By Debby Woodin

dwoodin@joplinglobe.com

When she was appointed last spring to Joplin’s new City Tree Board, volunteer Vicki Christensen was new to public service.

But in the nearly five months she’s been on board, she has become sold on giving time to a cause that benefits residents.

“It’s been a great experience,” said Christensen, a real estate agent at Pro 100, who was appointed April 6 to a three-year term on the board.

“I think one of the secrets to serving on any volunteer position is that it be something of interest to you,” she said. “I’m a Master Gardener, so the tree board is something that appealed to me. Plus I’m a Realtor, so improving the look of Joplin is of interest to me as well.”

A number of opportunities are available now on a variety of city boards and commissions, said City Clerk Barbara Hogelin. Hogelin said she believes many people who have served share Christensen’s view that volunteerism for civic causes is rewarding.

Christensen said it has given her the pride of achievement. “I think people would be amazed at the good feeling it gives you to serve,” she said. And, in addition to giving, it reaps personal reward, she said. “I’ve never been involved in the city before, so it’s been a real learning experience on how things work,” she said.

She said she tells people about her experiences on the board and encourages them to volunteer.

Hogelin said the city can use the help.

There is an opening on the Capital Improvements Sales Tax Oversight Committee, which meets with city staff members to find out how some of the city’s special-use tax money is spent and reports to the City Council.

Three seats are open on the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board, a panel aimed at helping generate business for Joplin’s hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses. One of the seats is available to a representative of the retail industry, and one is open to an applicant who is affiliated with the restaurant industry. A third seat is at-large, open to anyone without any specialized affiliation.

Other opportunities in the area of economic development are a seat on the Joplin Industrial Development Authority and two seats on the Tax Increment Finance Commission, which investigates and advises the City Council on requests for tax breaks for retail development.

Two seats are available on the Traffic Commission, which makes recommendations on issues related to streets and traffic flow.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood for any organization,” Hogelin said. “They do make a difference. There’s a major reason why people volunteer: It’s personal growth and development.”