LBDI Advocate: Erin Conroy

Our members are wearing the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days from September 20-24, 2021. Wearing an outfit for five straight days draws attention to the opportunity gap by symbolizing one of the many barriers to learning for high mobility students – not having consistent access to their own clothes, toys and books. LBDI gives us an opportunity to celebrate and fund JLM’s projects that inspire a love of learning, which can help kids who face these kinds of pressures. 

Donate Here: https://www.jlminneapolis.org/fundraisers/lbdi/

• How many years have you been in the JLM? What committee are you on?

This is my 8th year in the JLM and I am currently the VP of Advancement.

• With so many great organizations to support, why should others choose to support the JLM?

I love that JLM is member-run, we have only one paid employee and the rest of the work is done by volunteers. I think that’s unique and worth celebrating.

• What do you enjoy about volunteering with the JLM? What motivates you to volunteer?

The opportunity gap in Minnesota is one of the worst in the country, and through volunteering with JLM I feel good about doing my part to help address some of the underlying issues. Of course it will take a lot more work and a lot more womanpower to move the needle, but that’s great motivation to keep going. I also love that every volunteer experience is a learning opportunity, to build skills or acquire new ones.

• What prompted you to join in the LBDI initiative this year?

This is my third year as an LBDI Advocate. There has been a strong sense of community among those of us who choose to wear the dress each year, I love being part of that while helping my friends and family understand more about what this organization does and why I give my time to it.

• What do you hope to gain from this experience?

With my VP Advancement hat on, I’m really excited for us to beat our fundraising goal. Personally, I can’t wait to see the creativity of the LBDI Advocates in their social posts.

• What do you do when you aren’t working or volunteering?

I’m an avid reader and love going for walks around the Stone Arch Bridge and the riverfront. And I watch way too much TV.