This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025), is “Volunteers Make Waves,” a celebration of how small acts of service can create powerful ripples of change. At REST, we’re proud to honor the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and hearts to help create pathways to freedom, safety, and hope for survivors of sex trafficking. One such wave-maker is Julie McNamara-Dahl.
Julie’s journey with REST began in 2018 as a staff member leading the fundraising and communications team. Her commitment didn’t end when she retired in 2021.
Instead, her connection to REST deepened. After continuing as a donor, she felt a persistent nudge each time she attended a REST event—a sense that she was being called to do more. That calling led her to step into a volunteer leadership role as a board member.
“I saw from inside the organization how hard REST works to live out its values and mission,” Julie shared. “During the pandemic, I witnessed the team’s creativity and resilience to continue meeting the needs of survivors. That kind of dedication stuck with me.”
Since joining the board, Julie has become a passionate advocate for REST—speaking at events, meeting with donors, organizing board training, and launching new committees to strengthen impact and fundraising. Yet it’s the relationships she’s built that have meant the most.
“The most meaningful moments come when I talk to other supporters,” she says. “Hearing their personal stories of why they care about this work has been powerful. It reminds me how deep the trauma of exploitation runs—and how vital it is to have people who care and show up.”
Julie believes there’s a place for everyone in the work of REST.
“With flexibility and creativity, there are so many ways to serve—cooking a meal, teaching an art class, hosting a fundraiser. Whatever your talent is, there’s likely a way to use it to support survivors.”
For Julie, the word that best describes her volunteer experience is relationships—and that word carries deep meaning.
“We know it can take just one harmful relationship to trap someone in the sex trade, but it can also take just one healthy, consistent relationship to help someone find freedom. REST recognizes that. As a board member, I want to model the care and commitment that help create lasting change.”
In moments of discouragement, especially when faced with hard news or painful statistics, Julie finds strength in the community around her—fellow board members, staff, and volunteers who share her passion. And she returns to a mantra that keeps her grounded:
“Persevere and be grateful in all circumstances.”
Julie—thank you for giving your time, heart, and unwavering dedication to REST. You’re not just making waves—you’re transforming lives!
Want to make a difference too? Reach out to volunteer@iwantrest.com to learn how you can get involved.