NEWS

Entertainment Industry Foundation, Mayors From All Over The U.S. Kick Off Two Major Initiatives Encouraging Volunteerism

Entertainment Industry Foundation Kick Off Two Major Initiatives Encouraging Volunteerism From October 19-25, actors and executives representing the Entertainment Industry Foundation (or EIF, the entertainment community's collective charitable organization) will join New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and 15 mayors from around the country, numerous celebrities, and key service groups to launch two new initiatives aimed at fostering a new era of volunteerism.

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President Obama Signs Landmark National Service Bill

President Obama delivered an early victory for a central cause of his Administration by signing into law a sweeping expansion of national service that will engage millions of Americans in addressing local needs through volunteer service.

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A Bipartisan Bill Worth Celebrating

When Congress comes back from its two-week recess, members of both parties will be invited to the White House to celebrate what is, in today's context, almost a miracle: the signing of the Serve America Act of 2009.

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Congress increases opportunities for national service

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. The House voted 275-149 Tuesday for a $5.7 billion bill that triples positions in the Clinton-era AmeriCorps program, its largest expansion since the agency's creation in 1993, and establishes a fund to help nonprofit organizations recruit and manage more volunteers.

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Hope in Cedar Rapids as Washington pushes volunteerism

As the floodwaters rose by the hour, so did Bruce Vander Sanden's worst fears. "It was devastating," he said. "The most vulnerable people were being hit the hardest. They were losing their homes, their jobs, everything."

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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.

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Amid economic downturn, recent grads turn to national service

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- 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."

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A Move to Expand Volunteer Ranks

OLDER Americans who want to help solve the nation's social problems will soon have even more opportunities to do so. Last month, Congress passed legislation that expands national and community service programs and includes provisions to attract adults over 55 to paid and volunteer jobs. President Obama, a former community organizer himself, is expected to sign the bill.

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In this tough job market, consider volunteering

The job market for the newly laid off and soon-to-be college graduates is the worst in years. So if you're one of those seeking but not finding work, what can you do? Consider volunteering.

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Build communities - and patriotism

Lost in the budget and bailout crossfire in Washington is a remarkable piece of legislation that won passage this week: a bipartisan measure that gives public service the biggest boost in decades.

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A boost for volunteering

In Maryland and across the nation, there is increased awareness and interest in volunteering and giving back. But many don't know where or how to get started. Now, there is a new way. In one of the most sweeping overhauls of the country's national service programs since the 1960s, Congress has passed and sent to President Barack Obama for his signature a bill that is expected to drastically increase the size and scope of AmeriCorps, the government's largest volunteer organization and the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps.

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Time to volunteer: Congress empowers people to stimulate America

While government stimulus money flows to counter the recession, the fate of the nation isn't solely in Washington's hands. Never have the words spoken by President John F. Kennedy at his 1961 inauguration been more timely: "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country."

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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.

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Give Something Back

With the end of the military draft in 1973, Americans no longer faced the possibility mandatory national service. That means that two generations have come of age without having to serve their country. The draft had become associated with the nation's ill-begotten war in Vietnam, and few lamented its demise. In retrospect, the free pass young Americans have been given seems like a mistake.

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Encouraging national service is wise investment

Service is an important lesson in citizenship for all Americans, especially young adults. Understandably, when Americans think of national service, military service first comes to mind. While citizens' service in our volunteer military is critical to the security of our nation, there are other ways that young Americans can serve their nation, state and/or community.