Service in the News
The latest news articles about service.
News Articles about the cuts to National Service
ServiceNation, in partnership with America Forward and Voices for National Service, is leading the campaign to save service in the federal budget. Visit the Save Service website for the latest updates to the campaign.
Volunteering Spirit Catches Fire
Harvard sophomore Julie Zauzmer turned 20 on Jan. 22, and her birthday couldn’t have been better: She got to work the overnight shift at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. Zauzmer, an English major, spent the wee hours washing dishes and laundering bedding at the emergency shelter in the University Lutheran Church on Winthrop Street, which is run entirely by local college students. "It was a perfect way to celebrate my birthday," she said.
Day of Service Honors MLK Jr.
Events around the United States honored the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as the nation marked the 25th anniversary of the holiday in honor of one of the country's most prominent civil rights leaders.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama marked the day by participating in a service project in Washington.
"This is part of what America is all about," the president said. "After a painful week where so many of us were focused on tragedy, it's good for us to remind ourselves of what this country's all about."
All Mission Serve Veterans Day 2010 News Articles (5.5mb)
On Veterans Day 2010 'Mission Serve', ServiceNation's military-civilian initiative, aided veterans and military families with service projects across the nation. Service projects included a health fair and concert for children at Camp Pendleton to re-beautifying the veterans garden at the VA of West Los Angeles. Download all news articles about Mission Serve's Veterans Day 2010 events by clicking the link above.
Salute to Service: Tony Woods
Tony Woods, Huffington Post, November 10, 2011
In the summer of 1999, I left my hometown in northern California for West Point to begin my career in the Army. I didn't think much of the possibility of going to war. The military had just finished drawing down from its Cold War height, and serious conflict seemed unlikely.
9/11, of course, would change everything.
When I graduated from West Point four years later, the world was an entirely different place. Fighting in war on two fronts, we were combating an elusive enemy in Afghanistan and beginning to experience unprecedented challenges in Iraq -- the country where I would spend the better part of my early twenties.
Veterans Day: Michelle Obama launches community network for vets
Washington - First Lady Michelle Obama wants Americans to recognize the sacrifices of the nation's veterans by contributing to a grass-roots volunteer and community service network that will expand services for veterans and, supporters say, enrich American society.
Nonprofit Coalition Announces Military-Civilian Volunteer Campaign
A coalition of nonprofit groups today announced a campaign to unite civilian and military organizations in community-service projects to help military personnel, veterans, and their families — and described more than 30 specific projects.
Shopping for Clothing, Donating Time
In the newly expanded Banana Republic store opening in New York City’s SoHo district this month, shoppers may be surprised to discover, amid the displays of red double-breasted peacoats and cowl neck sweaters, a representative from a local volunteer group asking if they would like to donate some time. Think of it as consumerism meets volunteerism.
Busting Higher Education's Myths About Public Service
Barack Obama began his presidential campaign by promising to make public service "cool" again. He is now working to honor that pledge by strengthening three types of service: a day of volunteering now and again, a year or two with organizations such as AmeriCorps or Teach for America, and lifelong careers working in government or nonprofit agencies.
Volunteers Find Muck and Meaning in Service
On a late summer morning so muggy that merely standing constitutes a workout, nine young adults in drenched T-shirts clear a trail in Elk Neck State Park. Three of them buzz expertly with chain saws through drooping oaks and pines, while six others haul the downed limbs deep into the woods.
Flood Volunteers Get Hero's Praise for Superhuman Efforts
Thousands of people have worked long and hard since last year's flood. Groups organizing the volunteers thought it was time to recognize all the efforts with some "star power." Norwalk native Brandon Routh put on the Superman tights for a big budget movie in back 2005. But Routh used his celebrity Thursday to say thanks to current volunteers, and to make a pitch for more.
The NonProfit News' 2009 Top 50 Power and Influence
The NonProfit News profiles the top 50 names in the nonprofit sector, featuring some of ServiceNation's very own coalition members.
Diaz gives back to veteran community
"A year ago, Cameron Diaz said yes to a small favor for a friend. It made a big difference not only to her but thousands of war veterans."
