New Frontier Bank and RSVP of Boulder County want to recognize Bob Norris as the March Volunteer of the Month.

Bob Norris is an all around volunteer that spreads himself across many areas. Currently he volunteers with RSVP of Boulder County, Community Food Share, El Comite, Hispanic Education Foundation, Latinos United for Political Engagement, Longs Peak Energy Conversation, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Longmont Area Democrats, Mahler Fest, and numerous other local events and engagements.

In addition to the 30 something hours he contributes each week, Bob's involvement isn't limited to the standard type of volunteer participation, he takes it a step (or two) further. For example, he spear-headed a collaboration between RSVP of Boulder County and Longs Peak Energy Conservation (LPEC) to provide energy sweeps for Fix-it clients. Fix-it volunteers can now offer clients free CFL bulbs, low-flow shower heads, drying racks, faucet aerators and energy saving information. Not only did Bob provide the idea, he scheduled the meetings and donated $5000 to get the project rolling. Dave Hatchimonji with LPEC says this, "Not only has he volunteered for everything and donated a huge amount of money to causes that make a difference, he has also been quite visionary in ways to extend his, and his community's reach."

Sue Ericson of Community Food Share had similar things to say about Bob. Not only does he work in the warehouse, but he knows so much about several of the Longmont organizations that he has been able to assist Community Food Share in developing a process for delivering food that is tailored to the organization's needs and more efficient for Community Food Share. "In other words, he sometimes steps in to make us much more efficient at getting food to people."

Bob is also very active politically. He headed up the Voter Registration Drive last fall for El Comite. He participates on the Steering & Policy Committee for the Immigrant Rights Coalition and has testified on bills that impact the Latino Community. He is currently working for the Tuition Equity Bill that would allow high school students that have been in Colorado for three years to qualify for in-state tuition. He actively engages state legislators, local elected officials, school district administrators and community members on many issues.

Bob is also deeply involved in energy saving and other environmental issues in the Longmont Community. In addition to his work with LPEC, he helped plan the Sustainability Fair held at Skyline High School in late 2008. He also meets regularly with a group of CU students to look at pilot programs such as Energy Saving Education forums for low-income immigrant populations in Longmont.

It is an honor to recognize Bob Norris as New Frontier Bank's Volunteer of The Month. His ongoing commitment to the Longmont Community is commendable- thank you Bob!

For information about volunteering with RSVP of Boulder County or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.