So, if you are handy with a hammer, love landscaping, notice that sewing or knitting makes you smile, or you have another talent to share with others, why not partner with other Thrivent Financial members to make an impact in your community?

For example, a wheelchair ramp is so much more than wood and nails. For a wheelchair user, a ramp represents accessibility to life outside the house — to community, friends and family — and even to living independently.

Building a wheelchair ramp is only one example of the impact a little teamwork can have on someone's life. Can you think of other needs in your community and other ways you might be able to make an impact? Call your chapter leadership board for more information.

We encourage you to participate in the ninth annual JOIN HANDS DAY on Saturday, May 3, 2008. This national day of volunteering is sponsored by America's fraternal benefit societies, including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, to generate awareness about the impact of grassroots volunteerism. It encourages youth and adults to come together to identify, plan and conduct activities to improve their communities.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and our members strongly support the purpose of this special day and the impact it has on communities nationwide. Last year, youth and adult members conducted nearly 3,000 activities across the country.

How can you participate in 2008? It's easy. Find a need, form a service team of individuals from six separate Thrivent Financial households, and contact one of our chapter leaders to see how we can help you. We have many resources to help make your activity great, including:
- A checklist that includes everything you need to know to conduct a successful activity and receive funding from the chapter.
- Promotional items to help you recruit volunteers and publicize your activity for optimum attendance.
- Funding to purchase T-shirts, refreshments, supplies and more.

To strengthen the impact of this special day of service, we prefer chapter service teams to conduct JOIN HANDS DAY activities on or near May 3, but eligible activities may be held between April 1 and June 30. Also, activities held on May 3 may be considered for national recognition by JOIN HANDS DAY—contact a chapter leader for details.

You’ll find that the rewards of participating far outweigh the time and effort involved in planning an activity. So tell your family, friends and congregation about this day, then "join hands" and see the power of membership grow!

Your chapter leadership board is here to help you along the way.