Well it’s been some time since you’ve heard from me. I haven’t fallen from the face of the earth, but I have been busy. I’ve been busy thinking of new and exciting ways that the DRI Foundation can help those in need of BCP help and how we can have an inspiring and rewarding volunteer work experience atDRI2013, to be held June 4-7, 2013, in Philadelphia.
As you may recall, last May 19, the DRI Foundation organized a volunteer day in New Orleans as part of DRI2012. More than 75 conference attendees, DRI staff, DRI Foundation staff, and vendors worked on building a home (with Habitat for Humanity) and sorting and packaging food and household items (with Second Harvest/Feeding America) in the greater New Orleans area. All volunteers were provided a volunteer appreciation bag at the Friday night pep-rally, a T-shirt, and Po-boy sandwich lunch and teambuilding post volunteer day dinner. Happily, all volunteers reported that the experience was extraordinary and satisfying on many levels and that they couldn’t wait to do it again.
Well, we are in the planning stages of Volunteer Day 2013 in Philadelphia. Our primary goal is to have construction and a food pantry type effort. For those unable to participate in the official Volunteer Day, we hope to
provide volunteer work options before and after the conference for you to pursue on your own. Stay tuned as we fine tune the details and dates.
As I did prior to the New Orleans conference, I will be providing you with helpful hints about things to do in Philadelphia – music, food, touristy stuff, history, and hints about what to expect from this year’s conference.
I look forward to the City of Brotherly Love being the place where we get to share our love of helping others. The DRI2013 conference will deliver new excitement and great programs, and Volunteer Day will provide a heart-warming way to give back. If last year is a good barometer, you will make lifelong friendships while you work side by side, and you will have the satisfaction of making a difference while working to help others. I guarantee that being a part of the DRI Foundation and our volunteer effort will be a feel-good experience that you will truly enjoy.
I am happy to be back and hope you will e-mail me with your ideas and comments regarding Clyde’s Corner and the Volunteer effort next June.
All the best,
Clyde
Director of Volunteerism and Vice President
cberger@driif.org