Marilyn's Volunteer History
We spoke with Marilyn Lands about her extensive volunteer experience within both her community and her church.
Q. How and where did you begin volunteering in Huntsville?
I was an activist from an early age—in sixth grade I started an organization called Pollution Solution to help bring awareness to and solve environmental concerns. I made posters to be displayed in local schools and community centers, and would also distribute newsletters to passers-by in Haysland Square.
As a young adult, I decided to get even more involved in the community and give my time and talent to worthwhile causes. My first venture was at Panoply of the Arts, volunteering at the popcorn concession area, and I then went on to chair the popcorn concessions for a couple years—all the free popcorn I could ever want! I then chaired a committee which encouraged locals to commit to financially supporting Huntsville's visual arts scene. And eventually, I had the honor of chairing the entire festival!
In those early years of my adulthood, a big motivation behind my volunteering was finding people I could connect to, especially since I did not go away to school. Some of the most meaningful volunteer experiences I’ve had include the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Partnership for a Drug Free Community, United Women of Color, Mental Health Association, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)—Huntsville, Big Spring Jam, and the Huntsville Area Inclusive Community Initiative. I also taught mindfulness to students at the after-school program at the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center and often teach pro-bono classes on mental health and stress management for various churches and organizations.
I was also lucky enough to be a leader of many of these organizations, such as when I was the Board Chair of Leadership Greater Huntsville, the Board Chair of Arts Huntsville, and the Chairperson of Be The Change Alabama.
Although I am now focusing on my campaign and cannot volunteer as extensively, I still love to make time to support our community. Just a couple weekends ago, I was back volunteering at Big Spring Park for Panoply. My husband and I sponsored an art demonstration, my husband’s company sponsored events on Friday and Saturday night, and we both manned the gate, getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Volunteering has been such a positive experience in my life, and I highly encourage everyone else in this community to partake any way they can! It’s a wonderful way to meet new friends, serve the people of your home, and make a difference!
Q. You’re also very involved in your church community. Could you tell us a little bit more about that?
My family and I attend church at Episcopal Church of the Nativity. I began teaching Vacation Bible School classes there when my son was young, and I then transitioned into teaching the Social Justice Sunday School class. I am a lector and lay Eucharistic Minister, and I administer Holy Communion to homebound members of the Church. I attended and graduated from Education for Ministry, a theological Scripture study program for lay members of the Episcopal Church, and am a member of Daughters of the King, a lay religious order. My husband Rob and I both serve as ushers, and my son Jordan was a long-time acolyte and lector.
I am very passionate about my Christian faith as well as my spiritual community, and am so grateful for the many Christian, community-based volunteer opportunities that Episcopal Church of the Nativity offers to me and my family.
