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Cachet Garrett is no newcomer to community involvement and leadership. Prior to becoming Campaign Director for the United Way of Southeast Alaska on Sept. 16, Cachet Garrett, 26, was a student at the University of Alaska Southeast, where she studied Communication, served as student body president and founded an environmental club. And her enthusiasm for community service shows.

"This is my first full-time job, and I love it!" Garrett said of her work as Campaign Director. "My job is quite dynamic, which is perfect for me."

An experienced volunteer and community advocate, Garrett worked part-time as a Health Educator in the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium's Health Promotion Department. And before that, the former Palmer resident served in the same office as an AmeriCorps volunteer through the SAGA Connections program.

"I recommend to everyone to volunteer with AmeriCorps, it is a wonderful experience," Garrett said. "SAGA is a superb youth organization in our community."

Garrett also serves as communication director of Turning the Tides, an organization she has volunteered with for the past two and a half years which works to enlighten people about the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean.

"All of my work is geared toward increasing the health of the community as a whole, and I hope to influence a healthier, more holistic community during my career," Garrett said. "I'd like to see everyone be more sustainable in their daily activities and have our community be example of excellence in service to each other, taking care of each other, through producing locally grown food, for example, and developing a bartering system."

Brenda Hewitt, United Way of Southeast Alaska President, embraces Garrett's energy.

"We are thrilled to have Cachet on board with United Way. Her enthusiasm will really help drive the campaign from which the entire region will benefit," Hewitt said. "She is a great connector and she embodies the concept of Live United."

After meeting Garrett, it's easy to understand why she loves her job.

"I'm really an extrovert, and I love meeting new people and having conversations," she said. "So giving presentations is, for me, the highlight of my job."

Garrett said her main duty at United Way is to conduct workplace presentations during the annual campaign season.

"This is our big fundraising season that runs from September through November," Garrett said. "This year, I hope to raise about ¼ of a million dollars to funnel back into the community through our nonprofit partners."

So far, Garrett said she has visited 11 sites, and as of Monday, has 21 scheduled presentations coming up.

"When it's all said and done, I will hope to have visited about 100 worksites," she said. "The premise is, if everyone gives a little, no one has to give a lot. I like to ask people to give the equivalent of one hour of work per month, or more if they can afford it."

And aside from facilitating two coalitions that seek to service Juneau's youth - Partnerships for Families and Children and the Juneau Coalition for Youth - Garrett coordinates the annual Day of Caring, an event that matches workplaces with nonprofits for a day of volunteer service.

"Amazing work gets done each year on this day," she said. "Recently, some of the projects included total renovation of apartments, painting of entire rooms, building a trail, completing administrative tasks, building decks and sheds. This is impressive community collaboration at its best!"

According to Garrett, the United Way of Southeast Alaska partners with 38 organizations in Juneau.

"Statistics show that one in three people will utilize these charitable and social services in their lifetime, so it's a safe bet that your contribution will benefit someone that you know," Garrett said.

Moreover, in her volunteer work for SAGA, AWARE and the Glory Hole, Garrett associated with United Way partners even prior to joining the organization.

"I'll soon be a big sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, which I'm thrilled about," she said. "I've been a Girl Scout, too. So you can see how easy it is to already be affiliated with United Way and not even know it! Plus, I believe that volunteer service is a crucial element of giving back to your community. I encourage everyone to try it; it just feels good, and volunteers are always needed."

As the Campaign Director, Garrett hopes to increase the funds she raises each year by 10 percent, she said.

"I would also like to see UWSEAK become more sustainable, building on the direct relationship between sustainability, compassion and human health and happiness," she added. "I also hope to build our volunteer base, so much so that Juneau becomes known for it's volunteerism."

In brainstorming for a large fundraiser, which will involve a local celebrity, Garrett hopes people better understand the value of United Way.

"I think a lot of times people don't see the value in contributing to UWSEAK," she said. "But in actuality, it is a three-legged stool in that our nonprofits very much depend on United Way support, they very much depend on individual donors, and they very much depend upon grant funding. All three areas of giving are incredibly important, and each nonprofit would say the same thing. UWSEAK exists for the nonprofits we serve, in effect, we are a nonprofit for nonprofits. We are a liaison and a support for each of our partners and for the recipients of their services."

To read more about United Way of Southeast Alaska, visit www.unitedwayseak.org or call 463-5530. Credit card contributions can be made over the phone or on the Web site, and checks can be sent to P.O. Box 20249, Juneau, AK 99802.

"Also, I'm looking for a philanthropist to invite me to tea to discuss the work we do and consider significant giving," Garrett said.

For those wanting to know more, to schedule a workplace presentation or to get their workplace signed up for the Day of Caring this spring, call Garrett at 463-5530 or e-mail campaign@unitedwayseak.org.

• Contact Neighbors editor Kim Andree at 523-2272 or neighbors@juneauempire.com.