 MissionTo create neighborly care locally, by assisting families, teens, and children, through programs that serve the needs of youth, and globally, by assisting families and communities in the developing world through the fair trade movement.VisionLet’s bring about a world that uses care and kindness to turn strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into friends. Together we can create and share a peaceful earth.HistoryWho Is My Neighbor? Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization, incorporated in the state of New Jersey and tax-exempted by the federal government. It began in 2003 when some members of the Reformed Church were looking for ways to better serve their local neighbors. The group identified a situation shared by many local families – the need for adequate supervision of pre-teens and young teens in the after school hours, when many parents were still at work.Awareness of this need spurred the church to remodel its basement into a youth recreation room. To guarantee the facility would have no religious overtones and could be used by all local youth without fear of being proselytized, church members formed a nonprofit corporation. This way could assure “no strings attached” regarding religious affiliation, for anyone who wished to get involved. The Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and people served by the agency include people of other faiths, people of no faith, and people who participate through motivations other than faith, truly reflecting the local community. Some of those forming the agency wanted it to take actions assisting people in the world’s poorest countries. They wanted to help develop the fair trade movement. The idea was born for the agency to serve local and global neighbors. Board of Directors Every Board member serves on one of two standing committees: Fundraising, and Personnel. In addition, ad hoc or “as needed” committees arise: for example, a committee to produce a specific event. Ad hoc committees can be comprised of Board members along with other volunteers from the community. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, a good place to start is by volunteering on an ad hoc committee. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about what the Board does, and allows you to work with current Board members while exploring whether you will have sufficient time and interest to make the 3-year commitment that a Board term entails. People who express interest in becoming Board members are interviewed by the Personnel committee. Nominated candidates are invited to attend at least two Board meetings provisionally, and may then be elected by vote of the Board. What do Board members do? They share expertise – in public relations, technology, marketing, management, or planning, for instance – gained through their education or work life. They contribute financially, and take a sufficient role in raising money to meet the agency’s budget (which is set by the Board). They serve as the agency's ambassadors to the community, and bring the needs of the community to the attention of the Board. The Board is governed by its by-laws, and is legally and financially responsible for the agency's actions. For the most current volunteer opportunities, please visit volunteermatch.org. Community PartnersWho Is My Neighbor? Inc. partners with other organizations to:
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