Why One Local First Arizona Volunteer Donates Her Time

Local First Arizona volunteer, Melanie Martin

People decide to volunteer for different reasons. The most common include a desire to build new skills, expand their social network or make a difference.

For Phoenix resident Melanie Martin, Local First Arizona’s volunteer programs allow her unique opportunities to show up and show out for the local businesses she adores. And living downtown near the Roosevelt Historic District means Martin is never far from discovering a new local business to love.

“My location really played a big part. When I moved to the downtown area I became more aware of local businesses,” Martin said. “I don’t remember when I came across Local First to be truly honest, but whatever my first encounter was, it was ‘Yes, this is something I can get on board with.’”

Since learning of Local First Arizona, Martin has given her time at a variety of events, from the annual, culinary-focused Devour Phoenix and the uplifting We Rise graduation ceremonies to the philanthropy-focused Arizona Gives Day and, most recently, the spirited Phoenix Independents Bowl.

Her first experience, though, was Devour Phoenix. She volunteered, in part, because the event’s venue at the Phoenix Art Museum was walkable from her house. Recognizing the event's importance to the local culinary world, she gladly accepted the morning shifts, hoping her contributions would enhance the experience for each chef or restaurant she worked with.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize the magnitude of what Local First does,” Martin said. “It is really neat and really exciting to see people being successful and living out their dreams and that Local First played a role in that. It’s really great to be part of your community member’s success.”

For Martin, that feeling extends beyond Devour Phoenix to We Rise, an incubator for Black business owners. And as for just plain, old good fun, Martin said she had a great time handling trivia for Arizona Gives Day — an assignment that pulled on her background as an educator.

“The main thing that keeps me coming back is helping to share the message about Local First and local businesses. But I also love meeting like-minded individuals who want to support Local First and local businesses,” Martin said.

Martin continues to volunteer for Local First Arizona events because she believes the organization truly appreciates and acknowledges the efforts of its volunteers. She’ll get thank-you emails, some handwritten ones by mail, and in-person thanks at the event. To her, Local First Arizona makes sure volunteers feel valued for their efforts.

“It just really truly shows their appreciation without asking me for anything else. They just say thank you. And I appreciate that,” she said. “As a result, I have given some money when I can, because they don’t point blank ask for it.”

And for anyone who may consider volunteering at an upcoming event, like Fall Festival, Martin said Local First Arizona makes it easy for individuals to find something that matches their interests — from sustainability to social events to culinary to community. 

“No matter what your passion is, you can find something to get involved with,” she said.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Local First Arizona’s upcoming Fall Festival, review the volunteer application here.