Dear friends of Hands On Charlotte,
“Service” is a buzzword this time of year. “Community” is another. Add to the list of holiday feel-good phrases: “charity,” “helping the less fortunate,” and “giving back.” I’m confident we all agree that these words and ideas are, in large part, what make the holiday season so special.
But what gets lost in the season is that these ideas look very different to each of us. We each serve our communities in distinct ways. Each of our contributions is based on a number of factors – our talents, our capacities, our schedules and our desires.
For the past 18 months, my service has taken shape as a member of AmeriCorps. If you’re unfamiliar with AmeriCorps, it’s like a domestic Peace Corps. AmeriCorps members work 40 hours per week and earn a stipend just below the poverty line. I spent a year in Chicago, working for the public schools’ homeless education program, and now I’m here with Hands On Charlotte. I’m young. I’m idealistic. And I’m energetic. I need service opportunities that allow me to jump in headfirst – to give substantial amounts of time and thought to specific organizations.
While AmeriCorps is the right opportunity for me, it’s not the right opportunity for everyone. Some volunteers have more precise skills – lawyers, facility managers, accountants – and they prefer to donate those skills to specific tasks. Some people prefer volunteer opportunities that give them direct contact with people – like mentoring kids or spending time with senior citizens. Some people prefer to be outside, working to make schools, parks and public places look beautiful.
Therein is the critical importance of Hands On Charlotte. We facilitate all of these opportunities. We empower people to serve their communities through the means that best suit their talents and desires. Community service can be a nebulous idea. We help you assign it meaning.
One form of service, however, is uniquely defined. Donating money. Yes, donating money is a form of community service. Hands On Charlotte needs your financial donation in order to continue providing the many service opportunities we provide throughout the year.
As we approach the final days of 2010, I urge you to make a charitable donation to Hands On Charlotte. This support allows us to continue providing you with your volunteer opportunities in Charlotte. Please donate on our website today.
We all serve our city in different ways. But collectively, our work is a penetrating and meaningful force. This idea of collective action is important as we close out the year with a donation campaign. We have the goal of raising $20,000. We’re at $6,000. If everyone donates $7, we’ll reach our goal by Christmas. Our collective action starts with your contribution today.
Together in service,
Tanner Kroeger
AmeriCorps & Program Manager, Strategic Partnership Initiative
Hands On Charlotte
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