Volunteer - It's Important

Nonprofit Focus
February was a whirlwind of focus on event preparation to support a favorite nonprofit. Children of the American Revolution has groups at local and state levels across the country and even a few internationally. Children learn about their heritage through genealogy, American history, and patriotism. It's a combination of history lessons and community service while teaching meeting processes, officer skills, and public speaking. Membership is for those birth to 22 years old.

---

Projects Supporting Our Community
The National and State Presidents are the hardest workers in the organization. These are elected annually and they develop projects for members to support. Our State President, the young lady pictured above, chose to support a local organization which supports foster children. You can learn more about Arizona's efforts here. She has done an incredible job presenting a program about the need of foster children, raised funds to support the organization, and  solicited donations of items they need. Members shown here are creating fleece tie blankets to donate to the foster children. 

---

Service in Action
My role is as the adult leader for the state. I mentor and supervise the State President and local societies through the state. We host two events each year, and February was our State Conference to celebrate the successes of projects and societies. This involves working with children and adult leaders to prepare reports and certificates for the meeting; prepare script, program, and registration for the meeting; prepare a project the children can work on at the meeting; as well as facility and food preparation. Lots of Reading, Writing, and Engaging!

---

Value of Volunteering
Volunteering is good for the soul. It feels good. You support your community. It's an amazing learning opportunity with many skills developed. You connect with others IRL (In Real Life). It's a fabulous networking opportunity. It's great for your health as confirmed in research. 

Mayo Clinic has an article reminding us of the benefits of volunteering:

• Improves physical and mental health
• Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills
• Nurture new and existing relationships

So it was a busy February, but I'm glad to be back! I'm grateful for friends and fellow adult leaders who make it possible to serve and grow these children.

What were your successes in February? Do you track your wins to remind yourself at the end of the year? I'd love to hear what you do beyond your business and family efforts - Let's Chat!