Cindi Joost
How did you first get involved with East Bay Habitat?
I began working with Habitat in the fall of 2002 when I joined the
just-formed Family Resource Committee. I was a Family Liasion to the
Lavin-Tapia family in Crockett, and then I started branching out in
the FRC's other projects.
"What strikes me about Cindi is how she took the initiative to organize the Women's History Month forum. It was great to see her take on that leadership role," Michael Cross, Community Development Specialist.
What is your current role and level of involvement with us?
I am the Chairperson of the FRC's Homeowner Enrichment Committee,
although at one point I was trying to have all my irons in the fire by
being a part of 3 FRC subcommittees.
Tell us about your work on the family resource committe, especially
the work around putting together the two women activist forums, and
how you see this work connected to affordable housing issues.
This March I organized a discussion night on the topic of Women in
Local Activism, with the help of Margaret Gordon, a long-time West
Oakland activist. This was the second forum FRC has held on the topic,
the first being Women as Social Change Agents in January. We women are
key members of society, yet we are still under-recognized, under-paid,
and under-represented in politics and business. Women are also the
backbone of many non-profit organizations. It is beneficial for us to
talk about how our work is unique, and what hurdles we can expect to
encounter.
I think these events are very important to our work in promoting a
society that serves the needs of working people. It it is vital part
of the process for us to sit down and reflect on how effective we are,
or our agencies are. Without stopping to take stock of the work being
done, the strategies behind it, and the bigger picture, people with
good intent can be focusing their time and their volunteers in the
wrong direction.
Our discussion forums will be held each March in Women's History Month
to give Habitat staff and volunteers- women and men- a chance to
reflect and talk with other community activists. These forums are a
kick-off to the Women Build events each May.
"We women are
key members of society, yet we are still under-recognized, under-paid,
and under-represented in politics and business. Women are also the
backbone of many non-profit organizations. It is beneficial for us to
talk about how our work is unique, and what hurdles we can expect to
encounter," Cindi Joost, East Bay Habitat Volunteer. What motivates you to continue with East Bay Habitat?
The housing shortage that Habitat's work addresses is representative
of larger societal issues, and we still have a mountain to climb
before we see real improvements in the standard of living in the
California. I would like to think my work with Habitat is a step up
this mountain, and I hope it makes a small difference to the families
who buy Habitat homes and take advantage of the Family Resource
Committee's programs.
Why do you make volunteering for East Bay Habitat for Humanity a priority?
I love the people! The families, the Americorps members, the Habitat
staff and especially my fellow Family Resource Committee volunteers
are exceptional people who inspire me.
What have been your most memorable experiences?
My most memorable experience was the short time I spent as a family
liasion during the closing and moving in stages- getting to know a
family, being invited over for dinner, attending a few homeowner
association meetings, and seeing them settle into a new house.
"Cindi is a wonderfully enthusiastic, warm, and compassionate person, and a terrific volunteer. She is a true devotee to our mission and a great believer in the strength of people to change our world," Patti Wang, Development & Marketing Associate.
What are your future projects or goals at EBH?
As a new Chairperson of the Homeowner Enrichment team of FRC, I am
looking to expand the team's volunteer base, develop a plan for
upcoming homeowner workshops, and to continue to work on our quarterly
newsletter for Habitat homeowners with my co-chairperson, Miranda
Heineman.
Have you been out on site, what was the experience like?
Only once- my first experience with Habitat! After That, I got swept
up in FRC activities and had to focus on that. But it was really
grounding to see a neighborhood coming together, to see the regular
and new volunteers working with the new homeowners, and to have done a
good day's work on a house. It was addicting! I can see why volunteers
come out again and again.
If you could be a tool what would you be and why?
I would be one of those great 4-in-1 screwdrivers- versatile,
hardworking, and fun.
What is it like working staff? With the americorps members?
Habitat staff are patient and hardworking folks, and truly dedicated
to the people of the East Bay. Americorps members are wonderful too,
with a special fire in their belly. It is great to work with alongside
all these people as a volunteer.
