Jeanne Dixon: The DNA of a Volunteer
If there’s one thing to be learned from Jeanne Dixon, it’s that retirement doesn’t have to mean completely checking out. Dixon retired from being a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher in 2017, but ever since, she’s been busier than ever volunteering at a number of local institutions.
As an active volunteer, Dixon continues to nurture her own passion for being around people, teaching children, the arts, nature, and the national sorority she’s stayed involved with since college. From nonprofit NatureTrack, Dixon received the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award and Most Miles on the Trail Award in 2024, but if you think she gives her time just to win awards, then you don’t know her at all.
Zachary Bernstein: Jeanne, you have a reputation as something of a super volunteer. Where are all the places that you give your time?
Jeanne Dixon: I divide my volunteering into three baskets. My largest basket involves nature appreciation. There’s NatureTrack, that’s the one I spend the most time with. I’m also a volunteer at Sedgwick Reserve. My second basket is working at theaters: the New Vic, the Granada, the Lobero, both theaters at Santa Barbara City College, and the Arlington. My third basket is continued involvement with my college sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. I’ve been involved there in different capacities over the years. Currently, I’m an advisor working at the national level doing leadership development.
ZB: Why are these three baskets so important to you?
JD: I was a teacher for many years. That was my last job and I just loved working with the students and I didn’t want to stop. I have always loved the outdoors, ever since I was in Girl Scouts. My whole family was involved in scouting and I spent a lot of time camping in my childhood. So, nature appreciation has always been important to me. Finding NatureTrack was the perfect match because it involved educating students and being outdoors.
After I retired, I had a lot more free time. I was looking around and I saw an ad in the local paper about volunteering at the Granada. I thought, “That sounds fun, and I get to be involved with the arts.” I didn’t even know at that time that I could see the shows for free! I volunteered because I thought it would be an exciting place to meet and share the arts with others.
As for my sorority… I understood that joining meant membership for a lifetime. And it has given me so much. It was so important for my personal development. I became a local advisor to assist members in making the most of their experiences. Now volunteering at the national level, I can reach even more people.
ZB: You’re a retired teacher – the most important job in the world. Also a tough job. Do you think you would have had time for all this volunteering if you were still a school teacher?
JD: Volunteering is part of my DNA. It’s natural for me to be giving to others. I’ve always volunteered,
finding opportunities that fit into my work schedule. It is gratifying to know that I’m doing something that benefits others.
ZB: So, no matter what you’re doing, there’s always at least some time you can devote to volunteering?
JD: There are many volunteer opportunities in our community that full-time employees can engage in. It’s about finding the right match with your interests, talents, and schedule. The Giving List is an excellent resource for that.
ZB: It’s becoming apparent to me why NatureTrack would name you volunteer of the year. I’m sure you weren’t actively trying to achieve that honor, but I do imagine that getting that honor does take a little something extra.
JD: At NatureTrack I am part of a team. Each docent has unique skills and talents to contribute to the students’ experience. As a former classroom teacher, I brought skills in engagement, awakening enthusiasm, and management that I could add to others’ expertise. I don’t volunteer for the recognition. I do it because I enjoy helping people.
In philanthropy, people can give their time, talent, and/or treasure. I feel I make the greatest impact by contributing my time.
ZB: How should people get involved as a philanthropist? What made you decide to give?
JD: There are so many needs out there! Every single person could spend every single hour of the day giving time and that would still not be enough. And so, how can I, as a person who cares, start making a difference?
I volunteer because I love to and I feel so good when I do it, but anything one can contribute will be meaningful. There are needs out there and you can determine how you want to give. But many people don’t know how to begin. A great thing about The Giving List, is it’s divided into sections so you can narrow your search to volunteer opportunities that match your interests. People can say, “Wait! This speaks to me. Let me look at this organization,” instead of wondering, “Where do I start?” I was lucky. I didn’t know where to find the best match. Fortunately, I saw an ad for NatureTrack. I said to myself, “Now that’s a perfect match!” If you see something that ignites your passion, go for it!
ZB: Are you able to see the impact that your contributions have had on your community?
JD: That’s what keeps me going. When I see the impact, it motivates me to do more. Hearing expressions like “thank you,” “wow,” “this is great” and seeing the smiles is so fulfilling. On a NatureTrack hike, when students exclaim, “This has been the best day ever!” “I want to take my family here!” “I want to work with animals now,” that makes all the difference.
Just this past Saturday night, I was volunteering at the New Vic Theatre and a woman came up to me and said, “Wow, you look like you’re having a great time helping out here. How do I get involved?” Helping people find volunteer matches is also amazing. Hopefully, more people get involved and can experience these same feelings. Can you see how much I love working with other people?
ZB: Oh, I see it, don’t worry. What would you say to people who would like to get involved, but haven’t yet and who might feel there’s a barrier between them and the right volunteer organization? Is there a difference between the perception of getting involved versus the reality?
JD:Some people believe that getting involved means fixed time commitments, minimum financial gifts, or other barriers. The truth is most organizations are happy with whatever you are able to contribute.
There are so many organizations out there that need you. Find one that’s a good match. It’s usually as simple as making a phone call, or sending an email. Most of these organizations will say, “Great, let’s get started.”
If you only want to give money, they need it. If you want to give time, the right match is out there. What I really like about The Giving List is that all the information about the organization is provided. That helps someone who doesn’t know where to start, or what will be expected of them.
ZB: I get that you like doing this, but do you also feel that you have a responsibility to join a cause? Do you wish more people would jump into the fray like you do?
JD: I wish they would. All people have so much to give. They might not think they do, but sometimes just showing up can make an incredible difference. Some people think of responsibility as a burden. I look at it differently. To me, I feel, “Wow, I get to do this. Isn’t this great that I can make a difference?” It doesn’t matter how big that difference is, but that I made one. And isn’t that worth it?