UCT in Action

Making a Difference Together

It’s time to start planning your JOIN HANDS DAY project!

Posted on Mar 13, 2014 by: David Knapp

The long winter has almost reached an end, and it’s time to “think spring!” For many UCT members this means it’s time to start planning a JOIN HANDS DAY project to support a community cause.  

Traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, JOIN HANDS DAY is a noted day of service throughout North America that specifically targets and develops relationships between young people and adults by encouraging them to coordinate joint volunteer projects each year. Youth and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement the day’s activities, building trust and respect for each other and creating a sense of community in the process.

UCT local councils have been involved with JOIN HANDS DAY since its inception in 2000. Members throughout the U.S. and Canada – and the youth they partner with each year – make a difference in their communities by coordinating local festivals, cleaning up parks and other local areas, initiating environmental projects, building Habitat for Humanity homes, and making life a little brighter for seniors.

National organizations that have promoted JOIN HANDS DAY to their members include the American Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, the National FFA Organization, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Host America, Salvation Army and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

If you have yet to organize a JOIN HANDS DAY project, maybe it’s time you did! Whether it’s local students, a youth organization or just kids in the neighborhood, consider joining with youth ages 8-18 to work with your UCT local council on a volunteer project to better your community. You – and those who benefit from your efforts – will be glad you did!

For the UCT Medal of Honor Program, your JOIN HANDS DAY project can be held anytime throughout the year. In addition to the JOIN HANDS DAY category in the program, your event can count as an additional project if your council is short one task needed to reach your goal.

Need some project ideas? Check out the JOIN HANDS DAY website at actioncenter@joinhandsday.org or go to the Members area of UCT’s website at www.uct.org.

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