The Minnesota Children's Museum reported to us that their "Birthday Party Assistants" volunteer position was full. Which is awesome. We love to hear that volunteer positions are full - that means that the word is getting out, and Twin Cities residents (the most volunteeringest people in the nation) are responding.

But not all volunteer opportunitites are full. In fact, many volunteer positions that have tremendous community impact and value are currently open, waiting for an engaged, committed citizen (like you?).

Today's example - Youth Mentor with the Community Justice Project

Most everyone knows that today, possibly more than ever, there are thousands of young people in Minnesota without a stable, supportive adult role model. Among the many factors influencing the much-publicized juvenile crime spike of the last few years, the lack of caring adults to guide our young people is the most troublesome, and the easiest to correct.

The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches/Community Justice Project pairs young people on probation with stable, supportive adults. In case after case, the GMCC's Community Justice Project has proven that the difference between a one-time offender and a young person who goes on live a life of crime is the regular presence of an adult who cares and listens. The at-risk youth of today don't have to be the hardened criminals of tommorrow.

There are always more mentees on the waiting list than there are mentors to help them out, so if you think that you can make a commitment to a young person in your community who needs help turning their life around, contact the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches/Community Justice Project today. Training session begin September 17th, so don't wait! Make a difference today!