It's a great opportunity to form new friendships!

JOIN HANDS DAY is a special day that was created for members of all fraternal benefit societies to reach out and demonstrate their fraternal spirit and to bring young people and adults together in a fraternal day of volunteering. Thousands of society members took advantage of this exciting opportunity to form new friendships and build generational relationships on May 3, 2008.

Developed by America's fraternal benefit societies in partnership with the nationally recognized Points of Light Foundation, JOIN HANDS DAY specifically targets and builds relationships between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering. Youths and adults work together to plan, organize, and implement the day's activities. As participants carry out their projects, it is likely that bonds of friendship will be created. As friendships grow, communication and understanding will improve between generations.

The day highlights volunteer opportunities and demonstrates the important role fraternal benefit societies play in today's world.

Studies by the JOIN HANDS DAY organization show that the annual event is successfully bridging the generation gap. Seventy-nine percent of youth survey respondents who have participated reported that their experiences with JOIN HANDS DAY helped them better appreciate adults.

Likewise, 76 percent of adults who participated in JOIN HANDS DAY now realize that young people are more responsible than they previously thought.

Adults are encouraged to join with youngsters to plan projects that will help develop friendships, support volunteerism, assist the community, and raise awareness of fraternal benefit societies.

JOIN HANDS DAY 2009 is May 2!
  
For more information go to the JOIN HANDS DAY Web site
  

    
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