JOIN HANDS DAY, which was created by the fraternal benefit system, is the only volunteer day on the Seasons of Service calendar that specifically targets and fosters relationships between youths and adults through neighborhood volunteering. Young people and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement the day's activities. Building relationships across generations restores confidence, trust and respect for each other and creates a sense of community.

This year, 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.

In addition, Canadian councils can now qualify for the JOIN HANDS DAY Excellence award! In order for any project to qualify for the Excellence Award, the project must be conducted on the office JOIN HAND DAY, Saturday, May 3, 2008, and it must be registered through the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site by no later than June 6, 2008.

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