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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Hi all,</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>First, a very happy new year to my fellow Community
Service Division members. With the beginning of the new year, I thought we could
do something fun that will hopefully also encourage people to get more involved
in their communities throughout 2015 and beyond.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Tell us about an organization—local or national—that
you really, really want to volunteer with. Maybe it’s one that you’ve known
about for some time but just haven’t approached yet to see about volunteering,
either because you’re not sure how you would do some of the tasks, you’re not
sure you have time, or you’re hesitant for some other reason. If you don’t
already have an organization in mind, look around on the Internet a bit for
organizations in your community and see what you find that sparks your interest.
I’ve found that <A
href="http://www.greatnonprofits.org">www.greatnonprofits.org</A> is a great
resource for all kinds of nonprofit organizations all over the country that may
be in need of volunteers. I love cats, and when I lived in Denver last year, I
found a small no-kill cat shelter on GreatNonprofits that I never would have
found otherwise. GreatNonprofits also has reviews from volunteers about what
it’s like to volunteer for specific organizations.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Remember to think big: When you’re thinking about
or looking for your organization, focus on something that you’re really
passionate about, that makes you think “Wow, that sounds amazing! I really want
to do that!” D</FONT><FONT color=#000000>on’t worry if you’re not sure how to do
some of the tasks or if some of the tasks seem intimidating. That’s what we’re
all here for (more on that in just a bit *smile*).</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Once you’ve picked an organization, tell us about
it--what it is, what it’s about, and why its mission, values, focus, or anything
else about it speaks to you and makes you absolutely want to volunteer there. If
you have any questions or concerns about volunteering there or about any of the
tasks that volunteers may typically do there, feel free to ask them. That’s
where all of us on this list come in. </FONT><FONT color=#000000>Ultimately, my
hope is that the sharing and networking that happen here will result in more
people finding organizations to volunteer with and more opportunities to give
back to their communities.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000>Chris Parsons</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>Vice President, National Federation of the Blind Community Service
Division</DIV>
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