Fraternity-Testvériség, 2000 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000-10-01 / 4. szám
Page 16 TESTVÉRISÉG through speaker invitations, listening to others share their own insights and experiences in business activities, and by venturing outside of the college realm into various workplaces for externships and internships. Such a great professional opportunity was made possible by more than just academics; it transpired due to my competence to adjust into any type group or situation, thus stemming from my past interaction within the Hungarian-Christian community. The Hungarian culture has left an incredible mark about my person. My heritage has granted me an insight into various cultures and different kinds of ethnicity. Due to my strong connection with the Hungarian community, my insight has expanded not only within my personal life, but into my professional life as well, further helping to form my own identity and character.” Jessica Lyn Zakhar, member of Branch 52\ “I am currently a sophomore at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut. I am a psychology major there. Before I write about my activities and goals I have for my life, let me tell you a little about my past. I have had the opportunity to be involved in many things in my life. I have had experience in many activities, such as dance, theatre, various sports, sailing, youth group, Mustard Seed Youth Ministry, teaching swimming classes, colorguard, and many school activities. One of my biggest accomplishments I believe was my involvement in the P.A.L. program in my senior year of high school. P.A.L. stands for Peer Academic Leader. They place us in a class of our choice and what a P.A.L. does is basically be a teachers aid and be there for the students who need help with their school work. This summer I attended my sixth year of youth camp with my church. This year was my first year being a CIT at camp, and that was a great learning experience for me. Now, as I begin my second year at WCSU, I am taking classes in psychology and communications. I work full-time as an associate manager at Zany Brainy, an educational toy store. Along with my job at the store, I do some babysitting for a family that I have known for four years. In my spare time, I love to be outside. I love to walk around campus and even find a nice spot on the bench and enjoy a nice sunny day. I also try to stay involved in Mustard Seed Youth Ministry while I am at college. My goal for my life is to finish college with a Bachelors Degree, and eventually use my degree to work with children and/or families. But for the next four year, I plan on finishing college, continuing my job at Zany Brainy, and staying involved in Mustard Seed.” (Jessica was recommended by HRFA Treasurer Suzanne S. Virgulák for Linda S. Van Buskirk, Manager of Br. 52) Volunteerism: Looking Toward the Future The creation and launch of JOIN HANDS DAY over the past year was far more successful than the organizers had hoped or expected. For many years, fraternal leaders have been addressing the $64 million question: how do we attract young people into our societies? With JOIN HANDS DAY, we think we are beginning to find a way. Several important highlights of the event included: • 20,000 young people turned out for 2,500 activities sponsored by local branches. • 20,000 adults joined the young people as participants in the branch events. • More societies participated than in any program in recent memory. • At least 59 different community organizations were recruited by local branches to participate in our new day. Research on young people reveals that they are attracted to important causes with national reach and stature, like JOIN HANDS DAY. This day will grow in the years ahead to be a huge national day of volunteer service. The NFCA plans to increase branch activity results by 30% next year by, among other things, introducing a state level JOIN HANDS DAY award program, upgrading their informational materials, as well as launching a fund raising campaign to support this event. Excerpted from a letter by John L. Dutton, President and David J. Larson, Chair National Fraternal Congress of America The HRFA had more than 30 members from two branches participate in the 2000 inaugural JOIN HANDS DAY. The date for next year’s JOIN HANDS DAY has been set for June 16, 2001. If you are a youth or adult member of an HRFA branch and would like to participate in or even organize a local volunteer activity, contact your Branch Manager or the Home Office to express this interest. NFCA Youth Volunteer Scholarship Program If you are reading this, then you probably belong to a fraternal benefit society. Because your society is a member of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), the association of America's Fraternal Benefit Societies, then you can be one of: • 6 Volunteer Scholars to win up to $7,000 • 8 Honorable Mention Recipients to win up to $1,000 The scholarship is directed to graduating high school seniors who have shown a commitment to performing volunteer service in the community. NATIONAL FRATERNAL CONGRESS OF AMERICA * JOINING HANDS TO TOUCH LIVES Application Deadline: February 28, 2001 UP TO $50, AVAILABLE! 1 Please contact your society headquarters or visit the NFCA web site at www.nfcanet.ora for more information. J