Being the Change
"When President Obama signed into law a sweeping national-service bill last month, few savored it more than Alan Khazei. As head of a nonprofit group he founded in 2007, Be the Change, Mr. Khazei had worked relentlessly for more than a year to help put together a broad coalition to press for the law."
College grads' interest in service programs on the rise
"A shortage of Michigan jobs might be nudging today's college graduates to national service programs. "I'd be lying if I said the economy didn't put a little wind on our backs, too," said Eva Colen, the recruitment director for Teach for America at the University of Michigan."
The Moment
"With his left arm, Ted Kennedy leaned on a metal cane; with his right, he was braced by his old pal Orrin Hatch. The two Senators, the President and First Lady, and former President Bill Clinton had come to the SEED School in Southeast Washington, a working-class neighborhood that rarely gets a glimpse of a President, let alone two. The occasion: the signing of landmark national-service legislation that had been sponsored by the Republican Hatch, from Utah, and the ailing Democratic lion from Massachusetts."
Michiganians step up to serve
"After graduating from college in Ohio, Ava Jackson decided there was something more valuable waiting for her than earning lots of money: helping out back home in Michigan.
The Farmington Hills native joined Michigan AmeriCorps, part of the national one-year community service program."
Obama Signs Bill expanding national service programs
"Reporting from Washington -- President Obama on Tuesday signed into law a bill that will more than triple the number of federally sponsored community service volunteers. The legislation, which had broad bipartisan support, authorizes an expansion of AmeriCorps and other national service programs. It was named for its lead sponsor, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who attended the signing along with President Clinton, who started AmeriCorps in 1993."
Obama signs Kennedy Serve America Act
"President Barack Obama urged Americans Tuesday to follow the example of Sens. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy — whom he praised as a radiant example of people who overcome differences to serve their country together in friendship."
Serve America Act to Help Local Organizations
"President Barack Obama signed the Edward Kennedy Service Act into Law, authorizing an increase in funding and opportunities for service programs. Local non-profits are hoping to be able to expand services to help others."
A New Patriotism
"Today, President Obama, who inspired us all with his pledge to "make service a cause of my Presidency" will sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This legislation, which Obama boldly called for in his February Address to Congress, is a milestone for the service movement, and the largest expansion of civilian service since the Depression Era Civilian Conservation Corps. In addition to honoring Senator Kennedy for his tremendous leadership in public service, it received strong bipartisan support with the Senate voting in favor 79 to 19 and the House voting 275 to 149."
President signs $5.7 billion measure to boost volunteerism
"Honoring the call to service made by both President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy, President Obama yesterday signed a broad national service bill meant to encourage Americans - from grade schoolers to retirees - to volunteer to help their fellow Americans."
Service Bill Signing a Tribute to Kennedy
"The event was attended by Republican and Democratic leaders, former president Bill Clinton, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden and his wife Jill and former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
But the signing ceremony for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act this afternoon was really meant as a living tribute to the senior senator from Massachusetts, Edward M. Kennedy (D)."
Obama Signs Volunteer Bill with Nod to Kennedy Era
"WASHINGTON — President Obama on Tuesday became the latest Democratic president to emulate John F. Kennedy’s call for national service as he signed legislation to triple the size of the Americorps program and called on Americans to volunteer time to improve their communities."
Obama to Sign Landmark National-Service Measure on Tuesday
"The nonprofit world will take a break from its economic woes and celebrate a big political victory on Tuesday when President Obama signs landmark legislation that boosts national service, volunteerism, and innovative social projects."
Public service is key component of Harvard experience
"Harvard University has a long-standing tradition of community engagement and public service. Students, faculty, and staff contribute to the quality of life in the University’s host cities through more than 350 programs addressing education, affordable housing, economic opportunity, civic life and culture, health, and the environment. Not only do these vital programs strengthen local communities, they also foster the next generation of social entrepreneurs."
Group hopes to renew post-9/11 spirit of volunteerism
"Could 9/11 someday spur community participation much as Earth Day has become a consciousness-raising event benefiting the environment? When President Obama signs the Serve America Act this month, the country will take a step in that direction. The legislation, which includes a variety of measures to encourage public service, designates Sept. 11 as a national day of service."
