Mona Tisdale, a native of Long Beach, California, embodies the spirit of service and community. As a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother, her journey into volunteering with Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) marks a significant chapter in her life. With over three decades of experience in healthcare administration, Mona’s transition into this role is more than just a new endeavor; it’s a calling deeply ingrained in her upbringing and values.
Mona’s journey into service began in her teenage years, where she found joy in giving back to her community. She recalls fond memories of visiting thrift stores to purchase books, which she then donated to neighborhoods where literacy rates were low. This early exposure to volunteerism set the stage for Mona’s continued dedication to making a difference. Later in life, she found herself mentoring women at the Long Beach Rescue Mission’s Lydia House, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. “I love making a difference,” she shares, reflecting on her path towards Special Olympics Southern California. “I’m so glad that I found Special Olympics Southern California.”
For Mona, volunteerism is more than just lending a helping hand; it’s about leaving a lasting impact and contributing to a greater good. “It means making a difference. Doing something to leave your mark in this world,” she emphasizes. Drawing from her experiences of giving back to her community, Mona believes that the joy of volunteering stems from selflessness and the knowledge that one is part of something greater than oneself.
Her involvement with SOSC, although relatively new, has already left a profound impression. Reflecting on her experience volunteering at a floorball event, Mona highlights the diversity of participants and volunteers coming together for a common cause. She refers to the energy being of love, welcoming, and engaging, emphasizing the sense of community that permeates SOSC events.
Despite being unfamiliar with SOSC initially, Mona’s journey to volunteering with the organization feels destined, sparked by the impactful documentary Crip Camp. Now, she is eager to leverage her expertise and talents within SOSC, recently joining the Volunteer Management Team (VMT). With aspirations of designing new initiatives and making a difference in the lives of athletes, Mona is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
As she invites others to join the cause, Mona challenges them to find time in their schedules to volunteer, emphasizing that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. “You’re not losing anything, you’re gaining everything by doing so,” she asserts, echoing the sentiment that volunteerism is not just about giving but also about receiving the intangible rewards of joy and fulfillment.
Speaking on volunteerism, Mona shares,
“It means making a difference, doing something to leave your mark in this world, to make it better for those who come behind you, and make it better for them than what it was for yourself. It means really to be a part of a community, contributing to a greater good, and it really means taking a moment to look at your neighbor and consider their needs as well as your own and sharing your talents freely. You do that with the understanding and the expectation that your name may never be in lights, but that’s okay because you have the light that is within you that shines anyhow.”
In Mona Tisdale, SOSC has found not just a volunteer, but a passionate advocate committed to making a difference, one event at a time. As she continues this journey, Mona’s light shines brightly, illuminating the path for others to follow.