IOCC Volunteer Update | 2020 Issue 5

May 31, 2020

Thanks to Our Volunteers!

We love our volunteers and want you to know that even though we miss seeing you in person, we are so grateful you are staying engaged with us! Serving Christ alongside you through our volunteer programs continually inspires us. We know you are now supporting IOCC from the safety of your home, and we appreciate more than ever what a precious resource our volunteers are. We look forward to the time when we can see each other again at events and home builds across the country. Until then, stay engaged by connecting with us on social media, email or call us, or participate in some of the at-home activities we outline in this month’s Volunteer Update. We’ll see you (virtually or in person) soon!

IOCC Care Calls—Available Now

IOCC is offering a tool to guide you and your parish in reaching out to those who may need some emotional and spiritual care during this challenging time. If someone’s feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or experiencing negative feelings in the current pandemic, a care call from a friend or acquaintance can have a very positive impact.

The care call provides an intentional space for a person to share what they are experiencing in the present public health crisis, validate feelings, and explore resources that can help.

Fr. Anthony Coniaris wrote, “Storms are hard, but … they toughen and build life…. Jesus came to save us not from storms but in the storms of life.” Together, we’ll get through this storm.

Download the Care Calls Guide & Script at iocc.org/CareCall and get started today.

Join our Virtual 5K—We’ll Tell You How!

On June 27, we’re racing across the country (and across the globe!) in a virtual 5K for IOCC. Keep yourself and your neighbors safe while helping people in need across the globe!

Get the whole family involved and walk with us, run with us, exercise in your home, or bike for 3.1 miles. Complete our 5K together but separately, indoors or outdoors. It’s a fun, safe way to help IOCC reach people who need help.

Challenge your family and friends to join you, then raise and donate funds to help those in need, and post a picture or video on race day to social media. Click here to register or learn more.

At-Home Activities Now Available

Are you looking for a way to help others or engage with IOCC while social distancing? We’ve created a list of activities that you can do safely from your home, including participating in a virtual 5K, creating face masks, and assembling emergency kits. Visit our COVID resource page at iocc.org/covid19 for more information and the latest updates from IOCC.

NEW in 2020: 2 Serv-X-Treme Dates!

In 2020, for the first time ever there will be TWO Serv-X-Treme Youth Leadership Conferences in Minneapolis, MN (these may take place virtually): July 25–31 and August 1–7! Rising high school seniors may apply or be nominated by their bishop for our upcoming Serv-X-Treme conference. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Orthodox philanthropy and diakonia (service) through leadership-building activities, workshops, and hands-on service. During the week-long conference, the young people will have the opportunity to forge new friendships, put their understanding of Orthodox philanthropy into practice, and so much more. Learn more at iocc.org/servx.

Help Transform Lives! Schedule a Virtual Fundraiser or Event

Are you looking for a powerful way to get engaged? We’re looking for volunteers to help host virtual fundraisers or events over the next few months as we are asked to observe social distancing. Ideas include a virtual auction, dedicating a birthday, honoring a loved one, or even running a virtual race. Want to know how to get started? Reach out to us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.

COMING SOON: Prayer Journal Lessons for Families

While families are staying at home together, IOCC’s digital Prayer Journal is a great tool to learn about what the Orthodox Church is doing through IOCC in the US and the world. COMING SOON: Our NEW lesson guide companion piece will share activities parents and kids can enjoy together, at home, using the digital version of the prayer journal.

IOCC’s prayer journal guides you through our inspiration scripture in Matthew 25 with stories of families IOCC has helped around the world. Together, let’s pray for each of them, offer thanks for what we have, and pray for each other.

Print copies for your parish or group are also available; order here. IOCC is pleased to cover the cost of the journals, and fulfillment.

Home Build Volunteer Opportunities

As we all live through this time of social distancing, IOCC’s home build activities have been temporarily postponed. IOCC is committed to continuing our work in the US through helping to rebuild homes affected by natural disasters. Please keep an eye on our US Programs page at iocc.org/us for opportunities to volunteer as soon as it is safe to do so!

Upcoming Events

Interested in planning your own virtual event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize one, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach team at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.

IOCC Awareness Events

Pittsburgh, PA

Although the 2020 Pittsburgh Marathon was cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis, on May 2, IOCC volunteers Chris Weber and Dean Stambolis ran a virtual race to show their support of IOCC’s ongoing humanitarian work. Special thanks TEAM IOCC and everyone who supported their virtual run!

Cleveland, OH

On May 3, the Cleveland Metropolitan Committee pioneered in organizing the very first online IOCC event. Participants from near and far joined to hear a keynote address from Gregory Manzuk, IOCC’s Safety and Security Manager, who shared personal stories from his 20-year career with IOCC. Fr. Alexander Garklavs offered prayers, and Connie Zimmerman, IOCC Cleveland Committee Chair, welcomed everyone and presented a brief message from the committee. IOCC Development Officer Lou Zagami emceed the evening, and IOCC Executive Director and CEO Constantine Triantafilou spoke briefly before fielding a Q&A session with questions from the audience. Special thanks to the IOCC Cleveland Committee who worked hard to make our first ever virtual event a success!

Stay Connected with IOCC Online!

Join us on FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTube, and our Blog to keep up to date with IOCC news, view event photos, and get a firsthand look at how your support is touching lives around the world.