JOIN HANDS DAY 2010
Generations uniting to make a difference

JOIN HANDS DAY has become a noted day of service sponsored by fraternal benefit societies throughout North America. It is the only volunteer day on the Seasons of Service calendar that specifically targets and develops relationships between young people and adults through volunteer community service. Traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, JOIN HANDS DAY celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

Youth and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement their communities' JOIN HANDS DAY activities, building relationships across generations that restore confidence, trust and respect for each other and create a sense of community.

A number of UCT councils have reported JOIN HANDS DAY activities. Whether it was cleaning up local parks and centers or spending time with veterans and nursing home residents, UCT members throughout the United States and Canada - and the youth they partnered with - made a difference right where they live. This year's participating councils include:

Cranbrook, B.C. Council 1023
Capitol Council 95, Springfield, Illinois
Janesville, Wisconsin Council 108
Ardmore, Oklahoma Council 151
Jacksonville, Illinois Council 182
Hagerstown, Maryland Council 311
Fraternal Council 380, Jackson, Ohio
James B. Chrisp Council 448, Brandon, Manitoba
Frontier Council 727, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Moncton, New Brunswick Council 758
Ocala, Florida Council 808
Madawaska Council 830, Edmundston, New Brunswick
Blomidon Council 918, Kentville, Nova Scotia
Neepawa, Manitoba Council 924
Minnedosa, Manitoba Council 926
Boissevain, Manitoba Council 940
Glenboro, Manitoba Council 943

Councils that plan and participate in a JOIN HANDS DAY project will receive not one, but two, credits toward the council's Medal of Honor requirement. In addition to receiving a credit for conducting a JOIN HANDS DAY event, the council may also use the event as a credit in any of the other categories where the bonus might be needed. All JOIN HANDS DAY projects MUST BE reported to the Fraternal Department in order for councils to receive credits.

For detailed information about JOIN HANDS DAY, contact the Fraternal Department at (800) 848-0123, ext. 126, or at amarshall@uct.org. You may also gather information and ideas for future projects by visiting the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site at www.joinhandsday.org or by calling (630) 522-6322.