Forming a community service team can be easy!
Because community service teams must include Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members from at least six different member households, you may view forming a community service team as a bit of a challenge. However, it can be as simple as making a single phone call to the chapter leadership board.

The chapter leadership board exists to support formation and activities of community service teams within the chapter. Any elected or appointed leader on the chapter leadership board can help by putting you in touch with other members who may be interested in helping with your activity. Chapter Web sites are a valuable tool for recruiting volunteers and promoting activities.

Look within
The recipient (family, individual or qualified not-for-profit organization) you want to help through a Care Abounds in Communities® activity may know other Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who want to help.

In addition, chances are good that other Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members belong to your congregation. Ask the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans congregational coordinators at your congregation for some names.

Just ask
Don't ignore the power of asking people to help. According to the 1999 Independent Sector Survey, 90 percent of those directly asked to volunteer said yes! In our past research with members, many who haven't volunteered with us in the past said they would volunteer if asked. Many of our members are not aware of volunteer opportunities through our organization.

If you see a need that you would like to act on, chances are there are many other Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who are willing to help, especially on a short-term activity.

Offer family associate memberships
Don't despair if you are having trouble finding six different member households for your team. You always can encourage nonmembers to become family associate members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. For only $10 per year, family associate members are eligible for many of the same benefits as benefit and associate members, including the opportunity to help people through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.