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| First lady lauds service |
| 2009-06-18 |
| Sensing a new "ethic of service" in the country, first lady Michelle Obama says community service and volunteer organizations can thrive and, with mutual support, rise to meet the challenges they face during hard economic times. "I'm feeling it. People really want to get involved and turn their frustration [about economic challenges] into action," Mrs. Obama said Tuesday as the keynote speaker at the Greater DC Cares Business and Nonprofit Philanthropy Summit and Awards luncheon in downtown Washington. "Communities are built and rebuilt by regular people," she told about 500 civic leaders, including Brearn Wright, principal of Truesdell Elementary School, and Catherine C. Martens, president and chief executive officer of the local Make-a-Wish Foundation. Celebrating 20 years, Greater DC Cares trains volunteers, places them with needy organizations, provides professional development for businesses and offers emergency preparation and response. The organization presented awards Tuesday to businesses and nonprofits that made exceptional contributions. Bates White LLC was given the Greatest Impact on a Local Nonprofit Award, and Deloitte LLP and the Jewish Social Service Agency of Alexandria were honored with the Community Impact Award. Tom Raffa, president of Raffa P.C., and Jonelle S. Wallmeyer, executive director of ACT for Alexandria, were presented Social Value Leadership Awards. Mrs. Obama, a former community worker in Chicago, was quick to thank the attendees for making her and the president feel so welcome "in our second home" since moving into the White House in January. "What day was that again?" she teased. The first lady said she understood from firsthand experience how difficult it can be to run a nonprofit, especially when fundraising dollars dry up. She explained to the group that when she ran Public Allies, an AmeriCorps youth program in Chicago, she also struggled with payroll, fundraising and paperwork. "It's necessary work, but sometimes it can drive you nuts," she said, as many of the community leaders in the group nodded and chuckled in agreement. Mrs. Obama encouraged the community leaders at the event to support one another, because when push comes to shove, "private counsel" among community leaders means a great deal. Mrs. Obama heralded the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will triple funding for volunteer organizations. "In order to make service a priority, we need the capacity to welcome new volunteers," she said. For her part, the first lady explained that in addition to relying on her peers in the community, she was buoyed while working in Chicago by seeing people from various backgrounds come together. She said she recruited everyone for Public Allies, from college graduates to ex-felons, and she encouraged the luncheon attendees to learn from her example. "That's when the magic happened. You see the kid from Harvard and the kid with a GED both so full of promise," she said. Mrs. Obama closed her remarks by saying that she and the administration will be tapping the talent of the Washington nonprofit community for its ideas and inspiration. "As tired as you may be, we're going to need you. We can change the way the world sees us." |
| Posted by:Seafarious |
| #4 we have a rail system which could cart out the mandatory volunteers to the hinterlands for crop planting and harvest "Great Leap Forward" anyone? |
| Posted by: Mullah Richard 2009-06-18 14:39 |
| #3 Would these be like those paid volunteers from AmeriCorp CA? Anyone able to match up gang control with community organizing? If they matched up that would be...interesting. Otherwise it still smells of unionizing neighborhoods which would only further fractionalize urban areas IMHO. Do these organized communities get spiffy uniforms and badges? Or how bout this: With the surplus of the service minded funemployed, we have a rail system which could cart out the mandatory volunteers to the hinterlands for crop planting and harvest since, it being against the law to use farm equipment on account of the dirt and exhaust they pollute the atmosphere. Not to worry, all hand non-pointy and safe edged scythes will be made from recycled SUVs and hand stitched hemp tents will be provided, as well as the training for water conservation and digging 6' deep tornado shelters. After 2 sessions of 6 weeks each successful completion ensures government loans. Multiple session completers will qualify for a Biomass Operations Social Service and Environmental Savior position (will be acronymed for newspeak of course) where you will may be issued a horse and upgrade duties to include control of water and gasoline for distribution to emergency and visiting dignitary services. If unfortunately there is an accident your family will be awarded a bag of Service Beans which can be proudly planted in your Urban Community Greenhouse in your honor and dedicated service. |
| Posted by: swksvolFF 2009-06-18 11:54 |
| #2 WHAT A PHONY POS........ |
| Posted by: Jarong de Medici3580 2009-06-18 09:01 |
| #1 Mrs. Obama closed her remarks by saying that she and the administration will be tapping the talent of the Washington nonprofit community for its ideas and inspiration. ....and VOTES! |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2009-06-18 08:48 |