The Robject Organization of the Month
Helping people develop skills to become successful and build strong communities.
The Question:
Do you Robby?
It’s a simple question, but answering it may not be as easy unless you know what we’re referring to. Read below to learn more!
The Story:
Robby Marvin, 25, went to an Access Iowa Exchange (now called ImpactCR) meeting at Cornerhouse Gallery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, and listened to a speech given by Bob Untiedt, Executive Director of the Linn County NonProfit Resource Center. Untiedt left Robby and other attendees with a simple question that night: What more can you do?
Marvin, inspired by Untiedt, collaborated with numerous friends, family members, and co-workers to develop what is currently known as “The Robject.” The Robject, launched June 2009, is a twelve month project focused on spreading a message of volunteerism throughout the Cedar Rapids community. The concept behind The Robject has many layers, yet the umbrella theme is the ability to take one individual’s pay it forward attitude and hope to create a spark in others to share their time, talent, and treasure. Robby has pledged 365 volunteer hours as well as 31.2% of his annual income to twelve non-profit organizations including the following:
- Cedar Rapids Downtown District
- Horizons
- Boys and Girls Club
- Planned Parenthood of East Central Iowa
- The Cedar Rapids Public Library
- HACAP
- Habitat for Humanity
- Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
- Legion Arts at CSPS
- Theatre Cedar Rapids
- Foundation 2
- Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA
The Challenge:
Through this major example, Robby’s hope is that others will be encouraged to donate time, talent, or treasure of their own and discover the self-satisfaction that can be gained from giving back. It is in this explanation that one arrives at an understanding of what the tag line “Do You Robby?” means: Do you give more?
No matter if you’re a philanthropist-extraordinaire, or you’ve never volunteered before in your life, Robby hopes you will follow his example to give more time, talent, and/or treasure. Robby doesn’t expect other individuals to match his commitment, but he does hope to inspire others to give back to their community more than they’ve done in the past.
Why These 12 Organizations?
Because he can! How many organizations can YOU help? Can you help one? Maybe you can help twelve? Think you can top twelve? Remember, small contributions, when made by many others make a HUGE difference. That’s what The Robject is all about – giving more!
Progress is tracked not only for Mr. Marvin, but also for those deciding that “yes” they do intend to join The Robject. Blog journals from Robby as well as his team will allow others to journey through the experience of extreme giving, while discovering hidden volunteer opportunities in our own back yard.
Want to Get Involved?
To find out how you or your organization can participate in The Robject, visit our volunteer page or e-mail us at therobject@gmail.com.
What a fantastic idea! This sounds like a great way to get out there and actually do something as opposed to just thinking about it like I tend to do–I look forward to hearing how things go throughout the year.
By: Dawn Scott on August 17, 2009
at 3:57 PM
Thanks for your kind words Dawn. If you’d ever like to kick the ol’ “tend to do” habit. Let me know! There’s plenty of ways to get involved, multiple people to meet, and many more lives to change!
By: crsavvy on August 27, 2009
at 12:05 AM
This is such a humble effort by one young man. If you go to twitter and go to twitcause you can nominate the robject for a great non profit cause. Help with his cause and nominate his efforts! Let his efforts become global! Remember, any small contribution of time, speech, pennies or more can make all the difference in the world to any organization in need out there. Go for it today!
By: Deb M. on September 15, 2009
at 10:59 AM
Wow – I am speechless! You are setting such a wonderful example!
By: Stacey on October 14, 2009
at 9:36 PM