Our Volunteers Make a Difference!

American Dancer’s August 2023 cover features the fabulous Jack Jaubert.  Jack is a volunteer well-known to every competitive dancer and many more.  He can be seen prominently standing as the organized and ever-attentive Deck captain at most USA Dance competitions.  Jack uses his Army training to keep all the dancers in line and makes life easier for the organizers and chairmen of judges. 

In this photo, despite his always-perfect attire, Jack is sweeping the competition floor.  Why?  Because Jack gives wholeheartedly and understands that every job needs to be done.  He also manages to sweep the whole floor quickly and with a special flare that always has the crowd cheering for more.  Jack’s wife, Suzanne, often joins him in volunteering at competitions, so it is a family affair.

What about you?  Years ago, USA Dance Secretary Roger Greenawalt — actively looking for volunteers for our organization – said, “If you tell me how much time you have to give – whether a lot or just a little – we can find something that will fit.”  So, what does that mean? 

Here is a list of 30 ways to help or volunteer for USA Dance:

1. Organize a Chapter membership drive. Introduce friends to dance.
2. Invite dance couples outside of USA Dance to compete. This is as easy as saying: “Hey! Have you ever heard of USA Dance?”  Competitive couples love another opportunity to compete.  You might consider sitting down and explaining the competitions, registration system, and World competition opportunities.  Try it! 
3. Encourage social friends to join the organization. The POC at Membership is Ms. Margot Garnick at:  membership-dir@usadance.org.
4. Run for office within USA Dance. The next elections are in November 2024.  Watch for announcements in January 2024.
5. Help with USA Dance Elections. Watch for announcements in January 2024.
6. Join a USA Dance Committee. A very helpful POC is Mr. Roger Greenawalt at:  secretary@usadance.org.
7. Write a story for American Dancer. The POC is Managing Editor Rose-Ann Lynch at:americandancer@usadance.org.
8. Take photos at a competition or social event and send them with a caption to American Dancer. The POC is Managing Editor Rose-Ann Lynch at: americandancer@usadance.org.
9. Get involved with your local Chapter. The POC is Ms. Lolita Brawner at: social-vp@usadance.org.
10. Start a local USA Dance chapter. The POC is Mr. Phil Sisk at: chapterrelations-dir@usadance.org.
11. Dance or support a showcase in the name of USA Dance.
12. Host a local USA Dance event or dance.
13. Showcase USA Dance Champions at your local events.
14. Volunteer at the National Championships, March 22-24, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The POC is Anna Kovalyova at: nationals-volunteers@usadance.org.
15. Sponsor a USA Dance World Team couple to compete at their World Championship.
16. Help at local competitions. Contact the competition organizer.
17. Fundraise for a local competition. Contact the competition organizer.
18. Contribute toward a competition scholarship. Contact the competition organizer.
19. Consign dresses at a USA Dance event. Contact the competition organizer.
20. Offer to video competitors at events. Contact the competition organizers.
21. Help with IT. Contact Daniel O’Connell at: oconn589@umn.edu.
22. Help with the USA Dance or Nationals website. The POC is Ms. Myra Coffield at: webmaster@usadance.org.
23. Help with Social Media Posts. The POC is Mr. Ruslan Wilder at:  marketingcommunications-chair@usadance.org.
24. Be on the video team at USA Dance-hosted World events. The POC is Mr. Ruslan Wilder at:  marketingcommunications-chair@usadance.org.
25. Teach or assist with homeschool dance classes. The POC is Ms. Jane Baginski at: usadancekidz@usadance.org.
26. Form a college team. The POC is Ms. Patti Panebianco at:  collegenetwork-dir@usadance.org.
27. Coach or help with a college team. The POC is Ms. Patti Panebianco at:  collegenetwork-dir@usadance.org.
28. Organize or help with a National Ballroom Dance Week event. National Ballroom Dance Week is September 15-24, 2023.  There is no one “best” place to bring the public to ballroom dancing during this week. Ingenious organizers have conducted ballroom dance events in shopping malls, hotel lobbies, grocery stores, libraries, government facilities, recreation halls, churches, dance studios, college & high-school facilities, parking lots, at state and local fairs, corporate facilities, in the town square, senior homes, community buildings, hospitals – in short, every place the public is.
29. Organize or be part of a formation team or Flash Mob event.
30. Post your participation at USA Dance events on your own Facebook, Instagram, etc.

There are so many more ways to volunteer.  Please send your ideas and news to American Dancer Managing Editor Rose-Ann Lynch at: americandancer@usadance.org.

Don’t let Jack have all the fun!!!