The Heart of PASOR: Our Volunteers
Behind every successful PASOR event—every celebration, health fair, and fundraiser—are volunteers who give their time, energy, and talents. These dedicated individuals are the true engine of our community organization.
Their stories reveal not just what volunteers do, but why they serve and what they receive in return. These testimonials might inspire you to join them.
Fatima's Story: Finding Purpose in Service
Fatima moved to Rochester five years ago as a newlywed. Lonely and struggling to adjust, she reluctantly attended a PASOR event at her husband's urging.
"That first event changed everything," Fatima recalls. "I met wonderful people, but more importantly, I saw volunteers working together with such purpose. I wanted to be part of that."
She started small—helping with event registration. Over time, she took on more responsibility, eventually co-chairing the events committee.
"Volunteering gave me purpose when I felt lost. I found friends, developed skills, and became part of something meaningful. PASOR volunteers are my family now."
Today Fatima helps other newcomers find their footing, paying forward what she received.
Ahmed's Story: Professional Growth Through Volunteering
Ahmed, a young IT professional, joined PASOR's volunteer corps to expand his network. What he found transformed his career and character.
"I initially volunteered to meet established professionals," Ahmed admits. "But I quickly realized volunteering offered so much more."
As tech lead for PASOR's communications committee, Ahmed developed skills in project management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication—competencies that accelerated his career.
"My boss noticed the confidence I developed through PASOR leadership. I got promoted partly because of skills I built through volunteering."
Beyond career benefits, Ahmed found deep satisfaction in service. He now mentors younger volunteers, guiding them as others once guided him.
The Malik Family: Volunteering Together
For the Malik family, volunteering is a shared activity that strengthens their bond while serving others.
"We wanted our children to understand that being part of a community means contributing, not just consuming," explains Nasreen Malik. "PASOR gave us the perfect opportunity."
The Maliks volunteer together at health fairs—parents helping with logistics while teenagers assist with registration. Even the youngest child helps where appropriate.
"Our kids have learned responsibility, cooperation, and compassion through volunteering. They've seen that their help makes a difference."
Family volunteering has become their tradition. The children now look forward to events, asking when the next volunteer opportunity will be.
Dr. Hussain: Medical Professional Giving Back
Dr. Hussain, an internist, volunteers at PASOR health events, providing free consultations and health education.
"I came to America with nothing and built a good life. PASOR helped me find community when I arrived. Now I can give back using my medical training."
His volunteer work goes beyond event attendance. He helps prepare educational content, answers community members' health questions year-round, and mentors medical students interested in community health.
"The gratitude I see when helping someone understand their health—that's more rewarding than anything I get in my regular practice."
Zainab: Youth Volunteer Making a Difference
Zainab started volunteering at PASOR events in high school, initially to fulfill community service requirements. She discovered a passion for organizing.
"I thought I'd check a box for college applications. Instead, I found something I love doing."
Now in college, Zainab returns home for major events, taking leadership roles in the youth committee. She's helped develop programming for teenagers and recruited other young volunteers.
"PASOR showed me I could make a real contribution even as a young person. Adults listened to my ideas and trusted me with responsibility."
Her experience shaped her career plans—she's now studying nonprofit management.
The Dedicated Event Crew
Some volunteers show up reliably for every event, handling the unglamorous but essential tasks:
Setting Up: Arriving hours early to arrange tables, chairs, decorations, and displays.
Food Service: Preparing and serving meals for hundreds of attendees.
Registration: Greeting guests and managing check-in processes.
Cleanup: Staying late to restore venues to original condition.
"People see the beautiful event," notes longtime volunteer Rashid. "They don't see us here at 6 AM setting up. But that's okay—knowing we made the event possible is enough."
These behind-the-scenes volunteers are the backbone of PASOR's operational capacity.
What Volunteers Gain
Common themes emerge from volunteer stories:
Community Connection: Deep friendships formed through shared service.
Skill Development: Leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
Purpose and Meaning: Satisfaction from contributing to something larger than oneself.
Personal Growth: Confidence, expanded comfort zones, new perspectives.
Cultural Connection: Deeper engagement with Pakistani heritage and community.
Network Expansion: Professional and personal relationships that enrich life.
Volunteer Opportunities
PASOR offers diverse volunteer roles:
Event Support: Help with setup, registration, food service, and cleanup.
Committee Work: Join planning committees that shape programs.
Professional Expertise: Contribute specialized skills—medical, legal, financial, technical.
Youth Mentorship: Guide young people in their development.
Outreach: Help recruit new members and spread word about events.
Administration: Assist with communications, record-keeping, and coordination.
Learn how you can volunteer with PASOR this month.
Getting Started
If these stories inspire you:
- Attend a PASOR event and express interest in volunteering
- Contact any board member about opportunities
- Start small—help at one event and see how it feels
- Expand your involvement as you discover your niche
The Volunteer Spirit
What unites PASOR volunteers is a spirit of service rooted in Pakistani cultural values. Hospitality, generosity, and community care aren't just concepts—they're lived through volunteer action.
Join PASOR and discover what so many volunteers have found: that giving is its own reward, and community service enriches the giver as much as the recipient.
Your story could be next.