In honor of International Volunteer Managers Day, we sat down with Dana Malan, Volunteer and Community Supervisor at Memorial Blood Centers (MBC), to learn more about her career journey and passion for volunteerism.
Background & ExperienceQ: How long have you been with Memorial Blood Centers, and what first brought you here? A: I just started in mid-August! The position showed up on LinkedIn and immediately caught my eye. It was very well written, just spot on, and clearly written by someone with a lot of experience working with volunteers and a big heart for community engagement. I was equally pulled to the work by our mission because my son is a childhood cancer survivor who would not have been able to get through treatment without blood donation. My interviews with MBC staff were so positive; it all came together beautifully.
Q: What inspired you to work in volunteer management? A: I started my career at a domestic violence nonprofit, where working with volunteers was a small part of my role, but I quickly realized how much I loved it. Their generosity, motivation, and humanity were endlessly interesting and inspiring.
Later, at the American Cancer Society, volunteers were always part of the picture, and I was always happiest when I was alongside them.
I have always been a big believer in reciprocity: giving what you can, when you can, and receiving help in the same way. Volunteering puts that value into action. When you talk to volunteers, they all have a story about what brings them to their work: the help they or a loved one once received, the grounding calm that comes from getting out and supporting their community instead of just anxiously reading the news. Helping create those moments of connection and purpose is an incredible privilege.
Role & ResponsibilitiesQ: What does a typical day look like for you as a Volunteer and Community Supervisor? A: Every day is a little different, which is one of the things I love most about this role. My days usually include a mix of connecting with volunteers, coordinating schedules, updating processes, and partnering with staff across different departments to make sure volunteer support aligns with their needs. I might start the morning reviewing driver routes, spend the afternoon planning upcoming volunteer recruitment or recognition projects, and finish the day onboarding a new volunteer.
There’s also a systems side to my work, including designing better processes that make onboarding and scheduling easier for both volunteers and staff, and ensuring volunteers can easily access what they need to succeed. That structure also helps us track their service and recognize their contributions in meaningful ways.
It’s a mix of logistics, collaboration, and activation. The work changes from day to day, but the sense of impact is always there.
Q: What types of volunteer opportunities are available at MBC? A: So glad you asked! We have an awesome variety of volunteer roles; there’s something for everyone. Our Blood Transport Drivers are essential, delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals across Minnesota. Community Ambassadors represent MBC at events, encouraging new donors to give. We also have “Thank You” Card Writers who send handwritten notes to donors and a growing number of administrative and project-based volunteers who help behind the scenes.We’re also trying new roles like Café Hosts, who create a welcoming environment at our donor centers, and we’re exploring ways to engage short-term or corporate volunteer groups in meaningful projects that directly support our mission.
Q: How do volunteers support MBC’s mission and impact the community? A: Volunteers are truly the heart of our work and bring our mission to life in ways that reach far beyond what staff alone could accomplish. They help educate others about the need for blood donation, inspire people to give, and create meaningful experiences that keep donors coming back. Their care and enthusiasm amplify our impact, making it possible for us to reach more potential donors and save more lives. They care deeply about the importance of blood donation – there hasn’t been a single opportunity I’ve shared that someone hasn’t eagerly stepped up to fill.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with volunteers? A: I love their sense of purpose. Volunteers are, by and large, busy people with full lives, interesting hobbies, and side hustles, but they are also kind, capable, and deeply believe in the power of community.
Mr. Rogers said that when things are hard, we should “look for the helpers.” When you work with volunteers, you are surrounded by helpers, the kind of people who know that turning compassion into action is how we keep hope alive and well. It’s a gift!
Q: Is there a volunteer story that’s especially meaningful to you? A: One of our drivers shared a story that stuck with me. He was called to make a same-day delivery to a hospital that needed blood urgently for a patient awaiting surgery. When he pulled up to the loading dock, a nurse was already standing outside, waiting. The surgery could not begin until the blood units arrived. In that moment, he said he truly understood the importance of what he does and the difference between delay and survival. He told me he plans to keep driving for us until he cannot drive anymore.
Stories like that remind me that our volunteers do not just support our mission. They are our mission in action.
Inspiration & ImpactQ: How do you recognize volunteers for their contributions? A: I try to thank volunteers often and specifically, whether that’s a quick note or call, or an award when someone goes above and beyond. I’ve learned that it’s important to know people, so you can recognize them in the way that means the most to them. Some love public acknowledgment, while others prefer a quiet “thank you” or handwritten note.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering volunteering at MBC? A: Do it! It’s fun to help. You’ll meet wonderful people who care about our community as much as you do. Whether you’re delivering blood, welcoming donors, or helping behind the scenes, you’ll be amazed at how good it feels to know that someone will live because you served. That’s beautiful, isn’t it?
Happy International Volunteer Managers Day! Thank you, Dana, for your passion, creativity, and dedication to our volunteers and community.
