An FAQ on Aktion Club and why everyone can partake in this incredible club.
By: Molly Crawford
Volunteering provides opportunities to give back to our communities and helps us to feel involved with those in our communities. However, how do you know which volunteer opportunities work best for you? This question can pose significant difficulty for individuals with disabilities as organizations may not feel equipped to work with individuals with special needs in a volunteer capacity. However, Aktion Club creates a safe space with opportunities for service where individuals with disabilities make the decisions and lead the club.
Three Rivers Community Care has been working with the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden to start an Aktion Club for any interested individuals. This blog post will provide some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the club.
1. What is Aktion Club?
Aktion Club is a service leadership program through Kiwanis International. It is the ONLY service organization of its kind in the world. Our club will be sponsored/supported by the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden. Aktion Club provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in and choose service projects/volunteer projects with their peers/other group members.
2. Who runs Aktion Club?
Aktion Club will be supported by a member of the Kiwanis Club of Sheraden and a staff member of 3RCC. However, members will make up the leadership roles including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, etc. of the club. Members will also make all decisions regarding club projects and activities.
3. Do members have to have a support person attend meetings with them?
This depends on the individual, requirements of their ISP, and their comfort level in community situations. While a site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will always be present, individuals and their caregivers should consider what is best for them.
4. When/how often/where will meetings be held?
Meetings are held monthly and will take place at the 3RCC Community Center in Carnegie, PA. Dates and times will be determined once we have enough members for the charter and will be based completely around their availability. We hope to have our first meeting in September/October.
5. What kind of service projects/volunteer projects will members participate in?
Members will decide what service projects and volunteer activities they wish to participate in. They can range from making cards for veterans at the VA hospital, to food drives, to volunteering time at the Salvation Army or cleaning up litter in our communities. The possibilities are endless and the site facilitator and Kiwanis representative will work to ensure that all members interested in participating have the opportunity.
6. Is there a cost to participate?
There is no fee unless the members decide to charge a
membership dues that would be used to help cover costs for materials or for fun activities for the club such as a summer ice cream party or a holiday party in December.
7. What are the benefits of Aktion Club membership?
As a member of Aktion Club individuals achieve a wealth of benefits including leadership and decision making opportunities. Members run the club and vote for president, vice president, and other leadership roles among their peers. Through service projects, volunteer projects, and club meetings members gain valuable social and community interactions to help increase their feelings of confidence in the community and feelings of self worth.
Comentarios