Natalie Phillips, a Ptarmigan resident, has volunteered with her daughter, Makena, for the National Charity League of Fort Collins for the past five years. In this interview, Natalie discusses this wonderful organization, their involvement, and how others can participate.

 

National Charity League is a group for mothers and daughters to serve in the community together and make positive changes through programs that focus on leadership, culture, and philanthropy. It is a national organization that donates nearly 3 million hours to over 6,000 charities. We have been a part of our Fort Collins Chapter since Makena was in the 7th grade. Both the patronesses (mothers) and ticktockers (daughters) have annual meetings covering specific curricula in addition to leadership and philanthropic hours we complete. Of the many philanthropic partners we have with our Fort Collins Chapter, my daughter and I have served at various organizations that need help, including the Avery House – Poudre Landmarks Foundation, Food Bank of Larimer County, Fort Collins Museum of Art, Fort Collins Opera Guild, Gardens on Spring Creek, Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village, Kids at Heart Fundango, Meals on Wheels of Fort Collins, Mission – Catholic Charities Larimer Region, Operation Gratitude, Project Linus, The Matthews House, and The Period Project.

 

Typically, you start with the chapter when your daughter is entering 7th grade, but it also depends on whether there is room in the class for additional girls as the girls grow and move together. The membership drive and informational meetings to join for the next year usually start in January, and the new year begins in June of that same year. You can visit nationalcharityleague.org, find our chapter in Fort Collins, find the contact for the VP of Membership, and request more information.

 

I had volunteered with a similar organization called Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) with my older son and knew I wanted to spend some quality time with my daughter before she heads off to college. I enjoy these types of organizations because they require you to attend meetings, practice leadership skills, and give back to your community.

 

As stated above, the National Charity League has many benefits, but you also get to make friends with like-minded mothers and daughters. It truly warms my heart to watch our daughters gain confidence, work together, speak in front of groups, and lead and inspire each other.

 

We moved to our home in Ptarmigan about five years ago. Part of the reason we moved was to be in a certain school district, but funny enough, both kids ended up selecting the "choice in" option for their high schools. We love the space on our neighborhood's street, the convenience of the interstate, the quietness, and, most of all, our friendly neighbors.

 

We are a family of four: my husband, our son, who is now in college, and our daughter, a junior in high school. We all enjoy volunteering when we can, and I’m proud that my son continues to give back to his college community. His university even has a dedicated day for students and faculty to serve together, and his basketball team regularly volunteers by coaching kids, supporting unified basketball teams, and participating in Habitat for Humanity projects. My daughter is also in the National Honor Society this year, and I’m excited to see her serve and lead alongside her peers. It’s rewarding to instill a sense of servant leadership in them from a young age, ensuring it lasts beyond our household!

 

The most important thing about making a difference is to go out and just do it. You don’t need to be part of an organization or group; you just have to find the opportunities and sign up. There are so many charitable organizations that need our help in our own backyards. Even while volunteering with my own family, I am always amazed by the servant hearts that live and serve in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado and how we care for one another.