Five Questions With: Melanie Bertoldi

Melanie Bertoldi was named an “Outstanding Volunteer” by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Serve Rhode Island for her work with the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket. / COURTESY DONNA KENNY KIRWAN OF NEWBERRY PR & MARKETING
Melanie Bertoldi was named an “Outstanding Volunteer” by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Serve Rhode Island for her work with the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket. / COURTESY DONNA KENNY KIRWAN OF NEWBERRY PR & MARKETING

When Melanie Bertoldi was young she was a “brownie” in the Girl Scouts organization, an experience that she says opened her eyes to the needs of people around her and gave her hands-on experience addressing those needs. Now an assistant account executive with Newberry Public Relations & Marketing, Bertoldi has continued addressing the needs of her community, so much so that she was named an “Outstanding Volunteer” by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Serve Rhode Island for her work with the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket.

PBN: Why did you choose to devote your time and resources to the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket?
BERTOLDI:
NAP is a wonderful organization that partners with other great Rhode Island volunteer groups to serve numerous communities, including Pawtucket and Providence, in unique, effective ways.

PBN: How do you fit so much philanthropic work into your calendar on top of professional responsibilities and home life?
BERTOLDI:
Two of my biggest passions in life are helping others and learning new things, like how to plant a tree or how to properly sample water for environmental monitoring, so doing volunteer work is a deeply fulfilling experience for me.

PBN: How did it feel to be honored by Serve Rhode Island and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo? Was it a surprise?
BERTOLDI:
I was surprised! I am very flattered and proud of the accomplishment. Being recognized by my volunteer coordinator and NAP President Arthur Plitt, as well as Governor Raimondo and Serve RI, is particularly meaningful to me. I feel blessed for the opportunities that NAP has afforded me.

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PBN: What do you think is the most effective way for members of the general public to give back to their community?
BERTOLDI:
I recommend doing research into existing nonprofit organizations that serve your community. This way, you can get a sense of their missions and tactics, and link up with the one(s) that align with your vision of community support.

PBN: If someone thought their help wouldn’t make difference – what would you tell them?
BERTOLDI:
I would tell them that they should step up, give it their best shot and see for themselves. I think they would be pleasantly surprised.

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