Happy summer from 5th Bridge!

We hope you are all having a fantastic summer full of family, friends, new adventures and "utterly joyful" service experiences.

Are you in a Circle of Service? Are you interested in participating in a Circle of Service or learning more about starting one? 5th Bridge is currently in the process of planning an event to promote Circles of Service later this summer, so let us know if you would like to be invited.

In case you don't know what a Circle of Service is, here it is in a nutshell: A Circle of Service is a group of people who come together to do 2-6 service projects per year. The group rotates the selection and organization of the service projects so that the time commitment is minimal (after all, the number one reason people don't volunteer – they're "too busy"), but the sense of accomplishment and fun of working together for a common good is maximized. Some Circles also contribute small amounts of money towards a project to pay for materials and supplies.

Northfield resident Jim Pokorney developed the initial concept. He was looking for a way to engage people in community service who didn't want to get involved with committees and meetings. We at 5th Bridge think his idea is great, so we are trying to promote the concept so that more people, who do not ordinarily get involved in service, do.

What's so great about a Circle of Service? Lots of things…

• You can have fun with friends, family, co-workers, teammates, and neighbors, and make a difference at the same time.
• The time commitment is minimal. (Most Circles do four, half-day to full-day projects per year and take turns selecting and coordinating the project.)
• It's flexible. (The group decides when, what, how often, how much, etc.)
• It's rewarding and often tangible. (One Circle built a deck for a Laura Baker group home!)
• It's an opportunity to share the causes you believe in with your friends. (Especially when it's your turn to select and coordinate the project!)
• Nonprofits and residents that are strapped financially can greatly benefit from the volunteer labor and provided materials.

What is the purpose of the event we are planning?

• Increase the number of Circles of Service in Northfield and beyond.
• Have the existing Circles share their best practices and pitfalls.
• Brainstorm ways that 5th Bridge can support Circles and make it easier to select and coordinate projects. (The number two reason people don't volunteer is that they "don't know what to do.")
• To provide a sincere invitation and support for people who want to begin volunteering. (The number three reason people don't volunteer – "No one asked me.")

If you or someone you know is involved in a Circle or might like to be involved, please e-mail candy@5thbridge.org or call 507-581-3017 to be included in the event.

Upcoming Events
Circle of Service event: August 2009 (exact date TBD)
5th Bridge hosts Feed My Starving Children's mobile food-packing unit:
  November 13–15, 2009
Goods for Good, The Great Northfield Rummage Raid for Charity:
  April 30–May 2, 2010

Recent Volunteer Opportunity Posting
Three Links Care Center needs volunteers to help staff their gift shop – see the complete posting on our website.

Check out our website for more information about starting a Circle of Service, as well as over 300 ways to volunteer.

Keep up the great service work. You are making a huge difference in our community and making our world a better place.

Sincerely,

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge