Giving DuPage after hours event promotes volunteerism
The spirit of service that rose out of the ashes of Sept. 11 continues this year as Giving DuPage and several area chambers of commerce bring together not-for-profits in need of volunteers and businesses ready to donate their time and talents.
The Business After Hours event, co-sponsored by the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with chambers in Darien, Lombard and Westmont, runs 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Downers Grove Moose Lodge 1535, 1030 Warren Ave., Downers Grove.
“With all the human services budget cuts, it’s more important than ever to volunteer time or talent to the many not-for-profits that serve those in need,” said Laura Crawford, president and chief executive officer of the Downers Grove Area chamber.
“The spirit of volunteerism was so great after 9/11, and this event is intended to keep that spirit alive by stimulating conversations and promoting interest between potential volunteers and not-for-profit organizations.”
Not-for-profit representatives will wear name tags that identify their organizations and one of their greatest volunteer needs. Business and community members will wear name tags of a different color that note a self-identified talent they would like to share, Crawford said. The event is free and open to the community.
Since 2002, Giving DuPage has hosted annual Days of Service and Remembrance to honor the tragedy of Sept. 11. These days have involved connecting churches, schools, businesses, Scout troops, families and individuals with service projects in area not-for-profits.
Last year, a gathering featuring music, speakers and on-site service projects at the Morton Arboretum commemorated the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
A new chapter begins this year as the emphasis is placed on matching skills with needs and creating ongoing relationships between community members and not-for-profit organizations.
“This is the first step in shifting the way we promote volunteerism,” said Kathy Blair, executive director of Giving DuPage.
“For many years, we have encouraged not-for-profit organizations to host projects for groups of volunteers on specific days and times, and the organizations have told us loud and clear that this is not the best way to meet their needs. The most effective volunteers are those that commit to serve over time and share talents that address a specific need that supports their mission.”
The next step in Giving DuPage’s shifting definition of volunteerism will be a workshop for not-for-profit volunteer leaders and their executive directors titled “Leading the Way to High-Impact Volunteer Engagement: Creating Effective New Partnerships with Today’s Volunteers.”
This event will be conducted by volunteer management expert Betty Stallings and will begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the Le Jardin restaurant at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.
The cost is $20 per person. Details are available at givingdupage.org, under News.
To reinforce ongoing volunteerism, copies of Giving DuPage’s 2012-13 annual Giving Guide will be distributed at the 9/11 Remember By Doing event. The guide features holiday and ongoing opportunities for 130 different agencies. It also lists agencies’ missions, websites and contact information.
Giving DuPage publishes the annual guide as an introduction to service in the DuPage County area. A more complete listing can be found on the Giving DuPage website, which includes a volunteer match to connect volunteers with local agencies.
The website has more than 330 agencies registered; however, not all of the agencies currently have volunteer opportunities posted.
Founded in 2001, Giving DuPage is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes giving and volunteerism in DuPage County. In addition to the annual Giving Guide and days of service, Giving DuPage hosts trainings, fairs and the Human Race, a 5K run/fitness walk that raised $48,000 for 27 not-for-profits in 2012.
If you go
What: Business After Hours focusing on volunteerism
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 11
Where: Downers Grove Lodge 1535, 1030 Warren Ave., Downers Grove
Cost: Free
Info: www.givingdupage.org or (630) 407-6458