In this article, we highlight the contributions of Jim Mobed.
In my first year of membership, I volunteered because I knew I had to “give back.”
But why am I STILL volunteering 6 years later?
THE PEOPLE.
Volunteering is SO much more fun when you’re doing it alongside ROCK STARS!
For 8 years Jim has served on our board as Travel Coordinator, arranging the transportation of hundreds of children from Pennsylvania to all corners of the globe for life-changing experiences. With his youngest now college-bound, Jim is passing the baton to new board member Frank Urzynicok. We will miss Jim’s quiet composure and unpredictable sense of humor.
Tell us the Jim Mobed basics.
I live in Malvern, PA. I am a Business Controller for Siemens Healthineers. My wife is Henrike. Claire is a junior in high school; Edan is a freshman in college. Both kids have been actively involved with CISV, beginning with Village.
Do you volunteer work outside of BV CISV?
I have volunteered for other organizations in the past, also associated with my kids’ activities, such as boy scouts and soccer. I am looking forward to exploring other volunteer groups and activities now that the kids are (almost) out of the house.
People would be surprised if they knew what about you?
I am half Persian and half English. My dad was born in Yazd, Iran. My mom was born in Coventry, England. Although my Dad went to school here in the U.S., my parents actually met in Tehran, when my mom was working for the World Health Organization.
If you could meet anyone in the world – dead or alive – who would it be?
We’ve experienced the loss of loved ones this year, reemphasizing the importance of friends and family. I am very happy to spend time with those we hold dear.
That said, I would definitely enjoy sharing an evening with someone just plain funny. I like comedians who are able to make the totally ordinary, totally hilarious. Some potential invites: Dave Barry, Paula Poundstone, Kevin Hart.
What is the #1 reason you wanted your kids to join CISV?
It is important for our children to understand that we live in a big, complex world, filled with both turmoil and opportunity. Our survival as a species depends on us actively working together to make the world a greener, fairer, more peaceful and loving COMMON space.
What was your favorite CISV activity as a volunteer & why?
Two things:
1) I loved INTERCHANGE. We participated in this activity with each of our children and it provided the opportunity to get to know some truly fun and amazing families.
2) I love the part of each Board meeting, towards the end of the evening, when the Junior Board president comes in and provides us an update. We have had a truly amazing series of JB presidents and it has been a privilege to watch each one of them grow into their role, to see their dedication and enthusiasm, and to be wowed by the leadership that they – and the entire JB Board – have provided to our very diverse CISV group/family. Our children are amazing.
Fun Favorites:
Food: Anything my wife cooks; her food is consistently delicious.
Book or Movie: (The earlier) novels of Nick Hornby and Richard Russo.
Musical Artist/Band: I LOVE to attend my children’s concerts (Edan plays the cello, Claire the violin). Once again, it is a thrill to see children coming together to do something extraordinary.
What advice would you give to a new family joining the chapter?
GET INVOLVED. SERVE AS A HOST FAMILY. “DO” INTERCHANGE. MODEL THE CHANGE THAT YOU HOPE FOR… AND THAT YOU LOOK FOR IN YOUR CHILDREN.
Fortunately, the chapter continues to attract new dynamos. Next month we will spotlight our Interchange Coordinator Deb Shryock, who is no exception. With a sweet, soothing southern accent that could convince anybody of anything, she patiently works for months to coordinate all the logistics of this unique, family-centered exchange with a partner country.
~ Marion Henderson, Volunteer Coordinator