Recruiting!

NCL has a strong branch in Salt Lake made up of fantastic people, both patronesses and ticktockers. However, even though our area covers the entire Salt Lake valley, the same (fantastic) members seem to be returning again and again from the same few schools. When I got the opportunity to join NCL, I found myself the only member at my school.

This year, NCL is going to make an effort to spread awareness and membership through the valley. Just because the prospective meeting is over doesn't mean it's too late to invite friends or classmates to join next year. Students going into grades 7, 8, 9, or 10 in the 2013-2014 school year are welcome to become a part of NCL.

Reach out to friends or even family who you think would like to be a part of the charity. If there's one thing I've learned in my past year as a ticktocker, it's that an organization like this will attract the right kind of people. This is a big commitment and requires a lot of effort. A friend won't join because they feel obligated to when they hear about it from you, but when the right person hears about it from you, they'll be eager to.

Spread the word! Wear your t-shirt this week, explain what we do at school, post a picture on Facebook- There are girls like us all over Salt Lake that would love to join if they only knew what it was we were doing. I know: I was one of them up until last year.

10th Grade Ticktockers at The Road Home

This week, the tenth grade ticktockers used the money they raised at the beginning of the year at our Macy's Shop For a Cause fundraiser to purchase, cook, and serve a dinner at The Road Home (their grade's focus charity).

There is such a unique and special attiude at The Road Home. Everyone we had the opportunity to serve was so kind and grateful for their food. This was a fantastic experience for everyone involved- the patronesses that were able to come with us, the beautiful people we were able to serve, and all the girls who were able to come.

Thank you to all who participated! Remember that your hours are due by April 15th. If you need to catch up on your hours before then, come volunteer at the next Real Soccer game on March 30th. Contact Tani4@msn.com if you're interested!

Girl Rising: International Women's Day

This Thursday, NCL Salt Lake members were invited to a free screening of Girl Rising at Rose Wagner Theater, part of a celebratory kick-off for Friday's International Women's Day.

The night started with the opportunity to meet with other women focused charities in Salt Lake. We were able to meet the wonderful women and men behind Sheroes United, the YWCA, and Girls on the Run, to name only a few. Ticktockers manned a booth to promote NCL along side each of the other charities.

Girl Rising tells the story of nine different girls from countries around the world fighting for the right to freedom and education. They struggle against slavery, arranged marriages, poverty, and other obstacles that are almost impossible to imagine for people as priviliged as us.

It is extremely easy sometimes to pretend that stories like these exist only in the movies. Every story told in Girl Rising is based on fact, and every girl depicted in the film exists. Each girl worked with a female writer from her own country to construct a narrative of her story that was shown in the film.

 

If you weren't able to make it to the screening, check out the Girl Rising website to find or host another screening near you.

The Sharing Place: Charity Spotlight

 

2012 was my first year as a part of NCL. The Sharing Place has been one of the most welcoming and helpful charities to work with as my sister and I both try to get settled in.

The staff were so cheerful and helpful as they set us up with our very first volunteer opportunity through NCL. They helped us feel comfortable and excited to get to work, especially to help such a great cause.

The Sharing Place is a grief center for children and teens struggling with the loss of a loved one in their life. Volunteer counselors work with them support groups that include hands on art projects and games.

While any hands on work with the kids is reserved for volunteers ages eighteen and older, the staff are always looking for ways to improve their beautiful, kid friendly facility. It's easy to arrange an appointment to help re-organize one of their many play areas or help them re-design or decorate. For any Ticktocker who loves being creative and innovative, The Sharing Place is the perfect volunteer opportunity.

The Sharing Place is the seventh grade's charity focus in NCL Salt Lake, but a Ticktocker from any age group can volunteer. It's an easy and comfortable experience, especially for new Ticktockers.

For members and non-members of NCL, volunteers are welcome. You can learn more about The Sharing Place at their website, thesharingplace.org. For a phone number and email address to contact the staff by, click here.