Friendship Circle International Organizes 3rd Annual Volunteer Conference

DETROIT, MI [CHI] — Close to 50 volunteers from the Girls Divisions of over 15 national and international Friendship Circle branches converged on Detroit’s Meer Family Friendship Center this past weekend for the annual International Friendship Circle Volunteer Conference.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

The teens were welcomed Friday morning by Friendship Circle co-founder Bassie Shemtov, who regaled the girls with a brief history of their organization from its 1995 birth to its current global reach.

A team building activity led by professional instructor Erik Schlitt followed next, with the young adults learning the practical side of interdependence and the great things that can be accomplished when individuals work together.

The girls then enjoyed a trip to the Putting Edge indoor mini-golf and fun center.

Upon return to the Friendship Center, the girls took in an interactive tour of the complex, including visits to its Weinberg Village functioning indoor city, the activity wing and the Friendship House.

Before the onset of Shabbos at 4:45 p.m., volunteers viewed a special memorial presentation entitled “And the Living Shall Take to Heart”, followed by an inspiring poem recited by Cleveland volunteer Aliza Weiss.

The girls lit Shabbos candles at 5:35 p.m., enjoying a game and the Shabbos welcoming services followed by the Shabbos meal at The Shul of West Bloomfield.

Over the Friday night dinner, guest Rabbi Rafi Rosenberg of Miami, Florida’s Skylakes Synagogue presented “The Five Elements of Leadership”, touching upon what makes the teen volunteer the true leader.

Next came the campaign speeches for the International Volunteer Club’s presidency, as candidates shared brief experiences about their special friends and their ideas for making society more special-needs friendly.

However, unlike the recent American presidential campaign, no calls for change were made—who would want to change the Friendship Circle anyway?

Under the leadership of our very own Brocha Zahler, the teens then debated which role of their teenage lives would have the most important impact on their futures.

Shabbos day opened with a hearty breakfast followed by a spirited davening. Two midday workshops entitled “Working with Children on their Level and the Role of a Volunteer” and “Ambassadors of the Friendship Circle: Taking Initiative in Spreading Awareness” were respectively led by our very own Mrs. Brocha Zahler and Mrs. Dassi Stern, FC Cleveland’s Program Coordinator.

At 1:30 p.m., a delicious afternoon lunch was marked with a dvar Torah delivered by FC Stamford’s Elizabeth Schlessinger and Rabbi Rosenberg’s second talk, entitled “Independence vs. Interdependence: An Individual in a Community.” Candidates for Vice President then made their presentations.

The afternoon saw teens spend an emotionally charged hour with Friendship Circle Families, capped by the traditional third Shabbos meal over which special-needs mom Carolyn Morris expressed heartfelt appreciation for everything teen volunteers do. Candidates for secretary then made their cases.

Saturday night was filled with hours of fun at The Fridge Toboggan Run at Waterford Oaks Park. At 11:00 p.m., a tired but happy group of volunteers gathered back at the Friendship Center for a group photo.

Sunday was highlighted with a leadership team goals program led by Mrs. Rochel Groner, followed by a musical performance by Sam Kay. A special video presentation entitled “The Volunteer’s Impact” followed, capped by an inspiring keynote address themed “I Can Do This!” by Canadian motivational speaker Christine Karcza.

Teens departed for their home states and countries charged to bring the message of the Friendship Circle to their communities in a bigger and better way than ever. A very special yasher koach to all the staff of Friendship Circle Detroit!

Friendship Circle International is a division of The Shluchim Office.