Marti Nesland, The Girl Gives Back

Briefly describe the organizations you work or volunteer for and your roles.

I am a member of the marketing committee for Zonta Club of the Black Hills. Zonta Club supports local efforts through advocacy, service projects, scholarships and fundraising,as well as extending aid to women and children worldwide through Zonta International’s efforts. It also annually sponsors the Zonta Expo. Each year Zonta Club distributes money generated by the Expo to selected groups and projects that advance the status of women. I recently completed my year of service as the chairperson for the Zonta Expo. The role of the chairperson is to choose subcommittee chairpeople, oversee the development of the Expo, and manage the overall event to its completion. I have also served on the Zonta board.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program believes that every child deserves a safe, permanent,nurturing home. Seventh Circuit CASA Program recruits,trains, and supervises volunteers to advocate in court for the best interest of abused and neglected children. The goal of the CASA Program is to have a “voice” in court for every child who needs one.

I am on the CASA board and am the marketing chairperson.I am currently working with the executive director to recruit volunteers to help with the children who are still in need of CASA volunteers. This includes promoting the Fire and Ice fundraiser, promoting CASA on benches,and working with various agencies to encourage them to promote being a CASA volunteer to their employees.

The Mayor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities, known as the Mayor's Committee, was created to advocate for and promote the equal inclusion of persons with disabilities, in all aspects of community life.

I am the secretary for the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities committee. Our committee is currently partnering with Black Hills and Badlands to develop a checklist that will help people visiting the Black Hills know what services are available to accommodate their disability. We are also hosting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) picnic on July 26, 2019 in Main Street Square. This picnic recognizes and celebrates the anniversary of the ADA being signed into law.

Tell us something about the journey that led you to the organization.

When I worked full time, I worked as a special education teacher in the school district.I have bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education, and masters degrees in special education and elementary administration. I chose to leave the school district when my three children were teenagers and were going to be in high school, all at the same time. My husband and I own Nesland Construction, a residential home building company. This gave me the means to be present for my family in a way that was difficult while I was working full time in a very demanding position. I wanted to continue to help others in my community and have been fortunate to find great organizations to help families.

What motivates you to stay involved?

I am motivated to stay involved because there is always more work that can be done to help others. I am determined to help children who need court appointed advocates, but we don’t have enough volunteers to help them. I want to raise awareness for the Americans With Disabilities Act and how it improves the lives of all people,not exclusively people with disabilities. I am excited to have chaired an event that will provide grant money to organizations that serve the needs of women and families in the Black Hills. I have the opportunity to work with amazing people who inspire me.

I am in awe of the amazing people who work in the Black Hills to make it a great place for everyone to live."

- Marti Nesland

Describe one of your favorite moments you’ve experienced.

One of my favorite moments was at last year’s Zonta Club of the Black Hills grants luncheon. Watching what our organization does to help others and hearing how that money will provide needed supplies or resources is very powerful.

Why do you believe it is important to volunteer or work for a nonprofit organization?

Volunteering is important to me because I want to be a person of positive influence in the lives of other. Working together with others, in organizations that work to improve the lives of people in my community, is the kind of collaboration that inspires me. I am a lifelong learner,and I have learned so much while I have worked in these groups. I am in awe of the amazing people who work in the Black Hills to make it a great place for everyone to live.