Caught Unaware: A Personal Journey in Volunteer Engagement

Paul P. Falkowski’s journey in Volunteer Engagement caught him unaware. And in this very personal Engage feature story, Falkowski describes how a one-off, musical performance in a nursing home turned into a lifelong volunteering passion that he never would have predicted, one that ultimately led him to form the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV). As Falkowski writes: “Volunteer Engagement can take many forms and, sometimes, our most powerful lessons come from unexpected places. In sharing my personal journey in this story, I hope to offer insights into how authentic connections, thoughtful preparation and intentional relationship-building can transform the volunteer experience – for both volunteers and the communities they serve.”