Monday, December 13, 2010

Amazing Opportunities in 2011 at Chicago Cares!

As we approach a new year the Chicago Cares team has been working hard to prepare new and exciting volunteer opportunities!  In 2011, Chicago Cares is expanding programs and creating innovative ways for volunteers and leaders to get involved.  New project models, events, leadership and volunteer opportunities will be available to address needs in communities across the Chicagoland area. In the upcoming year Chicago Cares will also be celebrating our 20-year anniversary!  As an organization we have enlisted over 330,000 volunteers in service and contributed over 1.15 million hours of community service to Chicago!  Our wonderful volunteers and partners can look forward to even more quality service opportunities and experiences in the upcoming year.  Please encourage your friends, colleagues and family to volunteer with us in 2011.  We wouldn’t be able to continue our impact without you and your volunteers!

Be sure to keep connected to our current events and volunteer opportunities in 2011!  

People are the Answer. Volunteer.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Leader Spotlight: John Nagle


John Nagle is our Leader Spotlight this month. John joined Chicago Cares in 2009 and immediately got involved with our children’s recreation programs. John’s enthusiasm at his projects keeps the volunteers engaged, keeps the kids coming back, and energizes other leaders at his site - Young School. John is currently a leader with Young Sports League and his flexibility is an attribute that has also enabled him to help out with many other programs.
We asked John about his experiences with Chicago Cares projects:

Why do you volunteer at Young Sports League?
“I love teaching the kids sports and trying to be a positive role model for the kids. I have always had this love of sports/coaching and it's great that Chicago Cares has a program where I can realize this.”

Why do you think others should volunteer at Young Sports League or other programs?
“Because it and other programs are so helpful to the kids [and] people that attend them. I feel like I am being a good role model for the kids. I'm also giving the kids attention that they might not be getting at home. You actually might brighten someone's day by communicating with them or showing them some attention. If you are a giving outgoing person, Chicago Cares is the place for you!! You can use your personality for people [and] kids that might need your help.”

What do you enjoy most about your Chicago Cares leadership role?
“It's just connecting with others, whether [it’s through] recruiting/meeting volunteers, playing sports with the kids on their level or bonding with the staff at Young. It's all about the people that I meet. I love people!!”

What is one leadership technique, tip or trick that you'd like to share with fellow leaders?
“…Be aggressive in your leadership… Also, show the more introverted kids/people more attention… Talk to them and try to include them more. Also, Andrew [another leader] showed me to introduce everyone before we play. I still do this because it makes each kid feel important instead of just coming and playing. Make them feel special!”

We are excited to have John as a member of our leadership team. We thank him for his commitment to Young School and Chicago Cares.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Volunteering Does Your Body Good...

“Volunteering makes the heart grow stronger,” said David Eisner, CEO. “More than 61 million Americans volunteer to improve conditions for people in need and to unselfishly give of themselves. While the motivation is altruistic, it is gratifying to learn that their efforts are returning considerable health benefits.”

This quote is from a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service click here.  Just amazing!  Who would have thought when I signed up to tutor elementary kids in reading or serve dinner to the homeless, I was actually treating my body to some TLC?  

Friends, here is life-changing information.  This is information that will make you go directly to our website, www.chicagocares.org, and register to volunteer more than you ever have before.
Volunteering benefits both mental and physical health; for many of us, this is great news.
  1. Volunteering increases self-confidence. A healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction is what the doctor ordered. Doing well for others and the community, provides a natural sense of accomplishment.
  2. Volunteering combats depression. Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. It keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system.  This, in turn, protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.
  3. Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.
Well, I know what I’m going to do right before I log off my computer, what are YOU going to do?

Why Volunteer? Why Not?!


At Chicago Cares, we are fortunate to have a lot of amazing and very dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of service and realize all rewards associated with it.  Occasionally, however, we hear questions from outsiders who don’t fully grasp the purpose of or privileges involved with volunteering.  We would like to highlight some of the many reasons you should volunteer, and you may be surprised by some of the benefits!

Make a Difference
It’s a given that volunteering provides an opportunity to help others and to make an impact on the world.  You can contribute to a cause that you care about, share your passion with others, and give back to your community.  By committing a bit of your time, you can support families, improve schools, beautify your neighborhood, changes the lives of children and youth.  But your contribution doesn’t stop with each hour you give.  According to the Independent Sector, a volunteer’s time is estimated to be worth an average of $20.85 per hour!  That means that by volunteering, you are enabling monetary resources to be stretched further and spent on other initiatives and local improvements.

Make Friends and Social Connections
Facebook, Twitter, and social media are great, but human interaction is even better!  Get out in your community, meet new people, and make new friends.  If you have recently moved, volunteering is a great way to check out your new city or neighborhood and start making connections!  Volunteering is also a great way to build professional contacts and network with a variety of people.  Love connections have also been known to happen at service projects from time to time – but we make no guarantees!

Help Your Career and Build Your Resume
Volunteering can help you learn new skills to add to your resume, and it looks great to employers and schools.  It’s also a great way to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills!  If you are considering a career change, volunteering your time at a local agency or non-profit can help you explore new possibilities.  If you are unemployed, volunteering can fill employment gaps on your resume and allow you make important networking connections!  You can stay sharp and use your skills in a productive way that also benefits others. 


Better Yourself
If you feel like you need a change, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons.  If you crunch numbers all day, get involved with artistic or creative projects.  Or if you don’t interact much with children or seniors, try it out!  Many people find they feel better about themselves, and discover new passions or skills when they volunteer.  It can also provide a sense of belonging and purpose to those who are going through life transitions.  AARP recently reported that chronic loneliness is becoming an increasing problem among those age 45 and older; yet, they also found that people who volunteered were less likely to report being lonely that those who did not. 

Keep Learning
By working with non-profit organizations and public schools or agencies, you can learn a lot about local government and municipal operations. Through educational programs with children or adults, you could freshen up your math skills, brush up on your Spanish, or make a connection between history and current events.  Volunteers may also find hidden talents or learn something new about themselves in the process!

It’s Good for Your Health
In a survey released by UnitedHealthcare, volunteers reported reduced stress levels and said that volunteering made them feel healthier; additionally, it suggests that volunteers even have healthier BMIs than people who do not volunteer.  This survey also shows that people who volunteer are more satisfied with their lives and optimistic than non-volunteers.  And according to a report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, several studies have shown that volunteers have lower mortality rates, better health, and lower levels of depression.

If That Isn’t Enough…
In case you still are not convinced, Chicago Cares Service Events Coordinator, Megan Germain, explains her motivation for volunteering:
“I would not consider myself a very religious person, rather more spiritual, but Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given is much required.”  I certainly do not have oodles of time and money to give away; however, I still have a lot to be thankful for.  I have a warm, safe house, a loving family, and nutritious food at every meal.  
Money may not be something I can easily part with, but I can sacrifice an extra hour or two a week that I would ordinarily spend in front of the television or on Facebook.  My time is better used helping others to achieve safe, warm housing or a good meal.  Much has been given to me in life, via pure luck, hard work, or other’s generosity.  It is merely my civic duty to pay that forward.  Imagine if everyone were to give of their time as it equates with the blessings in their lives - what would the world be like?”