Be a great Volunteer!

At Schroeder Law Offices, P.C., many of us enjoy volunteering and giving back to our communities.  Whether it is providing feedback on water policy to various public outreach efforts in the state, or supporting industries that are near and dear to our heart like agriculture and education, we find that volunteering is transformative, builds a culture of gratitude, and assist each of us in expanding our knowledge in support of personal and professional growth.  Unfortunately, volunteerism is on the decline and is negatively impacting many communities and non-profits that support our communities. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2024/12/02/the-hidden-cost-of-declining-volunteerism/ At Schroeder Law Offices, P.C., we encourage our employees to volunteer some time each year to support programs and communities they care about.

Volunteering Activities

Among other things, I am currently volunteering as the president of the U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (USCID). Here professionals come together to discuss research, innovations, technology and projects related to farming. (Did I mention I grew up on a farm!?) I am the chairperson of the Nevada Heritage Foundation whose mission is to support agriculture education in Nevada. And I’m a member of the  Northern Nevada Air Pollution Control Hearing Board.  

USCID

Coming in at the top this year, I am the current president for the USCID www.uscid.org.  USCID is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to all things irrigation and drainage from planning and design, to construction and operations. Being a president of this organization is rewarding. I have met people from around the USA and other countries who come together to share research and project implementation from around the world. Discussing practical implications of projects and the ins and outs of running irrigation and drainage districts runs an entire spectrum of subject matters and it has definitely broadened my horizons.

Nevada Heritage Foundation

I was recently appointed as chairperson for the Nevada Heritage Foundation. https://www.nvfb.org/about/programs/nevada-heritage-foundation. At NHF, volunteers support agriculture in the future of Nevada through education.  Each year we post and award up to three scholarships to support Nevada’s youth as they pursue careers in agriculture.  As a nonprofit, we also provide assistance to other Nevada youth and young adults seeking agricultural educational opportunities. 

Air Pollution Control Board

On the Air Pollution Control Hearing Board https://www.nnph.org/about-us/board-committees/air-pollution-control-hearing-board/index.php we hold hearings on appeals of permit denial, suspension, revocation, notices of violation, or disagreements with permit conditions or amendments.  While I am new to this board, it is a fun and unique opportunity to learn about an area of law (other than water), and support the northern Nevada community.

So, what do you do to volunteer and give back? Consider some of the rewards that giving back may add to yourself and others:

Where Can YOU Volunteer?

• Enhance Responsible Use & Community Impact: Volunteers are pivotal in responsible use of our water resources and shaping strong legal frameworks. In environmental contexts, volunteers help shape water sustainability for generations to come, help improve water delivery and monitoring technology, supporting water treatment and reuse technology and infrastructure, and help those producers who are feeding the world.  

• Grow Professionally & Personally: Volunteering develops practical skills: leadership, communication, policy writing, stakeholder engagement, even workshop facilitation.

• Connect with Experts & Peers: Volunteer engagement places you at the heart of a vibrant community—from scientists to policy advocates—making connections that extend beyond service. Though volunteering, I have met many people who have become my life-long friends.

• Drive Real, Sustainable Change: Volunteer-driven, policy review, and legal analysis all help ensure water governance is based on solid information and principles. Whether assessing water quantity or quality, identifying regulatory gaps, or drafting recommendations, volunteer work directly influences future outcomes.

Volunteering means applying your talents while gaining professional growth and personal fulfillment — while communities get stronger.  Consider joining us at Schroeder Law Offices and finding an organization you are passionate about that needs volunteers!