Just another Wednesday ... with Michelle Obama
Last week, I had the honor of attending a meeting hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Corporation for National & Community Service to launch a nationwide "Summer of Service" Initiative taking place June 22-September 11, 2009. Sitting alongside representatives from many different community organizations, I heard about our federal government's desire to make service and volunteerism a way of life for all Americans - starting this summer.
With a focus on economic recovery, Americans are being asked to volunteer their time by identifying unmet needs, developing service project and engaging others in taking action. From environmental restoration to collecting children's books, from community health fairs to food distribution programs, the possibilities for taking action are limited only to personal passions and interests.
Community organization and faith groups are signing onto this initiative and registering their events at www.serve.gov. Working alongside our federal partners, organizations hope to create meaningful volunteer opportunities that generate powerful, lasting change on a large scale. As I glanced around the room, my mind began churning when I thought of the incredible partnerships that can be formed or further developed between the Reform Movement and other organizations represented, such as the National Institute for Literacy or the American Bar Association, with National Council of Jewish Women or the Schusterman Family Foundation.
During Michelle Obama's speech, she said, "Americans are looking to role up their sleeves - they are just waiting to be asked." I believe this to be true and I'd like to challenge our Movement to jump on board this summer and give back to the community.
During Michelle Obama's speech, she said, "Americans are looking to role up their sleeves - they are just waiting to be asked." I believe this to be true and I'd like to challenge our Movement to jump on board this summer and give back to the community.