May 04, 2026
By: Susan Skeries
The View from the Ground: Why We Must Lead by Serving
At a recent Women in Government meeting, I shared a challenge that I’m incredibly passionate about: I asked every person in the room to sign up for at least one volunteer shift with Catch Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership this year.
But I didn't stop at the regional level. I also highlighted the vital opportunities we have right here in Windsor Heights — and the truth is, every one of our cities has a dozen ways to get involved if you’re willing to look. I’m actually known for issuing this same challenge to the Catch Des Moines board on a regular basis. I’m fairly certain some of them are tired of hearing it and probably sign up to volunteer just to get me to be quiet! But I don’t mind being a "broken record" on this. Whether it’s a massive regional festival or a local park cleanup, our communities only thrive when the people leading them are also willing to serve them.
For those of us serving on these boards — whether we are elected officials, representatives from the Iowa State Fair, or leaders from our regional businesses — we spend a lot of time in high-level meetings. We look at budgets, we approve contracts and we discuss the economic impact of bringing major events to our region. But there is a massive disconnect between seeing an event on a spreadsheet and seeing it from the perspective of a volunteer on a Saturday morning. I believe it is vital — not just helpful, but vital — that our leadership gets out from behind the dais and onto the pavement.
Making Connections Outside the Boardroom
When you volunteer for a shift, you see the "gears" of our community turning. You realize exactly how much labor, coordination and grit it takes to move thousands of people through our city safely and successfully. You see the gaps where we can improve, but more importantly, you see the faces of the people we serve. Most importantly, you realize that volunteers make all of these events possible. Without the dedicated people who show up to help, these massive regional efforts simply wouldn't happen.
Volunteering is also an incredible way to step outside your usual professional bubble. While helping out at the Junior Rodeo, a favorite event of mine now, I met attendees from all over the world — including a family from my own hometown in New York. It’s a level of connection you just don’t find in a boardroom. In fact, somewhere in Canada, there is a family photo of me looking like a one-woman petting zoo, simultaneously holding a puppy, the reins of a horse, and the leash of a goat. It’s moments like those that expand your perspective and remind you that our local efforts truly have a global reach.
![World Food & Music Festival volunteer]()
Similarly, I have volunteered with the World Food & Music Festival for four years now. Every year, I walk away having learned something new — whether it’s a better way to manage a crowd, tried a new fruit or finding a fresh perspective on a regional challenge. But beyond the logistics, I’ve met so many new friends and fellow volunteers through these events. There is a specific kind of bond that forms when you’re working a shift together; you meet people you might never cross paths with in your daily professional life, and you realize you’re all there for the same reason: to make our region better.
Regional collaboration isn't just a buzzword; it’s an action. When we show up to volunteer, we aren't just "investing time" — we are showing our staff and our community that we are willing to do the work we’ve asked them to support.
So, my challenge remains: Sign up for a shift. Hand out water, check in vendors or direct traffic. You’ll come away with a much deeper understanding of the grit and coordination required to make our region successful. There is a fulfillment found in the middle of the action that you just can't get from behind a desk. When we lead by serving, we aren't just checking a box; we are growing alongside the community we represent.
Learn more about volunteering in the region, and connect with others in DSM!
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Susan Skeries
Susan Skeries is a Windsor Heights City Council Member, Special Events Committee Chair and Operator of Windsor Mower.