Community Organizing Never Looked So Good
"His next step? Top financial and technology companies and nonprofit groups have expressed interest in hiring him. Even in this economy, he has options.
But Mr. Rallins wants to be a community organizer — just like the world’s most famous one, Barack Obama."
Legislation boosts community service jobs for older Americans
"When you think of national community service, young people probably come to mind, along with programs like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. But national community service programs are about to undergo a major change that will involve more midlife and retired people who want to get involved in helping their communities."
The Rise of Volunteering: A Service Nation
"In A Manhattan park on March 31st the Unemployment Olympics took place. Participants competed in events such as the “Telephone Toss” and “Pin the Blame on the Bosses”. But other unemployed people are looking for charity work to occupy their time. Many non-profit organisations are seeing an increase in people looking to help. Even before the economic crisis, AmeriCorps, a programme which takes young volunteers for a year, was turning away two applicants for every one it accepted. Teach for America, which sends recent college graduates to teach in needy schools, saw 35,000 students apply for up to 4,000 openings this year. In February VolunteerNYC.org, New York’s public-service site, saw a 27% increase in visitors compared with a year ago."
Congress Sends Obama a Bill to Boost Community Service
"There may not be much agreement in Congress about President Obama's plans for the budget, Detroit's struggling car companies, or, well, much of the rest of the economy. But last week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers found common ground on at least one issue close to Obama's heart: the importance of community service."
Few jobs, but many ways to serve America
"High school and college graduates are facing a depressed job market. Many baby boomers are facing early retirement. But what they will have is plenty of opportunities for public service — tutoring kids, weatherizing homes, working in nonprofit agencies."
AmeriCorps gets boost from Congress, Obama
"President Obama is expected to sign a bill as early as this week that will triple the number of federally funded AmeriCorps service positions over eight years. HR1388, which passed the House last week and the Senate the week before, also will increase the educational award that full-time AmeriCorps workers receive in addition to living expenses. The award, which can be used to pay for college or repay student loans, will go from $4,725 to $5,350, effective Oct. 1."
National call to serve can trace its roots to Boston
"The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act legislation that sailed out of Congress this week marks the most ambitious government-sponsored public service program in decades, and the genesis for this initiative can be traced right back to Boston."
National Service Set to Grow
"Less than three months after he took office, and seven months after a large New York send-off, much of President Barack Obama's volunteer service program - centered on bulking up AmeriCorps to 250,000 participants, with service opportunities virtually from cradle to grave - is headed to his desk for a signature."
Legislation to balloon volunteering opportunities
"The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming approved legislation Tuesday that broadly expands national volunteer opportunities, more than tripling the number of available positions."
House bill expands ways to enter public service
"The US House yesterday gave final congressional approval - and sent to President Obama for his signature - a bill that would dramatically expand public service opportunities."
Congress Passes Serve America Act to Encourage and Reward Service
On March 31, 2009, the House of Representatives passed by a vote of 275 to 149 H.R. 1388, the Serve America Act, formerly known as the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, of which Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) was an original co-sponsor. The Act now awaits President Obama's signature.
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act Waiting for Obama's Signature
"The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act has just passed Congress and is now ready for President Obama to sign the measure into law. The House passed the Serve America Act with a vote of 275-149. The bill amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and will create two new service-learning programs."
Amid economic downturn, recent grads turn to national service
"Kelley Mulfinger thought she would be making a six-figure salary in marketing by her second year out of school. Instead, the University of Virginia alum is teaching a classroom of first-graders how to spell words like "care.""
Hope in Cedar Rapids as Washington pushes volunteerism
"In many ways, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and dozens of other communities still haven't recovered from the record-setting June 2008 floods that ripped apart homes and lives across eastern Iowa.
But with the help of organizations and programs supported by the AmeriCorps volunteer service program, they are seeing significant improvements."
Congress passes bill to make Vets’ Corps
"Legislation that would create a Veterans’ Corps as a new element of the AmeriCorps national service plan has passed Congress and is on its way to the White House for President Barack Obama’s signature."
