Volunteer Spotlight - Mid-Atlantic Region

Rebecca Skipper
Newsletter Co-Coordinator
RESOLVE volunteer

Q: Why did you decide to volunteer with RESOLVE?

When I was in the midst of infertility, I was fortunate to have a lot of support from family and friends, including a few friends who had struggled with infertility themselves. I remember thinking how much harder it would be to not have the support network I did and how critical RESOLVE is for so many people in this regard. So I started volunteering as a way to pay it forward.

Q: How did you first get involved, and what are you doing for the Mid-Atlantic Region?

I received an e-mail alert in Fall 2007 advertising the newsletter co-coordinator position. I responded to express interest and then had a conference call with a few people to learn more about what the position entailed. I then pretty much jumped in, which was easy since the previous co-coordinators had done a great job and processes were already established. My main responsibilities are soliciting and editing articles and gathering information about programs and services in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Q: What do you like most about volunteering for the Region?

I enjoy liaising with newsletter contributors about article ideas and angles and learning about new topics and trends in infertility and adoption. I work in communications, so this position allows me to blend personal and professional interests. I also enjoy working with the other volunteers. They are a fabulous, committed group of individuals.

Q: What is the time commitment associated with your position?

It ebbs and flows with deadlines. Since the newsletter comes out quarterly, there are four “crunch” periods per year. Most weeks
it’s just a few hours, mainly keeping up with e-mails about articles, deadlines, etc. But around deadline time, it’s about 4-5 hours a
week for two weeks.

Q: What would you tell someone who is interested in helping the Mid-Atlantic Region, but who is afraid to make that
first step?

Make the call or send the e-mail!  For me, getting involved with RESOLVE has been very restorative. It has gleaned something positive from what was previously only a negative force in my life. It’s gratifying to know that something I might do through RESOLVE, however small, might benefit someone else.

The Mid-Atlantic Region’s Volunteer Coordinator, Pam Luskin, can be contacted at volunteer@midatlantic.resolve.org or 301-530-4065 for more information about our volunteering needs.