet may be sore, but our hearts are happy!’ and that is the truth. It was a cold and long day, but we were glad to be a part of the over 600 walkers working to end breast cancer…one step at a time!”
– Amanda Shank, MESA Products

LSC team members from multiple offices volunteered to clean up litter and support MORA, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities and mental health needs.

“LEVD was a great opportunity to come together as a team and make a difference for our communities.
– Raquel Carrillo, Lake Superior Consulting

The Dairyland Business Development team helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity in McFarland, WI.

“Not only did I learn how to utilize new power tools, I was able to gain hands-on experience in various stages of building a house. This was a refreshing break from my daily routine at work, allowed me to work alongside my colleagues in an alternative way, and provided a sense of accomplishment and good feeling that we had a part in building someone’s new home that was down on their luck.”
– Cynthia Everhart, Dairyland Electrical Industries

More photos from Dairyland team members:

Cheers until next year!

If you participated in LEVD and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com. To stay engaged and up to date, join the Live Engaged Community.

At Dairyland, we want recognition to be a strong thread of our culture. One of the ways we recognize our people, their contributions, and the experiences we share together is through patches.

The power isn’t in the embroidery, but in what the patch represents. Given with intentionality, it becomes a tangible marker of a moment that is noticed and celebrated.

When someone joins the Dairyland team, they get a backpack and welcome patch. Over time, those bags fill up with bright symbols of kudos for delighting a customer, innovating a new value-add process, and so much more. Some of our team favorites include:

The Spot Patch

This patch is given by managers – or nominated by peers – to celebrate above-and-beyond efforts, contributions, creative ideas, and values-aligned solutions from a team member.

The Barn

This patch is earned for using all available volunteer hours for the year. Dairyland employees get paid time off to volunteer at a nonprofit that they care about and that strengthens their local community in a meaningful way.

Fun Fact: The original Tachick barn burned down one night in the 1940s. Soon thereafter dozens of people from the community set aside their own work to help rebuild it in record time. Decades later this barn became Dairyland’s first manufacturing facility. The “barn raising” reminds us of the power of community to show up for each other in hard times.

We’d love to recognize our industry friends with patches of their own. By joining our Live Engaged Community, you can opt-in to our events like the annual Wellness Challenge and Live Engaged Volunteer Day and earn patches for your participation. It’s possible you may even find a special Community patch delivered to your door just for signing up! More details can be found here.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Our goal for Live Engaged Volunteer Day (LEVD) 2022 was simple: during the week of October 2-8, we wanted to bring our industry together with the common goal of strengthening our local communities. We know that as we partner together we can have far more impact than alone as we become a network for good. That is exactly what’s happening as this service event expands into new countries and regions.

To those who partnered and joined us this year, thank you! Together, we are making a safer world both near and far.

Here are some highlights from LEVD week:

If you participated in LEVD and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.

Every summer, the Dairyland team and their families gather together for a day of food, friendship and fun. This year we enjoyed our time together at Camp Daniel, an inclusive summer camp that provides people with disabilities access to a safe camp experience. Over the past couple of years, many Dairyland employees have devoted their time volunteering at the camp — helping to make lasting improvements to their facilities and campus to enrich the experience of all campers. Featured below are some photo highlights of the day.

If you are joining us for the Live Engaged Volunteer Day in October, you may be looking for a fresh idea or meaningful way to serve locally. There are many needs in our own neighborhoods or cities, but it can be hard to know where to start. Our Dairyland team, working individually and as groups, have found great value in supporting our communities with some of the following ideas:

Build homes

You don’t need any construction experience to partner with Habitat for Humanity, a multi-location organization that exists to help families build and improve places to call home. Find a nearby location and sign up here. This is a great option for individual or group volunteering.

Give blood

You can literally save lives (about 3 per unit) by scheduling an appointment for an individual blood donation at a nearby drive or by partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at your workplace.

Fight hunger

Sign up to work a slot at your local food pantry or distribution center; these are lifelines to families and individuals struggling to meet essential needs. You can even invite your family or team to donate non-perishable items in advance and bring the donations with you. Want to go even bigger? Host a meal packing experience with your company through Rise Against Hunger.

Clean up trash

Collect and remove garbage and recyclable items along a trail, highway, park, or beach. If you are serving with a group, create a friendly competition to see who can collect the most.

Just ask

Reach out to a local nonprofit, school, hospital, or senior center and ask how you can serve them. Even if it isn’t the task you would choose, go above-and-beyond to say yes and help them fulfill their mission.

Haven’t registered yet for Volunteer Day? It’s not too late! Sign up as an individual or a team.

Our vision of making a safer world not only applies to our rugged products and our reliable technical support and customer service – although they certainly play a big role. We believe that people have inherent value, and that everyone, no matter their economic situation or global location, should feel safe in their homes and be given the opportunity to flourish. That’s why we partner with organizations with proven experience combating natural disasters, conflict, injustice, and poverty around the world.

Above images courtesy of IJM, used with consent.

Longtime Dairyland partner, International Justice Mission (IJM), is a global organization that works with local justice systems to end violence against people living in poverty. Their three-phase model includes rescuing and restoring victims, bringing criminals to justice, and strengthening local justice systems.

Since 2005, IJM has been working in Guatemala, fighting for the protection of children, many of whom live in red zones – extremely dangerous areas where sexual violence is rampant. In collaboration with Guatemala’s Public Ministry (Prosecution Services), IJM has developed and implemented trauma-informed processes for prosecuting sexual assault cases and has trained and mentored members of the police department as well as prosecutors and judges to protect their nation’s poor and vulnerable. As noted on IJM’s website, Guatemala was once deemed by human rights experts, “a country too broken, and [one that] would never protect the poor” but is now seeing historic change through long-term interventions and empowering partnerships.

In 2019, Dairyland’s Director of Culture and Formation, Kailey Dharam, traveled to Guatemala City to better understand the unique historical and contextual challenges IJM faces, and to witness their interventions firsthand. While there, Kailey toured a city dump-turned-housing-community, a sex crimes police unit, and restorative housing projects with programming for victims. Through it all she had the opportunity to speak with and learn from IJM staff and clients.

During her time in Guatemala City, Kailey was invited to participate in the Day of Joy, an IJM event devoted to celebrating the healing and resilience of individuals and families who have been victims of physical, emotional, and/or sexual violence. On the Day of Joy, survivors who have been restored by IJM’s team—primarily children—are joined by safe family members, IJM team members, and sometimes special guests for a lighthearted excursion in the city. Kailey and other approved visitors were paired with small family units, bonding with one another as they enjoyed lunch and explored the Guatemala City Zoo.

“With tears in her eyes, the mom of the family I was paired with spoke about the pain their family has been through but also how encouraging days like this were, reminding them of how far they’ve come,” said Kailey.

Though recovery is often complicated and ongoing, the Day of Joy is a courageous proclamation of hope, and that happiness is possible again.

Dairyland’s vision is to ‘Live Engaged to Make a Safer World.’ We work hard to make this a reality through our products and solutions, but that vision is also actualized through dignifying human protection like IJM fosters.

Traveling elsewhere invites us to reflect and think about our own communities and engagement with them. It’s easy for me to step into a new country and condemn the brokenness I see, but am I also willing to look at what happens in my city? Am I willing to think about the larger systems at play that perpetuate violence and inequality? How does seeing something like what I witnessed in Guatemala change how I live at home? These are the questions that these experiences often draw out, and reinforce why both local and global engagement matter.

– Kailey Dharam, Director of Culture and Formation