Beyond Books: How a Local Library Fueled a Passion for Public Service and Community Engagement

If you're searching for an empowering municipal volunteer services leader, who is equally passionate about mentoring future generations, Corina Sadler should be at the very top of your list. Her path toward public service might have taken a different turn had she not lived close enough to walk to a local public library.

Corina Sadler, Volunteer Resources Manager for the City of Plano, Texas, was fortunate enough to have lived near a public library as a child. This experience ended up having a profound impact on her life. She began volunteering at the library when she was twelve years old, and it was through this experience that she discovered her passion for public service.

Over the last sixteen years, she has been leading volunteer programs and making a positive difference in the lives of almost 300,000 people. Without the library, her life may have taken a different path.

"I was one of the only Hispanic teens in that group. At the library, I felt welcomed, and I loved it!"

Her passion for volunteering continued as she went on to volunteer at an older adult recreation center.

Corina Sadler Volunteer Services Manager — Corina Sadler, CVA

"Getting exposed to local government careers was life-changing for me. Understanding that it was more than a job for the people around me, that they really cared, and that they were credentialed professionals—that was amazing to me!"

She continued volunteering throughout her teens, where several experienced government professionals took her under their wing. They pointed out what they viewed as her strengths and higher education options and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in local government.

Volunteering can be a transformative experience, offering unique opportunities to connect with the community and make a lasting impact. Corina shares her journey and the lessons she has learned, providing valuable insights for those considering volunteering or a career in public service.

Benefits of Municipal Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at public facilities like recreation centers can offer an unmatched sense of community and connection. Corina reflects on her time at a recreation center, emphasizing how these environments serve as true community hubs.

"I loved volunteering at public facilities because they are true community hubs. People can be a part of something and be able to meet their neighbors. When I volunteered at a recreation center, I would help at the front desk, talk to members, and meet their families when they came in.

Recreation centers are unique in fostering relationships and a safe, welcoming atmosphere. These interactions are hard to replicate elsewhere and provide a solid foundation for community building. Corina felt a strong sense of belonging and safety, highlighting the supportive environment of municipal facilities: "I always felt safe and connected while volunteering at municipal facilities because it is such a unique atmosphere."

Learning from the Professionals

Community engagement professionals play a crucial role in identifying and addressing gaps in participation. Corina emphasizes the importance of observing who is missing from the conversation and ensuring that all voices are heard.

"When I train other volunteer leaders, I mention that we must observe who's missing, who's not applying, and whose voices we are not hearing. I feel like it's the community engagement professionals that notice these things."

These professionals are adept at recognizing civic engagement actions, from filling out volunteer applications to joining boards or commissions. Corina stresses the importance of acknowledging these efforts and providing pathways for continued involvement, fostering a deeper connection to the community.

"They're making a choice and when they make their first choice to engage, organizations need to recognize those choices and help them get to the next one so they will continue. And then, what else is there? What other mechanisms do we have that they could take and use to feel more connected and part of the community that they're identifying with?"

Passing the Torch to New Volunteer Leaders

For sustainable community engagement, it is vital to inspire and prepare the next generation to take on leadership roles. Corina highlights the necessity of making these roles visible and attractive to younger individuals.

"We want the next generation to want our positions! If we don't have people who want to apply for our jobs when we leave, the momentum we've built, the volunteer programs we've created, and all the community engagement work we've done will be lost. We need someone to carry that forward."

The visibility of these careers and the value they provide is essential for attracting future leaders. Corina also points out the need for competitive salaries to ensure continuity and dedication in these roles.

"Will the next generation want to join our career fields if they don't see, hear, and understand them?"

By speaking about these opportunities and their importance, current leaders can pave the way for a strong succession of passionate public servants.

Corina's Advice for New Volunteer Leaders

Find a Mentor
Mentorship can be a significant asset for anyone starting in public service or volunteering. Corina encourages reaching out to professionals for guidance and inspiration.

"Finding a mentor is a huge plus. I encourage students to talk to someone they admire and say, 'I would love to grab coffee, lunch, or come to your office and chat for 30 minutes to learn more about what you do.' A lot of people are flattered to share with a young student or someone who just graduated about their career."

Learn to Prioritize
Balancing multiple projects and responsibilities is crucial in any volunteer or public service role. Corina advises new leaders to prioritize effectively and set boundaries to prevent burnout. She also underscores the importance of not overextending yourself, particularly in resource-limited environments.

"Prioritize the most important projects when you join a new organization or team. You are only one person... and most of the time, you are not going to get another staff member to help in the next twelve months."

Planting Seeds for the Future of Public Service

Corina Sadler's journey from a young library volunteer to a volunteer resources manager shows how early community engagement can shape remarkable careers in public service. Her story highlights that meaningful volunteer experiences create tomorrow's community leaders.

For parents, consider this a powerful call to action! Introducing your children to volunteering opens doors to careers they might never have imagined. Those few hours at a library or community event could spark a lifelong passion.

For professionals, her emphasis on mentorship challenges us to guide those coming up behind us. By sharing our experiences and making time for curious students, we nurture the next generation of community leaders.

Whether you're just beginning your volunteer journey or deepening your impact, Corina's wisdom offers a practical roadmap: find inspiring mentors, prioritize meaningful projects, and remember that every hour you give makes a difference—both for others and for your future.

More Resources and Organizations

Throughout her story, Corina mentions several key organizations and resources that shaped her path to leadership in public service:

The City of Plano, Texas, offers diverse volunteer opportunities for residents to engage with their community, support local government initiatives, and make a meaningful impact in areas such as parks, libraries, and public safety.
The CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) credential is a globally recognized certification for volunteer management professionals, demonstrating expertise in leadership, ethics, and effective volunteer engagement.