House passes sweeping national service expansion
"The House of Representatives easily passed legislation Tuesday to strengthen national community service efforts by boosting funding for thousands of volunteers in fields ranging from clean energy to health care and education."
Congress gives community service programs a boost
"The nation's volunteer corps will expand dramatically to aid the country's poor people, spruce up its parks, help veterans and military families, and provide new programs for seniors and students under legislation the House of Representatives approved on Tuesday."
House Approves Amended Version of National-Service Bill
"The House of Representatives today adopted the Senate version of a bill to expand the country’s national-service programs, the final legislative action needed before the legislation goes to President Obama."
Bill Tripling Size of AmeriCorps Heads to President's Desk
"The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval today to a bill that would expand the federal national-service programs by the largest amount in 50 years, sending it to President Obama for a signature."
Congress backs public service program expansion
"The U.S. Congress gave its final approval on Tuesday to the biggest expansion in a half century of public service programs that seek armies of volunteers to meet people's needs during economic hard times."
Bill Expands Volunteer Opportunities
"A Senate bill to overhaul the federal infrastructure for volunteering and to significantly increase the number of volunteers passed the House, and is expected to be signed by President Obama in the coming weeks."
National Service Corps Set to Become Law
"The House voted overwhelmingly to approve a major expansion of national community service programs, sending the measure to President Obama who has said that he will sign it."
President Obama's Statement on the Serve America Act
"I congratulate the House on passing the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This is legislation that will usher in a new era of service in America, and I look forward to signing it into law when I return to Washington."
Congress expands ways for Americans to help others
"Tens of thousands of Americans, from teenagers to baby boomers, soon will get a fresh chance to lend a helping hand in a time of need after Congress voted Tuesday to expand ways for people to serve the country and each other."
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
"President Obama has called on Congress to create new service and volunteer opportunities for Americans that will help to build a stronger country. This legislation answers his call."
Supporting our veterans, supporting our country
"I enlisted into the Army in 1997 because I wanted to serve, and I am grateful for the opportunities I received. Twice, I deployed to Iraq with my unit, the 541st Transportation Company out of Fort Campbell. I drove trucks and ran convoys during the war, and, while fortunate to avoid any direct IED hits, I came under intense gun, rocket and IED fire."
AmeriCorps merits our legislators' backing
"AmeriCorps, the successful national and community service program launched in 1994 with 20,000 volunteers, is on a fast legislative track for a dramatic growth spurt. The Senate voted 79-19 last week to more than triple the program’s size over the next eight years, from its current 75,000 volunteers to 250,000. The House is expected to take up the legislation as early as Monday, meaning the bill could be on the president’s desk by the end of the week."
AmeriCorps travel to help Fort Myers
"Friday's project on Mitchell Court was one of many the eight AmeriCorps volunteers will complete during their two-week visit to Fort Myers. The volunteers took the four-day drive from Denver to repair homes with Fort Myers' community development department and to tutor local children at the STARS Complex, a recreational center, and Franklin Park Magnet School."
The Real Story of How AmeriCorps Became Bipartisan
"On my wall I have a copy of an old fashioned Senate roll call sheet – the handwritten tally from the clerk recording the passage of the original law creating AmeriCorps in 1993. There were hash marks next to just seven Republicans. Yesterday the Senate approved a bill authorizing a tripling of AmeriCorps. It passed 79-19 – with 21 Republican votes. That’s right, more Republicans voted for the measure than against it."
Senate passes Kennedy-Hatch service bill
"The Senate approved a bill Thursday that would greatly expand federally sponsored volunteer programs, marking the latest collaboration between Massachusetts Democrat Ted Kennedy and Utah Republican Orrin Hatch."
$5.7 Billion Service Legislation Passes Senate
"The U.S. Senate approved the Serve America Act last night, moving forward with the first sweeping reforms of national service programs in 16 years."
Senate OKs national service expansion bill
"The U.S. Senate passed a bill that would expand national community service, creating new groups of volunteers for education, energy, healthcare and veterans."
Senate approves Kennedy Service Bill
"The US Senate this afternoon approved a bill named for Senator Edward M. Kennedy that represents the most sweeping overhaul and expansion of national service programs in 16 years."
