Service Opportunities

There are many ways to get started in serving. Some examples are:

1. See what service/volunteer opportunities your local church has
2. Connect with various volunteer websites such as www.christianvolunteering.org
3. See if your community has a volunteer center which may be a part of the Chamber of Commerce, Center for Nonprofit Excellence or United Way.
4. Partner with human service agencies, schools, city and Christian agencies and see what needs they may have for volunteers.

Listed below are websites for national organizations who use and need volunteers. We have included a brief description of what they do. Most of these organizations have local offices in most communities and their national web site will help you connect.

Rotary International

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

There are over 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary�s main objective is service � in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a nonprofit corporation that promotes world understanding through humanitarian service and educational and cultural exchanges.

Polio
Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians are united in a global campaign to eradicate polio.

For more information and to find a local affiliate (click here) - www.rotary.org/

United Way

United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting, positive changes in communities and people's lives. Building on more than a century of service as the nation's preeminent community-based fundraiser, United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, while measuring the results. United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement. While local United Way offices tackle issues based on local needs, common focus areas include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to health care, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families.

United Way: America's Number 1 Charity
A Snapshot of Resources Raised for 2006-2007

United Way's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. About 1,300 local United Way offices raise and invest significant resources to build strong, healthy communities. In 2006-07, the United Way system raised $4.07 billion in current year support (an increase of 2.3% over 2005-2006), continuing its status as the nation's largest private charity.

For more information and to find a local affiliate (click here) - www.unitedway.org

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty, housing, and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

HFHI invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.



HFHI has built more than 225,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda.

For more information and to find a local affiliate (click here) - www.habitatforhumanity.org