Parish representatives play an active role in IOCC’s mission by generating support for IOCC at the parish level. The job of a parish representative can be done in about one hour a month. Responsibilities include: displaying IOCC materials in your parish; putting IOCC announcements in your parish bulletin or newsletter; staying current with IOCC news; organizing an annual video presentation; and keeping your priest informed of IOCC-related news.
Everything necessary for the job is provided by IOCC. To get monthly e-mails with ideas and reminders, subscribe to the IOCC Volunteer list serve by clicking here.
1. Sign up for the Volunteer Listserve
(10 minutes each month)
The first week of every month you will receive the monthly volunteer e-mail filled with ideas on how to raise awareness in your community, information on upcoming events and highlights on IOCC’s country of the month. In addition, you will receive two press releases each month to keep you updated on the work of IOCC. To register, click on www.iocc.org/volunteer.
2. Make IOCC Known in Your Parish
(1 hour each month)
This is the best way to build awareness in your community! Ask your priest if a section of the parish bulletin board can be designated for IOCC; place IOCC announcements and press releases in the weekly and monthly parish bulletins; and set up an IOCC informational table once a month with IOCC materials and be available to answer questions from your fellow parishioners.
3. Inform Your Community About IOCC Activities
(10 minutes each month)
Whether it’s an IOCC humanitarian project, a fundraising drive or an event in your community – don’t assume your priest, parish council and parish organizations know about it. A brief phone call or conversation is often all it takes to get IOCC noticed by your priest. Attend a parish council and ladies society meeting annually to keep members informed about IOCC.
4. Involve the Youth of Your Parish
(10 minutes quarterly)
Meet with the Sunday School and Youth Directors to incorporate the Prayer Journal into their activities. Written for 7-12 year olds, the Prayer Journals come out September of every year and can be ordered at www.iocc.org/prayerjournal or 1-800-566-1088. Children of all ages can assemble Emergency Kits which include School, Health, Kids and Baby kits. Information can be found at www.iocc.org/kits. Lastly, every February your youth can participate in Souper Bowl Sunday. To learn more visit www.iocc.org/souperbowl.
5. Help IOCC Reach the Orthodox Community
(10 minutes quarterly)
IOCC’s best tool for reaching Orthodox faithful is through its mailing list. Send us contact information for people, like you, who might be interested in supporting IOCC.
6. Organize a Video Presentation
(45 minutes each year)
IOCC produces a short video every year. Make sure your priest and fellow parishioners see it. Request a copy from us (or download it from our website) and organize showings in your community. Lent and Advent are great times for a showing.
