VOLUNTEER NETWORK
NEWSLETTER
June 2018
outreach-international.org
LOOKING BACK TOWARDS THE FUTURE After months of sorting, packing and planning, Outreach International is officially in our new building! Between the arrival of our move-date and springtime, it seems like this year is flying by. Even more amazing is that next year, on April 23rd, Outreach International will celebrate our 40th anniversary! As you can imagine, with nearly 40 years of documents, publications, and photographs, there’s a lot to sift through. We have been working to sort and digitize all the precious artifacts most representative of our work and history, of which you are an indelible part. Loyal Outreach office volunteers and I have sorted through approximately 17,850 print photos, 157 slide carousels, plus boxes full of videos, CDs, floppy disks, and cassette tapes. It’s a process: Organizing photos by country, archiving photos and slides from our early years, digitizing other materials from the past for future anniversary celebrations, and even handing off some batches of media to staff for transportation back to their field program areas of origin. The fact that many of our current office volunteers elected not to make the drive to our new location is bittersweet, but we trust there will be other great volunteers who follow in their footsteps and advance our mission as we move forward. Re-visiting all this history, I’m reminded of the many years that you, our volunteers, have rallied around us. Campaigns like the Calendar Club pledge program, Haiti crisis appeals, Caribbean Kids, Youth Hunger Challenges, the L.E.A.P. (Let’s End All Poverty) children’s program, Outreach Partnerships, the Sustain program, Advent Stable, Trailblazers, and other efforts, have brought relief from suffering to many, and helped empower others, providing a brighter future for their families. Beginning with the emphasis placed on the value of individuals, human dignity, and spiritual wholeness by the Community of Christ’s Missions Health Foundation from 1969-1989, you have been our flag-bearers for
Outreach International Volunteer Network Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Outreach Move • A Vision to Share • Supporters Highlights & Ideas
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A VISION TO SHARE – THE COURAGE TO CARE While sorting through documents to archive, we found this song, composed by early Outreach President Robert P. Bruch, which was sung at the ceremony celebrating the merger of Missions Health Foundation and Outreach International on September 9, 1989. The more I have talked with founders and Outreach board members about their hopes and dreams for Outreach International, the more timeless these sentiments seem. Kathy Robinson, one of our volunteers and an early board member, recently shared how thrilling it is to see the Outreach of today as a reflection and manifestation of the hopes, vision, and goals of those present at our founding, 40 years ago. (Tune: Theme from the movie Chariots of Fire – Adapted)
This world in transition, old forms torn apart Creates a new mission, demands a new heart. The new world is crushing the one that we knew. Our minds barely touching the change rushing through. Chorus: But ours is a dream that gives the world A vision to share, And ours is the hope that gives the people Courage to care. Hold on to the dream that gives the world A vision to share, And cherish the hope that gives the people Courage to care. The globe is a village some five billion strong*. We’re building the home where each one can belong. The cry is beyond us, it beckons us on. Our passion upon us, eternity-long. Chorus: If ever a singer were needed to sing, If ever a dreamer were needed to dream, If ever a people were called on to stand, It’s surely this moment, it’s surely this land. (Suggestion: Your group could use this song to celebrate Outreach International Day on October 21st, 2018!) *Now 7.3 Billion
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Outreach International Volunteer Network Newsletter
SUPPORTER HIGHLIGHTS Breaking the cycle of poverty is a team effort. That’s why you are so Important – you motivate positive change! Check out some of the creative ways people are making a difference. CADMANS GET THEIR KICKS ON ROUTE 66 Volunteers Bob and Doris Cadman are doing their 3rd Outreach-International Pedaling4Pennies fundraiser this summer, cycling 2,499 miles from the Santa Monica Pier in California all the way to Chicago, IL throughout May and June. Their goal is to raise $2500, or $1 per mile, for Outreach International. We’re certain they’ll help break the cycle of poverty, and hopeful they don’t break their actual cycle! Support the Cadmans or create your own fundraiser today at support.outreach-international.org/goto/pedaling4pennies.
programs, most recently, the Haiti Primary Schools. Illustrator Linda French Griffin, Kernersville’s Volunteer Network Representative since 2004, has been instrumental in engaging her congregation in our work, and even provided artwork for an Outreach Christmas card and Peace Poster a few years ago. Thanks to Linda and the Kernersville congregation for their consistent support of our mission and thanks to all of you who have partnerships with Outreach! How are you inspiring your community to create change on behalf of Outreach this summer? Give us the scoop, send us some photos, or do your own fundraiser at outreach-international.org/fundraise and let us help celebrate your event with you!
GIRL SCOUTS UPCYCLE OUTREACH T-SHIRTS One of the Daisies Girl Scout Troops for grades K-1 in Independence, MO, is already thinking environmentally, turning a bunch of outdated Outreach International T-shirts into cute carry-all bags. The shirts’ sentiments inspire others and promote Outreach – a win-win for sharing our mission and serving as a Pinterest-worthy inspiration for other young DIY’ers! KUDOS TO KERNERSVILLE Congrats to the Kernersville, NC Community of Christ congregation on their 20th Partnership! Since 1991, the congregation has supported several different field
Spring idea-starters Get the jump on summer by planning ahead – and help others get involved by reminding them about (or inviting them to) the following events and activities! World Environment Day – June 5. How might you pair an eco-friendly activity like trash pickup or mass plantings with a fundraiser that can make a difference for the likeminded communities implementing sustainable solutions where we work? Take a photo and share what you did with us on social media at www.facebook.com/outreachinternational.sustainablegood. Father’s Day – June 17. Are you looking for a meaningful gift? Let your dad know how much you appreciate what great footsteps he left for you to follow with a great pair of Outreach socks – or let him know how cool he is with a pair of Outreach shades! Check them out at outreach-international.org/shop/handcrafted. International Youth Day – August 12. Young people are becoming engaged at an earlier age in enhancing global society. Plan now to engage the youngsters in your community in learning about, and making a positive contribution to, their neighbors worldwide by participating in a team challenge for a weekend, a day, or half-day. Outreach International Volunteer Network Newsletter
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LOOKING BACK TOWARDS THE FUTURE (continued) justice and equality. That dedication saw the incorporation of Outreach, Inc. from 1972-1979, and another transformation in 1979 to Outreach International as a 501(c)(3) organization, with a broader focus on human development. This is your legacy, and the legacy of the many volunteers and donors who came before you.
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018 5:00-9:00 PM
112 W. 18th St. KC, MO 64108 You’re invited to join us at our new HQ location for our Open House on Friday, June 1st, from 5-9 P.M. Our new office is located at 112 W. 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. Find more details at here, on Outreach’s Facebook Just as our unique Participatory Human Development Process event page: outreach-international.org/firstfridays. creates transformational, lasting change in our community partners’ lives, Outreach International has continued to evolve and grow, giving voice to the voiceless. Our move to the Crossroads District in Kansas City is indicative of our own transformation, as we will now have a central location and visible presence that enables us to share our mission with a new and larger audience than ever.
OPEN HOUSE
Warm regards,
ANSWERS + RESOURCES
Marsha Penrose
Volunteer Manager Outreach International 4
Volunteer Manager m.penrose@outreachmail.org 888.833.1235 (Toll-Free USA) Outreach International Volunteer Network Newsletter