Leading a team of volunteers: An interview with Kelli Schenimann of the American Cancer Society

As specialist of community events at the American Cancer Society in Cape Girardeau, Kelli Schenimann works with some 100 local volunteers and oversees the organization's biggest fundraisers and projects, including Relay for Life, the Cure for Cape Cancer Gala, Look Good Feel Better and Road to Recovery. Here, she shares how individuals and businesses can get involved in their community, and why it's worth doing.

BT: What's your education and career background, and how did you land in your current role at the American Cancer Society?

Kelli Schenimann: I attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in mass communication. I completed an internship with the American Cancer Society during college and was hired a few months after I graduated. Through college I worked at a local pharmacy compounding specialized medication.

BT: What's the best thing about your job?

KS: The best thing about my job is working with volunteers, without a doubt! I get to surround myself with positive, passionate individuals who take time out of their busy, everyday lives and commit to making the community that we live in a better place. I've found that many individuals who commit to volunteering their time with the American Cancer Society are also involved and volunteer their time with several other civic organizations.

BT: What are the challenges in this line of work?

KS: The challenges in this line of work are really getting the general public to understand the mission of organization. There are so many not-for-profit organizations to pick from, so many worthy causes to contribute to, and it's a challenge to really get the general public fully aware of what we stand for. How big we are. How we have played a role in every single cancer patient's journey and how important it is to have their support.

BT: What is something a lot of people don't know about the ACS?

KS: Where do I begin?

• Seventy-five cents of every dollar donated goes to the mission of ACS.

• We are the largest non-profit organization (next to the government) contributing to cancer research.

• Nearly every major cancer breakthrough has been accomplished due to the American Cancer Society's research efforts. The Pap test, the first chemo regimen, discovering the link between smoking and lung cancer, The National Cancer Act, mammography, tamoxifen, the list goes on.

• We have local researchers working in our community.

• Every physician in Cape Girardeau County is benefiting from the work of ACS. Every. Single. Day.

• We have a federal agenda that is advocated through our sister organization, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

• Cancer death rates have declined 20 percent since 1991 due to the work of the American Cancer Society.

• If a patient contacts the American Cancer Society for a specific need that we cannot assist with, we will find other cancer-fighting organizations that can help the patient with their specific need.

BT: This is our not-for-profit and community themed issue of Business Today. Why do you think it's important for businesspeople to get involved in the community? What are the benefits for businesses when they work together on a volunteer project?

KS: I think businesspeople getting involved in the community can be a staple in marketing efforts. It's definitely attractive to the consumer.

BT: How many volunteers do you work with in Southeast Missouri, and what sorts of volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and businesses?

KS: I manage nearly 100 volunteers in Cape and Perry counties. We have several volunteer opportunities with Relay For Life on our event leadership team and with A Cure For Cape Cancer Gala planning committee. We have teams of individuals who raise money year-round for Relay For Life. Individuals can get involved in small roles, such as being a team member, or in a larger role on the leadership team. Our gala is directed toward our business leaders in the community and we only have committee member roles available. Businesses can establish their teams or donate by visiting www.relayforlife.org/capemo or www.relayforlife.org/perrycountmo. We also have our Look Good Feel Better program, which is led by volunteer cosmetologists. In addition, we utilize volunteers interested in transporting patients to and from treatments with our Road To Recovery program. Anyone interested in either opportunity can contact us at 800-227-2345.

BT: What are the biggest needs of the ACS?

KS: We are a volunteer-driven organization, so we are constantly looking for volunteers to assist at our office, with our programs and services and also with our fundraising efforts.

BT: What do you like to do when you're not working?

KS: Currently, I'm planning a wedding! I love being outside, riding bikes and staying active. I have a nephew who has my heart, and I love spending time with him, along with my family and friends.