Lead at Chicago Cares' Annual Celebration of Service!

Celebration of Service is coming up on Saturday, January 15, 2011 and with the holidays fast approaching, that day will be here before you know it!  On this day, we celebrate the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of community and non-violence.  To that end, we also celebrate the fact that people are the answer.  Community and non-violence cannot be achieved simply out of legislation, financial contributions, or a quiet life.  It takes many people to participate and invest, and it takes leadership to help drive this change.

 In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence.  Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation.  The foundation of such a method is love.”  As a Project Site Manager (“PSM”), you can be an example of this love through service and leadership.

During Celebration of Service, Chicago Cares will send out approximately 4,000 volunteers throughout the city of Chicago to aid schools and non-profit agencies in facility improvement and beautification projects, as well as engage youth, seniors, and adults with disabilities in fun, interactive and educational programs.

We need experienced leaders to join this effort and make a difference in both the organizations we serve as well as in our individual volunteers.  This is one day that can lead to a year of excited school spirit for a student who will be walking down newly painted halls; one day where memories of conversations had between seniors and youth will be remembered fondly; one day that can jump start a lifetime of service for a volunteer! 

Watch your e-mail for an invitation to sign up as a Project Site Manager soon.  The team at Chicago Cares will make sure you receive all the training you need to make this day a success.  Thank you in advance on behalf of all the lives you will be affecting!

Lead at the Celebration of Service and Honor Dr. King

It may be hard to believe, but January will be here before we know it. Please consider leading a project at the 2011 Celebration of Service on January 15^th. 

What does it mean to be a Chicago Cares Leader for Celebration of Service?  You will be trained to lead a small group of volunteers (encourage your friends and family to BE those volunteers!) as they take part in one of our various projects to brighten the lives of children, seniors or adults with disabilities. Volunteer opportunities can range from throwing a birthday party for Dr. King to creating hope quilts or spending time with seniors. There are many projects for everyone to participate in! 

In 2010 over 3,300 volunteers and leaders served more than 40 agencies and schools across Chicago during Celebration of Service.  Each project is uniquely rewarding and reminds us that we can all make a difference—even in just one day. We hope you will join us on January 15^th! 

Celebration of Service - How Will You Keep His Memory Alive?

Our Business Shares is in full force this season, providing excellent opportunities for our seasoned PSMs to practice their leadership skills, but we’re still gearing up for the Celebration of Service in January 2011. Our Celebration of Service (in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) is the perfect opportunity for leaders from all walks of the Chicago Cares community to get involved and make a difference in one service day across our city. Projects will include opportunities to serve with seniors, children’s education programs, adults with disabilities and facilities rehabilitation.

How can you prepare as a leader for this event? It is never too soon to start spreading the word to your volunteers about the many ways in which they can become involved. Leaders can also recruit friends, family or fellow leaders to start a Project Site Manager team and serve together for this event. Our greatest resource for recruitment is through our leaders and their close relationships with volunteers. We appreciate your efforts in spreading the word and excitement about this excellent event.