YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Get Paid to Volunteer? It's True!

    Volunteers like to see their volunteer hours and precious dollars go far in support of the causes they care about. American Express and Take Part are launching a new campaign to make it easier to magnify each individual's good works.

    The Members Project not only will enlist the public to vote on the best charities to receive $4 million American Express dollars annually, but it will donate up to $100 per person who volunteers his or her time. Learn more about how the project works.

    Who Can Participate:
    Despite its name, the Members Project isn't restricted to American Express members. Anyone can suggest charities, vote for their favorites at the Take Part site and take advantage of the volunteer payments. Get involved here!

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    How Voting Works:
    People vote (as often as weekly) for the charities that should receive American Express money. Every three months, American Express will give $200,000 to each of five organizations, every three months. (That's $1 million each round, or $4 million ever year.) In the first round, 49 charities selected by an American Express advisory committee are eligible, but additional charities will be added at the suggestion of the audience.

    Before You Give to Charity, Check These 3 Sites

    Want to Make a Donation?
    The site makes it easy to find charitable organizations that need support. It also provides a platform for communicating one's charitable giving to friends, so that they might inspire them to do the same.

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    Become a Volunteer:
    People who register their volunteer hours can earn $5 per hour, up to $100 per year. American Express cardholders can redeem those dollars for rewards, and others can apply money earned toward the charity of their choice. (Any donations made this way would be in addition to the $4 million in direct giving that American Express has promised.) If you enjoy volunteering, check out these 11 eco-friendly volunteer vacations.

    Would you participate? Tell us about volunteer opportunities you're passionate about.

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    Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.