Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Donovan

Sioux Empire United Way is very grateful for the leaders of our community who give their time, energy, and passion to our organization. We are grateful for our Community Impact volunteers who give countless hours reviewing each funding application and for their guidance, professionalism and dedication to helping United Way continue to make an impact within the Sioux Empire. Each Community Impact team is led by a chair, during this Volunteer Spotlight segment let’s get to know these team leaders.
 
 Ryan Donovan, Director of Avera PACE, Co-Chair Youth Outreach Team
 
1How did you become a Community Impact Volunteer? 
I met Kristi Kranz through Leadership Sioux Falls.  She asked me if I would like to join an impact team, and I said YES!
 
2. How are you managing the change of going to all virtual Community Impact meetings?
  I feel like our team meetings went really well, even though they were virtual.  You lose some of that face to face team building that takes place, but everyone adjusted well.  The key is to communicate clearly, minimize outside distractions, and keep the meetings fun.  We had very few issues on our calls.
 
3. What is a program that you wish most people knew more about? 
  The Helpline Center is a great organization and an awesome resource to help connect community members to all the other non-profits in our region.
 
4. What is your favorite thing about Sioux Falls? 
Sioux Falls is big enough to enjoy a great quality of life, with plenty of things to do, but yet small enough to where you can be in rural SD in a matter of minutes.  As an avid outdoorsman, I really enjoy this aspect of Sioux Falls.
 
5. What are you most looking forward to when we are past social distancing? 
I am probably looking forward to the simple things, having a quick drink with a friend, trips to the store, socializing with neighbors, working face to face with co-workers/clients, and spending time with my extended family without the worry of someone getting sick.
 
6. What do you do with your family to show them the importance of volunteering? 
My children and I frequently volunteer at The Banquet in Sioux Falls.  It’s a great way to give back to those in need, and it helps my kids realize that they should not take what they have for granted. 
 
7. Are you a beach vacationer or adventure vacationer? And what was your favorite vacation?
I love to hunt and fish, so I think I am an adventure vacationer.  Going on elk hunts are probably my favorite vacations.
 
8. How are you keeping normalcy at home?
Making sure I continue to work out and keep the kids on a schedule and off their screens!  I’ve also been working on a fair number of home improvement projects.
 
9. Why should someone else get involved with United Way through giving or volunteering?
Donations to the Sioux Empire United Way go to so many organizations.  It’s a nice way to spread out your impact across a lot of areas of need.  From a volunteering perspective, there are plenty of agencies to choose from.  People have the ability to match their time and talents with a group that resonates with them personally.