Volunteering at Caring Network – A Personal Perspective
The Pro-Life movement was always important to me, but it was not until recently that I became a volunteer for Caring Network. I didn’t know where or how to start volunteering. I wasn’t sure how much time I would be able to give, and I was somewhat reluctant to add responsibilities to an already-busy schedule. But after several years of considering whether or not to be part of a pro-life ministry, I finally got connected to Caring Network as a volunteer. I have since learned that there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, and that it is quite easy to find a role where you would be best able to serve. So even if you are not sure what level of involvement you can commit to, or where your strengths and skill sets may be best applied, consider simply taking a small first step. There are a number of ways you can volunteer, and any option you choose will be a rewarding and fantastic way to serve others.
Caring Network is a pro-life organization in the Chicagoland area. We support those facing an unplanned pregnancy by providing practical services and compassionate care. Our mission is vital and can’t be fulfilled without the contributions of our supporters, local churches, and volunteers. To learn more about how you can help us in this vital work, check out our volunteer opportunities.
Pro-Life Organization – How Can I Serve?
Church Participation
One option is to volunteer through your local church. Many churches already have pro-life volunteer opportunities, so it is quite easy to become involved if you are already a church attendee. For example, Caring Network partners with churches to host a Baby Bottle Drive; if you want to participate, you simply take a baby bottle home, fill it with spare change, and bring it back to the church when it’s full. You can also give directly to the Baby Bottle Drive electronically! It is an easy way to contribute financially to Caring Network. Many churches also have baby item collection drives to help moms in need. When you are out shopping, just remember to pick up a few extra items such as diapers or clothing, and you can drop them off at your church when you are able. To learn more about both of these opportunities, reach out to Tracy at tracy@caringnetwork.com.
Volunteer with Caring Network
If you want to volunteer for Caring Network directly, there are opportunities for a variety of skill sets, interests, and availability. There are often opportunities for occasional office support, which can look like anything from putting letters in envelopes to transporting items. If you enjoy cleaning or are good at fixing things, consider volunteering as a housekeeper or handyman. In these roles, you can select the tasks you prefer to do, and would usually commit to volunteering once per month, but can also work on-call. Caring Network also hosts occasional events, such as our annual Church Summit, Spring Fling Auction, and Banquet. Volunteers are always needed for set-up, tear-down, and many other aspects of these events. Check out our Volunteer Opportunity list for more details!
Participate in Prayer
Alongside all of these volunteer opportunities, consider committing to prayer. Through prayer, we intercede for others, and our compassion towards people for whom we are praying is deepened. When we pray for all of the individuals touched by unexpected pregnancies – babies, parents, churches, families, and communities – we begin to care for them in a more real way. We begin to think more deeply about the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of individuals facing difficult circumstances, as well as the needs of those coming alongside them. Prayer might be all you are able to commit to for the time being, but praying for others is a wonderful way to bless and minister to them. To be added to our prayer list, email volunteer@caringnetwork.com.
As you think through how you might begin to participate in the Pro-Life cause, consider any of these possible volunteer opportunities as you seek to minister to those impacted by unexpected pregnancies. Reach out to us today to learn more about any of these opportunities and participate in reaching more women and saving more lives!
