Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Why do I volunteer?


By LaDelle Kay

Why do I volunteer? I ask myself that question occasionally and always come back to the same answer: it is my duty to give back in whatever way I can.

I have been blessed with wonderful mentors in my life. Lessons in giving and volunteering began with a mother who, though possessing little materially, gave what she had to those in our community and to my large family. She taught us that we all have something to give and to give graciously and with generosity. That pattern continued during grade school and high school years and into adulthood as teachers, church leaders, business leaders and community individuals modeled the art of volunteering. It is said that education is the key, and I learned extensively from those caring individuals.


Many opportunities for volunteerism are available that utilize your talents. We all have a chance to make positive lasting changes in lives in our community. I encourage you to get involved in your community, because organizations are waiting with open arms to embrace you as a volunteer.

Woodrow Wilson described volunteerism beautifully:

"We are not merely here to make a living…we are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. We are here to enrich the world, and we impoverish ourselves if we forget the errand."

GIVE. VOLUNTEER. ADVOCATE

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

How to support youth health and wellness

By Eloisa Herrero

Last week, together with our Annual Campaign Kick off, we kicked off our Back to Football Friday Campaign. We encouraged fans of all ages to show their NFL team pride and sign up for a chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl.

I would really like to emphasize that the main objective of this campaign is NOT to sit in front of the television the rest of the year watching every single football game possible. The main objective is “to raise awareness about the issue of childhood obesity and creating new opportunities for young people to lead healthier lifestyles.”

The question is how do we “tackle” the child obesity rate which has nearly doubled in the last ten years?

Here are some examples of how you can encourage children (and adults too!) to be more active and healthier:

• Start a walking or running club in your neighborhood
• Organize a mini flag football league in your community
• Provide free dancing lessons….girls love dancing!
• Advocate for healthier meal options at school
• Organize a weekly family trip to the farmer’s market in your area and get tons of fruits and veggies!
• Help a neighbor with their yard work - mowing or raking are great exercise!
• Make sodas a weekend-only-beverage
• All the family helps mom to do the housework!
• Organize an Egg Rolling Championship (involves propelling a hard-boiled egg with a long-handled spoon about 20 feet or more!)
• Bike rides with family and friends
• Declare a no screen week- no television, computer, video game or cell-phone

The list can be endless, just remember to have a lot of fun while you and the people around you get healthier!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Kickoff's Eve

By Eloisa Herrero

Have you ever wondered what happens on the eve of the GLUW Campaign Kickoff?? Let me show you how the GLUW staff and representatives of partner agencies get busy the day before the event.

Setting up the stage








Setting up the tables









Taking care of the office while everybody is gone!



Tonight, all the GLUW staff will be praying for an inspiring kickoff and for a successful 2010 campaign!