Stories: Staff

Leadership in Action: Mitchell’s Story with HOST

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This National Volunteer Week, we're going Beyond the Job to spotlight colleagues who are making an impact in the community outside of their day-to-day roles. From board service to hands-on volunteering, these stories reflect the many ways we can all make more possible for our community.

The first story highlights a Q&A with Mitchell Moravec, Donor Engagement Officer at the Foundation, and his service with Housing Options for Students Today (HOST).

  • What nonprofit(s) are you involved with?

When I think about all the organizations I offer my time, talent, and treasure to nowadays, the pattern for me is the communities they serve and how I align with their mission and vision. I could uplift so many great organizations, but Housing Options for Students Today (HOST) stands out for National Volunteer Week! 

  • How did you first get connected?  

HOST started and grew as an organization while I started and grew as a student and resident at NC State University. Professor Dr. Mary Haskett inspired HOST to form through her shocking research on college student homelessness and food insecurity, and the following years of organization development brought me into the process and advisory opportunities. 

  • Why does this cause matter to you? What sparked your interest/passion for serving at this organization? 

HOST is a trifecta – research-backed purpose, locally serving, and creative in its intervention for addressing college student homelessness. I care about systems and root-based solutions to societal issues, and HOST sparked this for me in a way that I feel I have something to contribute in a meaningful way. 

  • What does your involvement look like (board, committee, mentor, event volunteer, etc.)? What’s the time commitment like? 

I started as a small-scale donor and was invited to join the Board of Directors two years ago to represent a young alumni and nonprofit perspective. After a ton of growth and hiring our first Executive Director last fall, I’ll be stepping into the role of the Board Chair in July! I MUST plug here that the Board is such a great group and believes in shared leadership – it makes the ‘time commitment’ a lot more manageable and something to look forward to.

  • What has surprised you about serving?

Whether it's a one-off day of volunteering or a full Board term of service, I find happy surprises in what we can accomplish when we do it together. Folks come to nonprofits from all backgrounds, lived experiences, and connections that create solutions and impact in beautiful ways.  

  •  What would you say to someone who thinks they “don’t have enough time”?  

I fully support anyone who must preserve self, work, and family first – what you do is still service to your network and community! That said, I would want to support folks rethinking what can align with their daily priorities and ensure that ‘giving back’ and ‘volunteering’ is a spectrum of options and opportunities. I’ll plug our local volunteerism nonprofit Activate Good here as a great starting point for rethinking service and finding easy ways to jumpstart your journey! 

  • What are different ways someone could support this organization?  

HOST is a service-based organization that invites our communities to open their homes and spare living space to short- and long-term housing solutions for local college students. If you are not in a place to support in this way, consider how you could foster or invite community to these students in other ways – hosting a dinner, social gathering, or even a wellness activity or space directly aids students focusing on the college experience. Hygiene kits and resources to navigate the college lifestyle are appreciated and aid HOST homes in creating respite spaces. Thank you for considering how you can be a neighbor and supporter of these students!