Senate passes 9/11 bill inspired by Jericho firefighter
"A volunteer firefighter from Jericho who rushed to the World Trade Center when it was attacked is now the face of legislation that will make Sept. 11 a National Day of Service and Remembrance."
A Special Moment for Service
Statement by the President on the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
"I’m so pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act -- legislation that will usher in a new era of service. I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law."
Hatch names service bill in Kennedy's honor
"Sen. Orrin Hatch capped his decadeslong friendship with cancer-stricken Sen. Ted Kennedy on Thursday with a gesture that had Kennedy hugging him as other senators stood and applauded: Hatch renamed a bill they had just passed to expand national service programs the Edward M. Kennedy National Service Law."
Senate Colleagues Applaud Kennedy
"Rare applause broke out on the Senate floor this evening when Sen. Edward Kennedy appeared for the final vote approving a public service bill he sponsored. The Massachusetts Democrat, who is suffering from a brain tumor, had introduced the bill with his longtime friend, Utah Republican Orrin Hatch."
Senate Moves to Expand National Service Programs
"The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday to broadly expand national community service programs, increasing the number of positions to 250,000 from 75,000 and creating new cadres of volunteers focused on education, clean energy, health care and veterans."
Senate votes to expand U.S. public service
"The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted for the biggest boost in public service since President John F. Kennedy urged Americans in 1961 to "ask what you can do for your country.""
Senate votes to triple AmeriCorps' ranks
"The Senate has voted to triple the size of AmeriCorps, the largest expansion of the national service program since it was launched in 1993."
Senate votes to triple AmeriCorps, bolster service
"The Senate voted Thursday to give tens of thousands of people more opportunities to mentor children, clean parks and help the poor, a sweeping call to national service in a time of need."
National-Service Bill Clears Final Major Hurdle, Winning Senate Approval
"A move to greatly increase the number of Americans who participate in national-service programs — championed by a wide variety of nonprofit groups — cleared its final major hurdle today, when the Senate adopted the Serve America Act. Senators approved the legislation — which would more than triple the number of participants in AmeriCorps and create an array of new volunteer programs for people of all ages — with a bipartisan vote of 79 to 19."
Sen. Warner's 'Veterans Corps' bill moves forward
"Senators moved Wednesday toward creation of a "Veterans Corps" of up to 5,000 paid volunteers to work on aid programs for vets, their families and the families of active-duty troops.
The corps is part of a group of service initiatives backed by the Obama administration and a bipartisan coalition in Congress. Participants would work directly with veterans and bolster existing aid programs run by state and local governments and nonprofit groups."
The Serve America Act: A Stimulus Plan to Rebuild America's Social Infrastructure
"Reaffirming his passion for and commitment to national service, President Barack Obama recently called on Congress to send to him the bipartisan Serve America Act. The comprehensive and far-reaching legislation sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) would increase the number of citizens participating in national service to 250,000 (175,000 more than can be currently funded), ask that these individuals commit at least a year to their respective service endeavors, and use their service to confront specific national challenges in education, health care, energy, the environment, disaster response, and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged individuals."
Service May Offer Respite For Job-Seekers
"Older people with limited savings and college graduates facing a dismal job market may soon find one alternative to be more viable: government-sponsored volunteering.
New federal legislation would expand volunteer programs which, while not providing the income of regular full-time work, often come with health benefits and a living stipend. They can also be a place to pick up skills and resume points until the employment situation and the economy recover."
Bill Expanding AmeriCorps Prompts Funding Debate
"The Senate is considering its version of a bill to triple the size of AmeriCorps, the national service program. The House passed a similar bill last week with bipartisan support. While increasing volunteer opportunities is popular, some critics question whether it makes sense for the government to pay billions of dollars to make it happen."
A Chance to Make America Better
"The Senate began debate Monday on the Serve America Act—the first major legislation on national service since Congress enacted AmeriCorps 16 years ago. And it could not come at a more critical time. Nonprofits are struggling to keep up with the demand for services prompted by the economic crisis, while Americans are lining up to serve. The House passed the GIVE Act last week, which reauthorizes the national service laws, and President Barack Obama is poised to sign this groundbreaking legislation once Congress has completed action on the bills, possibly before the April recess."
