Becoming a Community Leader in Raleigh, North Carolina

Being a volunteer enthusiast myself, I am compelled to spread the word about volunteering and get as many people involved as I possibly can. Here is a list of ways to get involved throughout Raleigh, North Carolina's communities. I will breakdown these opportunities into three categories Neighborhood Service Division, Youth Service Division, and Volunteer and Human Services Division. Most of these are volunteering opportunities and others are services offered.

Neighborhood Service Division:

Citizens' Participation Leadership Institute: This is a community leadership program that is offered to Raleigh residents who want to gain leadership qualities in order to enhance their civic engagement. This program only accepts 25 participates and is only offered in the Fall and Spring.

Celebrating neighborhood Month: This service is to encourage neighborhood involvement. During this month there are outdoor activities such as parades, tours, and picnics. The committee members themselves meet each year to plan these weekend events.

Neighborhood Exchange: Consist of Friday banquet and motivational speakers. Saturday has breakout sessions and a discussion of neighborhood issues. This is an annual event typically happening during September's "Neighborhood Month."

Citizen Area Liaisons: this position is a the liaison between neighborhood residents, organization, agency, and resource. The duties of a liaison are arranging neighborhood meetings, leading discussions on area issues, sharing information and ideas with other neighborhood leaders.

Youth Services Programs:

Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program: This is a program idea for teenagers a living in Raleigh. They can develop skill that can be used for the rest of their lives. The youth will perform a service and earn at the same time. In order to participate you have to live within the city limits and be between the ages of 14-18.

Beltline Clean-up/Median Beautification Program: This program starts in October and accepts twenty youth within Raleigh. Every Saturday form 7:30a.m.- 4:00p.m.

World Changers and Hope Builders: This is an opportunity for junior and senior high students. The youth participate in helping low to moderate income homeowners who are in need of home improvement. this happens during the summer months.

Volunteer and Human Services Division:

Foster Grandparent program: This program is to promote the relationship between people over 60 and children with disabilities.

Human Services Grant Fund: This is a grant fund offered to non profits that help the elderly, youth, handicap, and homeless. If interested call Community Services Department at 919-831-6100

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: This program is for people 55 or over who want to spend time helping others.

Source:
www.raleighnc.gov/communityservices