Why Volunteering Matters: A Community Spotlight

At the heart of every thriving community are the people dedicated to making it flourish. We recently spoke with longtime volunteer Robbie L. Mosley to hear about his journey of giving back and what drives his commitment to community. As a former Officer and Program Manager for the U.S Army, Robbie has a profound understanding of the value of serving others.  

In 2015, when he first stepped into Junior Achievement Finance Park in Fairfax with his youngest son, he was beyond impressed by the learning model’s comprehensive engagement and education. Seeing firsthand the positive impact and power of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s (JAGW’s) work, especially the “deep commitment by the on-site staff and organization in preparing future generations for the challenges of tomorrow,” Robbie knew that he wanted to give more time and energy to the organization. 

He soon became a consistent community volunteer at Junior Achievement Finance Park, volunteering 4-5 times a month to provide hands-on, instructional assistance to middle schoolers growing their financial knowledge. He says the most entertaining and funny moments at Junior Achievement Finance Park come when students receive the life scenario they will step into for the day. Will they be married or single? Do they have kids? What do they do for work and what is their monthly salary?

“In most cases, [Junior Achievement Finance Park participants] really find out they’ve enjoyed themselves more than they thought they would,” Robbie says. “They realize that being an adult–especially managing money–can be hard. And kids are expensive!”

He adds that 7th and 8th graders learning “the difference between needs and wants” is always eye-opening. He says, “I wish this was around when I was in school, instead of having to learn it in the real world. It’s a great experience."

People like Robbie play an essential role in our communities and we are so grateful for their dedication in helping to develop life skills that will positively influence young people’s financial wellbeing for the rest of their lives. 

We asked Robbie how volunteering has impacted his life. He said, “Volunteering serves as a means to celebrate the pouring of others into me. [The idiom] ‘it takes a village’ demonstrates the essence of the volunteering spirit.”

Robbie has provided a decade of service to shaping the next generation.Are you interested in becoming our newest volunteer? Click here to get started giving back to your community and inspiring thousands of future leaders!