Lifelong Learning & Community: Growing Together at PRISM

On average, Americans spend about 14 years in formal education. But learning doesn’t stop at graduation and exists beyond a classroom setting—it’s something that we carry throughout our lives. At PRISM, we believe the foundation of a strong, thriving community isn’t just built on service, but one built on growth, understanding, and a shared commitment to lifelong learning.  

Lifelong learning is more than a personal goal; it’s a mindset that invites openness, empathy, and evolution, both individually and collectively as a society. Our commitment to this keeps PRISM adaptable, connected, and invested in the world around us.  

In her TEDx Talk “The Lifelong Learning Mindset,” speaker Laura T. shares the personal story of her grandfather Manolo and how he champions lifelong learning in his own life and has passed down his curiosity to his granddaughter. Manolo had not received any formal education and was not able to read or write. Rather than adapting to life around his lack of knowledge, he taught himself how to read and write, not wanting to miss any opportunities life may have. Through self-initiative and community connection, Manolo began to discover more passions, and the more he learned, the more doors of opportunity opened for him.  

Rooted in Values, Driven by Growth 

At PRISM, we hold dignity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation at the heart of everything we do. These principles don’t just guide our internal decisions; they shape how we serve, how we partner, and how to ensure what we are building in the community lasts. 

You see these values in action every day. From the dignified shopping experience in our Marketplace food shelf, to the accountability and trust within our team, to the collaboration between program participants and case managers to find effective solutions, and the innovation we use to solve challenges in real-time, learning is always a part of the process. Real community change doesn’t happen in silos. It happens when people show up for each other, staying curious and committed to growing together.  

Volunteers: The Heart of PRISM’s Mission 

Volunteers are the core of the work done at PRISM. They don’t just support our programs; they are our programs. The time and dedication given to PRISM is equivalent to nearly 12 full-time staff members. From sorting clothing in Shop for Change to distributing fresh produce to our community, volunteers ensure that the thousands of people who look towards PRISM for support are getting it.  

The value goes beyond numbers. Volunteers bring life experience, passion, personality, kindness, and community into any organization. Because of their support, PRISM is committed to investing back into them. They deserve opportunities to grow alongside PRISM and its participants, to continue to learn and connect to the communities they serve.  

Introducing the Volunteer Training Series  

In further support and celebration of the diverse network our volunteers help create, PRISM has launched a Volunteer Training Series as an ongoing initiative created exclusively for PRISM and Shop for Change volunteers.  

This isn’t your average training, like how to sort through donations or efficiently stock the coolers. It’s a chance to dig deeper into the work we are doing and the world we are living in. We want to foster a space where you are safe to explore new ideas, gain relevant knowledge, and engage with experts. The series of sessions is about enriching the culture around us, gaining familiarity with the diverse communities we live and work in, and allowing you to make informed choices when you come for a volunteer shift. As much as learning doesn’t end at the classroom door, a volunteer mindset never leaves you either.  

What to Expect from PRISM’s Volunteer Training 

Each upcoming training course is thoughtfully curated to offer practical insights, valuable tools, and spark curiosity within our community.  

• Held monthly, with dates and topics announced seasonally 

• Varied topics covering social issues, cultural perspectives, leadership skills, and more, all tailored to help better serve you and your community at PRISM 

• Exclusive access to PRISM volunteers – RSVP is required in Bloomerang or by reaching out to the Volunteer Manager.  

Some sessions will feature PRISM’s own staff; others will include community experts from collaborating organizations. Every session will offer something new to nurture lifelong learning.  

Upcoming Summer Sessions  

We are excited to kick things off with two impactful trainings this summer: 

Thursday, July 9 at 9AM — Introduction to the Russian-Speaking World 

Guest Speaker: Tamara von Schmidt-Pauli, MA
Executive Director of the American Russian Center & Professor at Macalester College.
Gain a deeper understanding of the Russian-speaking community, one of the many vibrant cultures served at PRISM. 

Thursday, August 14 at 9AM — Understanding Food Insecurity 

Guest Speaker: Nathan Hesse, MSW, LGSW
Program Director at PRISM
Explore the root causes of food insecurity and how PRISM’s Marketplace and case management programs work to meet this need with dignity and care. 

Growing Together Through Learning 

Committing to lifelong learning is choosing to commit to progress, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of our neighbors and loved ones. Knowledge opens doors to better understanding, deepening compassion, and impactful service. We stay curious, connected, and humble, creating the very building blocks for change in our hands. 

To our volunteers: thank you for investing your time, your energy, and your hearts into PRISM’s work. We’re honored to invest in you. We hope you’ll join us as we launch this new series, grow together, and continue to build a more compassionate, informed, and empowered community—one session at a time.