Public Service and Private Greed
"On Election Day in 1960, my family placed a hand lettered sign in our living room window on East 59th street in Brooklyn that read “Kennedy for President”. A few months later, as a seven year old boy, I remember watching President Kennedy on our black and white television ask us to pledge “what we could do for our country”. It was a thrilling, inspiring moment. I think that the start of my lifelong commitment to public service can be found somewhere within that poetic and historic speech."
A New Era of Service
Barack Obama, TIME Magazine, March 19, 2009
"I started my career more than two decades ago as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, working with churches to help neighborhoods that had been devastated by plant closings. Block by block, we fought to create job-training programs, improve housing conditions and help people live their lives with some measure of dignity. And eventually, I realized that I wasn't just helping other people — through service, I also found a community that embraced me, a church to belong to and the direction I'd been seeking. Through service, I found that my own story fit into a larger American story."
Congress Gives Big Boost to National Service
"The move to expand the country’s national-service programs got a significant boost on Wednesday, when the House of Representatives adopted legislation to create an array of new volunteer projects and a Senate committee approved a similar measure."
National Service Bill Passes House Of Representatives
"Legislation to revise national service programs and boost volunteerism has cleared the first of three major hurdles it faces in the coming weeks."
House Passes Expansion of Programs for Service
"The House voted Wednesday to approve the largest expansion of government-sponsored service programs since President John F. Kennedy first called for the creation of a national community service corps in 1963. The legislation, which passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 321 to 105, would more than triple the number of service positions by expanding AmeriCorps and creating volunteer programs focused on education, health care, clean energy and veterans. The total number of positions would grow to 250,000 from 75,000 now in AmeriCorps."
Lawmakers Forge Ahead with National Service Bill
"A funk settled over Winnefred Frolik in 2004 as she grew worried about global warming, poverty and hunger. But after graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, Frolik found a cure: a five-month stint as a parks volunteer in New Hampshire followed by three years volunteering with AmeriCorps."
Congress Prepares to Expand Service Program
"Without much fanfare, Congress is set to move ahead this week with one of the largest expansions of national and community service in years."
Stimulating the New Service Economy
"This time last year, college seniors across the country were madly interviewing for jobs on Wall Street, evaluating offers that included unbelievable salaries and beautiful offices, and dreaming of the glitzy, fast-paced life that awaited them come graduation..."
National service bill draws strong bipartisan support
"A national service bill aimed at drawing Americans from elementary school children to retirees won bipartisan plaudits yesterday from key senators, who said they are hoping to get the measure passed before Easter."
Students Can Improve National Service
Shirley Sagawa testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
"Twenty years ago, this committee put together demonstration legislation to test whether young Americans serve their communities full-time for a year, or part-time for a longer period, in exchange for money for college? The answer was an overwhelming “yes.” Serve America would not only build on this strong track record, but expand other types of service. It could not come at a more critical time."
Kennedy promotes national service bill
"A national service bill aimed at drawing Americans from elementary school children to retirees won bipartisan plaudits today from key senators, who said they are hoping to get the measure passed before Easter."
An Army Of Changemakers
"At a dinner for members of Congress at the last Wednesday, Michelle Obama approached , the mustachioed Californian who chairs the influential House Education and Labor Committee. The two had never met before. The first lady told the congressman how excited she was to learn that he was preparing to move legislation on Monday to greatly expand national service."
NPR Kojo Nnamdi Radio Recording in RealAudio and Windows Media
AnnMaura Connolly, Vice President of City Year and Lead Organizer of ServiceNation, appeared on the Kojo Nnamdi radio show on NPR to talk about service. She spoke alongside Colonel William Hauser and Jerome Slater of SUNY Buffalo, as well as Michael Lind, a Whitehead Senior Fellow from the New America Foundation.
N.O. student journalist: Trip to D.C. daunting, exciting
"Children's PressLine is a youth media organization, profiled in Monday's Times-Picayune, that trains students ages 8 to 18 to be journalists. The group is setting up an operation in New Orleans. Traylor, 10, a fifth-grade student at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, is one of three New Orleanians selected by the group to travel to Washington to cover the inauguration."
