The price of the community is inconvenience. A commonly used saying, but who actually understands the price of community? Is it someone in power? Maybe a rich citizen? Or it could be a mother and a daughter. Gladys Lawrence, the creator of the National Charity League (NCL), knew that change didn’t have to come from only the rich and powerful, she saw the potential that women had to influence their communities through work and dedication.
Locally, Noblesville recently formed a chapter with the National Charity League, which not only benefits the community but according to their members, also brings together mothers and daughters. Freshman Annabelle Romine and her mom, Jessica Romine, joined NCL when Annabelle was in seventh grade, and they have made it their mission to make Noblesville a better place.
“When I stop and think about what we’ve been able to do in Noblesville…one small thing that can grow. I feel like it’s so special and the fact that I’m doing it with my daughter,” Jessica said.
The work the pair does stretches into different corners of the community, with each project showing a new side of what the group is capable of. The families involved say they’ve learned a lot simply by showing up.
“We work at the diaper bank. The diaper bank is for moms who can’t afford diapers for their kids, so we go and bundle diapers for them,” Annabelle said.
While volunteering brings together mothers and daughters, freshman Grace Dotzert believes volunteering also often teaches important values in life. She says NCL teaches structure and leadership to daughters as well as mothers. The NCL provides an opportunity to students like Dotzert, to learn how to work with others, become a better citizen, and get to know her peers.
“It’s been amazing. It’s really cool because I really just have been able to learn new leadership skills and connect more deeply with the people you go to school with,” Dotzert said.
According to Jessica, while physical charity work is important, something that people often overlook happens behind the scenes of running an organization.
“When we started the Noblesville chapter, we just did the word of mouth thing to get people to join our new chapter this year,” said Jessica. “There is a lot to do on the back end when you are creating an organization, from a parent perspective or a board member perspective, getting all those things so that we could actually be a chapter, a national chapter.”
Since 1925, NCL has been growing and empowering women across the nation. Noblesville’s new NCL chapter has allowed generosity to spread throughout the city. The NCL members and leaders encourage girls to join.
“We want it to grow, we have the opportunity to have 25 [members] per class. We hope as people hear about it, they become familiar with it. When their daughter comes into seventh grade, we would love for them to join,” Jessica said.
What is it that inspires these members to continue their charity work? According to the Romaines they joined NCL for one reason, to make a difference.
“It’s rewarding just knowing that what I’m doing is for a bigger cause and that I’m contributing,” Annabelle said
The NCL has not only given mothers and daughters opportunities to help around the community but the organization has been able to reach and impact local schools.
“More kids in your classes get food for the weekends,” Annabelle said.
Volunteering with the group isn’t just about giving back, Jessica experiences the connections families form along the way. The Romaines say the experience helps build relationships that last well beyond each project.
“There’s so much we can do in our community, and you get to serve with your daughter and build that bond, as well as making life long friends,” Jessica said. “It’s really important to give back,” Jessica said.
Dotzerts says NCL provides an opportunity for incoming freshmen to get to know their classmates and make new friends. Because students help make the decisions, NCL prepares its members for a brighter future, where young women are in charge.
“Reese Manifold, she’s our president, so she runs our meetings. Girls in our chapter lead our meetings, so it’s student led,” Dotzert said.
“If someone is thinking about joining NCL, this is a great new way to meet people to make new friends. Put yourself out there, grow as a leader. I would just hope that they’re apprehension wouldn’t hold them back from joining,” Jessica said.
For Jessica’s mom, the organization is about more than volunteering – it’s about shaping the next generation.
“One of our biggest goals is to raise daughters that become leaders. We’re raising successful women,” Jessica said.
