National Charity League Offers Westchester Teen Girls Volunteer Opportunities With Their Moms
Anyone who has a tween or teen knows the saying: “It goes by way too fast” is all too true. One day you’re literally trying to figure out how to get your child to sleep through the day, then all of a sudden they are in middle or high school with a busier schedule than your own!
One way that I have been connecting with my teen and supporting our local community is by participating in the National Charity League (NCL) Northern Westchester Chapter.
NCL is the oldest and largest mother-daughter volunteer organization in the nation, with over 285 chapters and 70,000 members. Throughout the country and in various chapters, moms and daughters come together to grow their bond while helping out via community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. This includes opportunities for girls in grades 7-12 where they work with local organizations who need volunteers for specific projects, or on an on-going basis.
In Northern Westchester, this includes the opportunity for moms and daughters to work with/volunteer for local organizations such as Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, Draw for Paws, My Brother Vinny, and the Community Center of Northern Westchester; and partners with national charities such as The American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and Operation Gratitude.
Girls are grouped by their grade level as Ticktokers and moms are called Patronesses. After signing up, my daughter and I have access to a robust calendar of local opportunities that we signed up for based on our interests/schedules. There are some groun meetings that are required for both Ticktokers and Patronesses, which we have really enjoyed including a group-wide holiday cookie swap and a day of service book donation in support of local organizations and schools in need of children’s books.
In Northern Westchester, they are currently accepting members in grades 7-11 until March 1st. In addition to mother-and-daughter bonding, girls learn incredible life-building skills. This includes helping them with the confidence to lead, building their high school resumes, showing commitment to various causes, improving leadership skills, honoring a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, having fun, and giving back to causes bigger than themselves.
While it does go fast, it’s been incredible to have an outlet where my daughter and I can participate in so many community service projects right in our backyard as well as leadership opportunities and cultural experiences.
Check out more information here and how to apply by March 1st.