Stars, Regular Folks heed Obama's call to service
"WASHINGTON (AP) - Usher helped build a school library. Superman and Spider-Man rolled up their sleeves. And thousands of volunteers around the country marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday by heeding President-elect Barack Obama's call to service."
Politicians, Celebrities, and Nonprofit Leaders Promote Obama’s Call for New Era of Community Service
"Politicians, celebrities, and nonprofit leaders—speaking to more than 1,200 people in Washington—today urged Americans to take up President-elect Barack Obama’s call for a new era of community service."
Volunteers Follow Barack Obama's Community-Service Lead
"WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a rousing morning of speeches about the importance of community service at Ballou Senior High School, attendees took inspiration from President-elect Barack Obama — who painted walls at nearby Sasha Bruce House for homeless teens — and clocked in for their own tour of service. To the tune of the Ballou High School Majestic Marching Knights band, playing a funky, horn-fueled cover of Madonna’s “4 Minutes,” hundreds of volunteers walked excitedly down a steep hill to Abram Simon Elementary."
Celebs Invade Ward 8
"Ashton! Demi! Tobey! At Ballou! That’s right—honest-to-god A-listers made their way out to the oft-maligned Congress Heights high school this morning. There, a breakfast was held commemorating today’s “day of service” on the occasion of Martin Luther King’s birthday."
Martin Luther King III Gives Inspiring Speech At D.C. High School
"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On a day that President-elect Barack Obama has dedicated to service, it's fitting that we're sitting on a bleacher in the packed high school auditorium. And, on a day celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., it's also fitting to be in Ward 8, D.C.'s southernmost — and perhaps toughest — neighborhood, listening to Martin Luther King III remind the packed house about his father's famous call to arms: "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.""
Obama Greets Volunteers at D.C. High School
"On the next stop of the president-elect’s service tour of Washington, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, stopped by Calvin Coolidge High School where military families, Coolidge students and local service groups such as Service Nation, Year Up and Georgetown Law School were helping with various activities for the troops."
Ashton & Demi, Tobey & More Gather For Service Commitment
"As President Elect Barack Obama lead by example by painting walls at the Sasha Bruce House on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day morning before his Inauguration, several big celebs and civic leaders gathered early at Ballou Senior High School in Washington DC’s Anacostia neighborhood to call for a “New Era Of Service” lead by ServiceNation."
Stephen Colbert Signs Declaration of Service...Sort Of
"Even Stephen Colbert, the comedy talk-show host, has now signed the “Declaration of Service,” the pledge being promoted by ServiceNation, the coalition of mostly nonprofit groups that is pushing for more civic engagement."
Obama Unveils Ads and Web Site to Promote Community Service
"President-elect Barack Obama today unveiled a new television advertisement as part of a push to get Americans to make a year-round commitment to community service."
Service Coalitions Propose 'Nonprofit Stimulus Package'
"Several coalitions of groups promoting community and national service are urging President-elect Obama and Congress to include a “nonprofit stimulus package” as part of the economic-recovery plan they are drafting."
Barack's Celebrity Smackdown
"This year’s inaugural festivities will see an unprecedented number of A-list stars come Washington, D.C. Inside the battle to get a Jennifer Aniston or Spike Lee to come to an inaugural party."
Obama’s Stamp of Approval, Prepresidential
"EVERY time he does something as president-elect that could be construed as presidential, Barack Obama has been saying, “We only have one president at a time.” But Mr. Obama will soon be doing something before his inauguration that has long been the province of presidents: appearing in a public service campaign."
City a leader in national volunteer movement
"A bipartisan national volunteer movement is under way, and Atlanta's fingerprints are all over it."
Candidates promise national service initiatives
"NEW YORK, Sept. 11 -- Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain pledged to inspire a new commitment to public service Thursday, as they set aside the rancor of an intense presidential campaign during a two-hour forum on the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks."
Kennedy to introduce sweeping national service bill
"NEW YORK -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy, sidelined from the Senate as he undergoes treatment for a malignant brain tumor, plans to introduce a sweeping new national service bill tomorrow to recruit 175,000 Americans of all ages to do service.