JOIN HANDS DAY

When is it? Saturday, May 5, 2012

What is it? It is a unique national day of volunteerism specifically targeting young people and adults as they build relationships through volunteer activities in their own neighborhoods. Created and sponsored by America’s fraternal benefit societies, such as Royal Neighbors of America, it is designed to improve communication between generations.

Royal Neighbors chapters are encouraged to support our Growing & Giving TogetherSM theme by planting container, raised, or community gardens. The gardens can inspire and empower women and those they care about to put nutritious food on the table and help feed the less fortunate. To learn more, refer to our garden projects section below.

Garden Projects:

How can Royal Neighbors chapters receive a $25 bonus and credit for participation in a JOIN HANDS DAY project? Meet the following criteria:

  • Adult chapters partner with at least one youth group/chapter.
  • Youth chapters partner with at least one adult group/chapter.
  • Execute all or a significant part of your project on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
    • If you miss the date because of scheduling conflicts or bad weather, your project will not qualify as a JOIN HANDS DAY project. However, it will still count as a community service project for the second quarter.
  • Complete JOIN HANDS DAY Report Form 210; Rev. 10-2011 and return it to the Home Office postmarked by May 25, 2012.
  • Monetary donations and teddy bear presentations do not count as JOIN HANDS DAY projects.

 

One of the criteria for the 2012 "Sandestination, FL" Chapter Leadership Trip is to fulfill the above guidelines.

How can Royal Neighbors chapters be considered for one of the top three project awards?

  • Meet the $25 bonus/credit for participation criteria.
  • Submit clear digital or physical photos by the reporting deadline of May 25, 2012.
  • Photo copies and newspaper clippings do not count as photos.

The three Royal Neighbors chapters selected as having the most successful 2012 projects will each be awarded $100.

With the help of all chapters, members, and agents, JOIN HANDS DAY will continue to be a day of great importance to communities across the country as well as the fraternal benefit system.

For an active chapter in your area or more information, contact Vickie at Vickie.Sedam@royalneighbors.org (please include JHD in the subject line) or call (800) 627-4762, ext. 8260.

Upcoming JOIN HANDS DAY dates (The first Saturday in May each year):

  • May 5, 2012
  • May 4, 2013
  • May 3, 2014

 

Whenever youths are involved in a project, it is important to provide clear adult supervision. Additionally, caution should be exercised whenever operating power tools or potentially dangerous equipment.

Have fun and be safe!