Cleopatra Jones Day - A Worldwide Initiative

The Cleopatra Jones Crusade, Inc. was created to honor the memory of Cleopatra Jones, a civil rights leader, and her crusade to make positive CHANGES in the community. Mrs. Jones was an activist in the pure sense of the word. She stood against injustice and poverty issues within the Westchester County community and worked with many politicians to promote change. 

June 11th is the day the Westchester County Board of Legislators choose as Cleopatra Jones Day in Westchester County, New York. It is a day to honor Mrs. Cleopatra Jones for her many contributions and her 50 years of service to the community.  The Crusade is a movement to follow the legacy of Cleopatra Jones by volunteering in the community and promote different events to celebrate our individuality. This year The Cleopatra Jones Crusade will be campaigning for volunteerism all over the world on June 11th.

In Atlanta, Georgia some volunteers will work at Salvation Army Red Shield on Luckie Street from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at a meet, greet,and eat with the homeless. During this time it is the planners hope that we both volunteers and clients alike will engage in conversation to learn from one another. If you are in the Atlanta area and cannot find a place to volunteer, come and join us..... we would love to have you!

Working in the Community

Working in the community can be rewarding and fulfilling but challenging at the same time. In order to get started you should think about an issue you are passionate about like poverty, civil rights, ecology, etc... Next, look on the Internet or in the local phone book and identify agencies that focus on your passion and get them a call. The agency may ask you some questions because all human service agencies have to be protective of the people they serve (some agencies require a background check). Once you get clearance you can begin volunteering at their organization but here are some tips:

1) Make your schedule - a lot of agencies are short handed and would love if you could work 24 hours a day so let them know your availability.

2) Be punctual - volunteering is just like a job but you're not on the payroll plus they may have something for you to do that is time sensitive (like serving meals to the homeless).

3) Dress appropriately - if you are going to be outside wear suitable clothing for the weather and climate.

4) Be considerate - work at the job you were assigned and report to the team leader or volunteer coordinator if you want another task. Try not to just start helping someone else unless you ask them, they ask you or you are assigned to the task. 

5) Have fun - the best thing about volunteering is the relationships you build. I worked with a broker who built his whole business off volunteering in the community. Also, the feeling you get from giving is priceless!!!

Now you are ready to volunteer in your community where you can make a difference....... and you'll be glad you did.

Cleopatra Jones the Original Crusader of CHANGE

Cleopatra Jones was a civil rights leader in New York during the 60's, 70's, and 80's. She worked in the community to make a difference by fighting against poverty, homelessness, discrimination and injustice. She was the original crusader of CHANGES.

CHANGES:

C - Culture - to understand and respect all people for their differences

H - Health - to promote health initiatives in the community and reach out to those who can't afford treatment

A - Arts - to promote all expressions of art as a way to redirect focus off personal challenges

N - Nutrition - to provide nutritious food to the less fortunate....... a full stomach is the key to unlocking the treasures of the mind

G - Generosity - to give without expecting anything in return

E - Education - to provide equal opportunities for everyone to obtain knowledge...... give a man food and he eats for a day..... teach him who to cook the food and he'll eat for a lifetime

S - Service - to volunteer within the community and work to help others

The homeless are no different than you and I, they need shelter, food and clothing too. Something has happened in their lives to make them homeless and they may not have caused their circumstances. We cannot judge the homeless, instead we need to become fishers of men and try to help our neighbor. Become a crusader....... a crusader of CHANGES to make a difference in your community.