April 16 – 22 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week! At Nebraska Appleseed we celebrate volunteers, interns, and clerks because they are an essential part of the work that we do across the state. We appreciate the effort and energy that volunteers, interns, and clerks put into our community no matter where they are. Thank you for all that you do!
As part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week this year, we wanted to highlight some of the important work that our volunteers, interns, and clerks have been doing to ensure that Nebraska continues to be a welcoming state for all.
Wid Salih
“As a 16 year old girl, I love volunteering for a non-profit that prioritizes the community through volunteering. Both my parents came to this country as immigrants, and what I really loved about Appleseed is that they offer programs to help newcomers integrate into the community. It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment to know that I am contributing to something greater than myself. The organization’s focus on the community resonates with me because I feel a strong connection to my hometown and the people who live there. By volunteering, I am able to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Additionally, the skills and experiences I gain through volunteering will undoubtedly benefit me in the future.”
Meylin Espinoza
“My name is Meylin Espinoza. I was born in El Salvador and came to the United States when I was four. I’m currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I’m very family oriented and I love trying new foods! My favorite part of my internship in the Immigration & Communities program was getting to improve my public speaking skills. My first project where I had to do it was for a Power of Participation presentation. It was to family and friends, and I was so nervous. I have to say that my favorite one of all was the last presentation I did on the new immigration registry bill. I had to prepare for it by arranging a place/time, food, and get my talking points ready. From where I started to where I ended was a huge improvement. I was able to see it within myself and I think that is what made me so happy. Just about two weeks ago I went and testified at the State Capital on the unemployment bill. If it wasn’t for my internship at Nebraska Appleseed, I don’t think I would have ever known I was capable of doing that. <3”
Adam Baritt
“My name is Adam Barritt, and I have clerked for Nebraska Appleseed since May of 2022. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I completed my Bachelor’s in History from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2018. I attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Law until my graduation in December 2022. From working at nonprofits before I attended law school, I always heard about Appleseed as the gold standard of progressive nonprofits in Nebraska. When I got the opportunity to apply for a summer clerkship, I jumped at the chance.
My favorite part of clerking at Nebraska Appleseed is my work’s impact on people. From helping with the Community Assistance Line by assisting people and pointing them in the right direction while listening to their struggles, to volunteering for a tabling opportunity to go out into the community and talk with people about Appleseed and their work, to doing research memos and helping prepare court documents for Appleseed’s outstanding staff attorneys, it always feels like what I’m doing is or will positively impact communities in Nebraska. Working for Nebraska Appleseed has been a dream come true and is something I will never forget.”
Let the celebration and appreciation continue this week and beyond!