Mighty Volunteers: Claire Musleman, 28
http://dmjuice.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120911/JUICE/309120027
Founder of Kuddly Kiddos
by jess knight
| [email protected]
Claire Muselman founded Kuddly Kiddos soon after her daughter was born, an organization dedicated to keeping children warm in winter months through donations of gloves, mittens, hats, blankets and more.
09/11/2012
Occupation: Claims Examiner at Sedgwick and Dance Instructor at Johnston Dance Academy
Organizations I volunteer for: Kuddly Kiddos, Junior League, ChildServe, West Des Moines Child Care. I intern on one of the ChildServe boards, founded Kuddly Kiddos and am a current board member for West Des Moines Child Care.
How I got started volunteering: I was in first grade and really wanted to become a vet. My mom let me start volunteering at a local animal hospital. I feel that it�s extremely important to share with those who are in need whether it be with time, resources, money or items. I also find it imperative as I am setting the example for my 3-year-old daughter. She volunteers with me at some of our Junior League sponsored volunteer events.
What is the project you�re most proud of? Kuddly Kiddos (kuddlykiddos.weebly.com) � I founded this organization after my daughter was born. There was an article in The Des Moines Register about how many children in the Des Moines area were going without warm clothing in the winter. I decided to make it my mission to help out with that, and the first year I challenged 50 of my friends to match me with a donation of one hat and one mitten set. We blew away my goal of 100 sets with 237, and it has taken off from there. I also try to get my dance students involved in some way. It really has nothing to do with dance but more about life skills and helping others that they can learn for a lifetime.
Two tips you have for finding your niche in an organization: One, find your passion. For me, I love kiddos. They spark light into every part of life and are our most valuable resource. Spend an hour with a child and they will teach you way more than you could ever teach them. Two, find something that does not feel like work. I only volunteer for activities I know I will enjoy because you never want it to feel like work. We already do that enough!
What are the characteristics of a great board member? A great board member is engaged. They are able to think beyond the typical realm to create new opportunities in order to further ideas. There is great passion for the purpose is of the organization � which creates a stronger engagement. I know I would not be well-suited for some boards; however, the boards I am involved in, I give my whole-hearted effort to make their organization the best it can be.
Founder of Kuddly Kiddos
by jess knight
| [email protected]
Claire Muselman founded Kuddly Kiddos soon after her daughter was born, an organization dedicated to keeping children warm in winter months through donations of gloves, mittens, hats, blankets and more.
09/11/2012
Occupation: Claims Examiner at Sedgwick and Dance Instructor at Johnston Dance Academy
Organizations I volunteer for: Kuddly Kiddos, Junior League, ChildServe, West Des Moines Child Care. I intern on one of the ChildServe boards, founded Kuddly Kiddos and am a current board member for West Des Moines Child Care.
How I got started volunteering: I was in first grade and really wanted to become a vet. My mom let me start volunteering at a local animal hospital. I feel that it�s extremely important to share with those who are in need whether it be with time, resources, money or items. I also find it imperative as I am setting the example for my 3-year-old daughter. She volunteers with me at some of our Junior League sponsored volunteer events.
What is the project you�re most proud of? Kuddly Kiddos (kuddlykiddos.weebly.com) � I founded this organization after my daughter was born. There was an article in The Des Moines Register about how many children in the Des Moines area were going without warm clothing in the winter. I decided to make it my mission to help out with that, and the first year I challenged 50 of my friends to match me with a donation of one hat and one mitten set. We blew away my goal of 100 sets with 237, and it has taken off from there. I also try to get my dance students involved in some way. It really has nothing to do with dance but more about life skills and helping others that they can learn for a lifetime.
Two tips you have for finding your niche in an organization: One, find your passion. For me, I love kiddos. They spark light into every part of life and are our most valuable resource. Spend an hour with a child and they will teach you way more than you could ever teach them. Two, find something that does not feel like work. I only volunteer for activities I know I will enjoy because you never want it to feel like work. We already do that enough!
What are the characteristics of a great board member? A great board member is engaged. They are able to think beyond the typical realm to create new opportunities in order to further ideas. There is great passion for the purpose is of the organization � which creates a stronger engagement. I know I would not be well-suited for some boards; however, the boards I am involved in, I give my whole-hearted effort to make their organization the best it can be.