Site Visit: Public Allies Miami

06/22/2008 03:24:38 AM EST by cgeorge in Action Network Forum

So, for my first site visit this past Friday I was fortunate enough to spend the day with the Publicallies of Miami. I was already pretty excited going in because this is a program that I had previously heard about and was thinking of applying to. For those of you who are in the dark about Public Allies, basically, it is a non-profit organization under AmeriCorps, started in 1993 that focuses on leadership development trains a diverse group of young leaders in community development and civic engagement.

AmeriCorps

06/22/2008 03:20:30 AM EST by cgeorge in Action Network Forum

AmeriCorps! A large network of non-profits, public agencies, religious orgs, and the volunteers who work for them!

The Next President & National Service

06/19/2008 12:06:36 AM EST by cgeorge in Action Network Forum

What should the next President do for National Service?

    First? Believe in it. Not just empty rhetoric to appease the masses, but a belief in the importance of national service, and a passion in support of the fact that it actually works to improve the lives of those giving and receiving service. Both candidates for ’08 presidency have laudably vocalized their support for our governments’ role in expanding national service, but I am particularly impressed with Senator Obama’s outlined plan of action (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/).

Expanding Americorps to provide other services such as a Green Corps and Senior Corps are all notable steps that touch a range of facets in our society that need improvement. In addition to addressing much of the proposal for the expansion of national service, two ideas that intrigued me are the Social Investment Fund Network and Social Entrepreneur Agency mentioned in Obama’s plan. For our nation to offer the same type of governmental support for non-profit organizations as small businesses for the innovation and strides made in improving communities is very encouraging. With a nation of willing individuals waiting for the opportunity for their skills and passions to be used to better their own lives and the lives of those around them, and a leader who is dedicated to providing the American people with those opportunities, the future of National Service will only continue to grow promisingly greater.

“There is nothing wrong with America that faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens cannot cure.” –Dwight D. Eisenhower

“I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” –Oprah Winfrey

....Obama ‘08! :-)