How Volunteerism Fueled Shana Chaplin's Personal Growth and Social Impact

For Shana Chaplin, Chief Program Officer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, volunteering has been a cornerstone of personal growth, professional development, and social impact. Her journey in public service is marked by a profound commitment to civic engagement, inspired by a global upbringing and deepened by experiences while raising her family in Arkansas.

In this post, we'll dive into a lifetime of dedication to public service, as Shana provides valuable insights into how volunteerism can transform individuals and their communities.

Early Influences: A Global Perspective

Shana Chaplin

"I grew up overseas...seeing and being exposed to a lot of organizations that serve on a big global scale. That was always of interest to me."

Spending her early years overseas significantly shaped Shana's perspective on the global impact of serving others. Her education in international schools offered numerous opportunities for service learning and cultural exchange.

"Service was deeply integrated into every school I attended. These schools also provided cultural programs that influenced my worldview of service."

This global exposure laid the foundation for her understanding of service as a powerful tool for fostering connections and driving social change. It was not just about helping others; it was about being part of a larger community and working towards common goals across cultural and geographical boundaries.

The Personal Impact of Volunteerism

Her commitment to volunteering took on new dimensions when she became a mother. "I think once I had my girls, I started looking around the community for opportunities for them or thinking about what the community was going to look like when they got older," she explains. The desire to create a better future for her children made her engagement in public service even more personal.

"There is something about having kids and thinking about what you are leaving for them that makes it super personal. That is when I decided that my community was where I would continue to invest."

Beyond the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others, Shana also acknowledges the personal benefits of volunteering. "When we focus on something bigger than ourselves, such as serving our community, it can have significant mental, social, and physical health benefits," she notes. This belief highlights the importance of civic engagement and volunteering in promoting a meaningful and balanced life.

Building Connections Through Service

Another rewarding aspect of Shana’s volunteer work has been the opportunity to build connections and networks. "There is a lot of networking that happens when you start working on an issue, even if it is as simple as you just decide you will give an hour a week to the food pantry," she says.

These interactions often lead to lasting relationships that extend beyond the immediate need for helping hands for a special project or community initiative.

"When I think back to how I have met so many people, it was on the PTA, the kid's school, or that time I served on a committee or worked at a food pantry. If I step back, I realize the network that I have built and what that has done, not just for my profession, but also for the connections I have made that have helped my family and friends."

The Power of Community in Times of Crisis

Shana’s experiences during times of crisis have reinforced her belief in the power of community. Reflecting on the memory of a major tornado that hit Arkansas, she says, "I always say I wish we could behave every day the way we do in a disaster." During such times, people come together, setting aside differences to support one another.

"There is no competition, no arguing, and as much as I hate to see disasters happen, there is always something rejuvenating about it. Part of it is that everybody comes with an openness to do whatever needs to be done to make it better."

This spirit of collaboration and mutual support is something Shana wishes to see more of in everyday life. "Sometimes I think maybe if we just showed up more in that space of how we can help each other, that is what would help. We know we are capable of it."

Challenges and Opportunities in Public Service

While Shana’s journey in public service has been rewarding, it has also come with its share of challenges. "We as public servants need to support and encourage one another. The work is hard. It is often 'long game' work. Fatigue is real," she acknowledges. The impact of politics and the scarcity of resources can add to the difficulty of the work. "There is so much work, too few people, and often an unwillingness for true collaboration."

Despite these challenges, Shana remains optimistic about the potential for positive change by focusing on the importance of local action:

"There is a silver lining in all the divisions and negative communication happening at the national, state, and local levels. People in the community are growing tired of it and are ready to start ignoring it and get busy working at the local level."

Promoting Civil Dialogue

One area where Shana sees a need for improvement is in fostering civil dialogue. "We talk a lot about how to deal with conflict, but we do not necessarily do a lot to train people about how to enter or facilitate civil dialogue," she observes. Her own experiences, particularly on the school board, highlighted the challenges of managing conflict and facilitating productive conversations.

"We have a tendency when we are talking about teaching communications or teaching public dialogue, to talk more about how to manage conflict instead of how we facilitate helping people have civil dialogue."

For her, the goal is not to eliminate conflict but to create spaces where people can engage in open, respectful dialogue. "We fail to teach people how to be inquisitive, to listen to understand and be willing to simply learn. Agreeing is not a requirement of civil dialogue."

Sustaining Long-Term Initiatives

Shana expresses immense pride in her previous work with the Office of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and its enduring network. She acknowledges that "A lot of times we are part of a passion project or initiative, but its nature makes it short-term," explained Shana. These efforts are usually replaced when new leadership or priorities emerge, often lacking sustained impact.

In contrast, the Arkansas State CASA has not only thrived but grown. "AR State CASA has been sustained," Shana proudly states. This success indicates that

"The research, data gathering, dialogues, and collaboration led us to the best possible solution for our state."

Her reflections highlight the importance of creating initiatives with sustainability in mind. By prioritizing thorough research and collaboration, projects like the Arkansas State CASA can achieve lasting impact, serving their communities well beyond their initial implementation.

The Importance of Local Solutions

Throughout her career, Shana has been a strong advocate for local solutions to local problems. "We always hear about state issues, elected officials, legislature, and Congress, but we forget how critical our municipalities are," she says. By focusing on local communities, Shana believes that more effective and sustainable solutions can be achieved.

"I hope the idea that it is about local people at the local level solving local problems continues to live on. That is where connections happen and that is how I hope it continues to grow."

The Path Forward

Shana Chaplin's work exemplifies the power of volunteerism and public service. Her experiences highlight the personal and communal benefits of civic engagement, the importance of establishing connections, and the potential for positive change at the grassroots level. By promoting civil discourse, supporting one another, and concentrating on local solutions, she firmly believes that individuals and communities can make a lasting impact.

Through her unwavering dedication and commitment, she has not only made a difference in her own life but continues to inspire others to volunteer in their community and discover the transformative impact it can have.

More Resources

Take a minute to check out a few of the resources and organizations that mean so much to Shana: