BROOKINGS – Renee Nordmeyer has been selected as one of 26 individuals from around the world to receive the 3Mgives Volunteer Award. 

This award is earned by 3Mers who are dedicated to improving and enriching lives in their local communities. Awardees are nominated by their peers and letters of support from the organizations where they volunteer. Nordmeyer has volunteered countless hours to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is also a Brookings Area Crime Stoppers volunteer.

As a CASA volunteer, Nordmeyer works to promote and protect the best interests of children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect by providing skilled, dedicated and compassionate advocacy. As part of her efforts to provide advocacy for these children, Nordmeyer received several hours of initial training and continues to attend training every year. She meets with her coordinator, makes family and/or care provider visits and attends court proceedings. Over the course of several visits, she is able to provide compassionate support for the families involved. The goal is always to work toward reunification of the family if possible.

Nordmeyer said that being a CASA volunteer has been a great experience as well as an eye-opener about the problems some families face. She feels like she can make a difference in the lives of these children.

In recognition of Nordmeyer's volunteerism, 3M has donated $3,000 to the qualifying organization of her choice, CASA. 

3M also supports volunteerism through its volunteer match for employees. Through this program, 3M provided $500 grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations where 3M employees volunteered at least 25 hours in a calendar year.