Shannon Self, an Alliant Energy senior customer support representative in Centerville, Iowa, is constantly lending a helping hand in her community.
“I feel like there’s a loss of the civic sense to help,” Self said. “I can’t imagine being that way because volunteering is so rewarding. Moravia has been known for years as the small town with the big heart. There is no easier way to continue this than by volunteering.”
Self grew up in Moravia, Iowa, and graduated from Moravia High School (MHS). All three of her children attended MHS; her youngest is a current student, and one now teaches there. The connection between school and community is a thread that runs through much of Self’s volunteering.
Self follows in the footsteps of her mother who volunteered for the Moravia Music Boosters. This parent group raises money for students to see musicals in Des Moines. They also provide needed uniforms, flags and costumes for the marching band, show choir and color guard, and they help purchase items for the music department that are not in the school budget. This includes things like props for musicals and entry fees for marching band students to attend a University of Northern Iowa Marching Band Day. And, they lend support during student performances.
“Because of what we do, the kids have opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise, as the school simply couldn’t afford them,” Self said. “Without volunteering, things just aren’t going to happen.”
Self is also active in M-Club, which supports student athletes, like her youngest. “You’ll either find me volunteering or on the bleachers watching a game,” she said.
The city of Moravia holds an annual fall festival that was an important part of Self’s childhood. To help make sure her daughters got to experience the fun, Self joined the festival committee and has played an integral role in its planning for 12 years. She has helped with many aspects of festival planning including booking nightly entertainment, planning games for kids and managing two parades. She began as a general volunteer before becoming co-chair, chair and officer. Recently she’s come full circle and is back serving as a general volunteer.
She has also coached baseball, basketball and softball. She’s been a leader for Girl Scouts and 4-H, and a Relay For Life coordinator.
Self considers volunteering part of who she is. “I’m forever connected,” she said.
Self is also heavily involved with the mobile food pantry that takes place in the parking lot of the Alliant Energy Centerville operations center. Along with fellow employees, she sorts, bags and distributes food to families in need.
“Volunteering is my spare time,” she said.
We recognize Shannon Self with a Values in Practice (VIP) award, an honor that celebrates employees who donate time and energy to the communities we serve.
All 2024 VIPs receive a $500 grant to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. Self is giving her grant to the Friends of the Moravia Public Library. We thank Self and the other VIPs for how they act for tomorrow, do the right thing, make things better and care for others – a few of the values that shape everything we do.
