A New Era of Service Across America

It's worth noting that an op ed piece by President Barack Obama appeared in this week's Time Magazine, reaffirming his commitment to national service. As I've mentioned earlier on this blog, legislation is now making its way through Congress in support of this goal. Here's an exerpt from what the President had to say:

And while our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. To do our part to lift up our fellow Americans. To realize our own true potential by hitching our wagon to something bigger than ourselves.

The President stressed that this is a bipartisan issue:

For decades, leaders from both parties have sought to promote that ethic of service: President Richard Nixon expanded opportunities for senior citizens to serve; President George H.W. Bush called for volunteers to serve as "points of light" in their communities; President Bill Clinton established the Corporation for National and Community Service. And on Sept. 11, 2008, in the midst of a spirited general-election campaign, Senator John McCain and I put aside our differences and came together in New York City to issue a joint call to public service. It was an important reminder that while our politics is often focused on what divides us, there is much more that unites us.

You can read the entire piece on the Time Magazine website.

I've also enjoyed the photos of First Lady Michelle Obama serving as, essentially, a volunteer crew leader with a group of students, breaking ground on the White House vegetable garden. Way to go, Michelle! If you're ever in Washington, stop by Mount Rainier and we'll put you to work!