Senator Dodd on United We Serve

June 22, 2009 -- Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) joined President Barack Obama today in calling on Americans to participate in the United We Serve Initiative. United We Serve is a summer-long initiative sponsored by the White House and the Corporation for National Service. It begins today and will end on September 11th with the new National Day of Service and Remembrance.

“America’s greatest resource can be found in the strength and compassion of its citizens. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds share a desire to serve their communities,” said Dodd, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in the Dominican Republic. “Today, I’m proud to join President Obama in encouraging individuals, community groups, and businesses to visit serve.gov in order to take part in this nationwide initiative. President Kennedy once inspired a generation – including myself – to serve. And I hope everyone in Connecticut will join me in taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity to continue the American tradition of community service.”

The United We Serve initiative makes it easier for Americans to find volunteer opportunities through www.serve.gov, which allows visitors to search for opportunities by areas of interest and location. The website also contains a service tool kit that offers advice to Americans who want to organize their own service projects, allows users to sign in using social networking sites - such as Facebook and Twitter, share volunteer opportunities with friends and view the activities that others are participating in.

Local organizations in Connecticut that may need volunteers in the coming months are encouraged to post their needs on serve.gov. Dodd, a longtime advocate for national service, will join other Connecticut residents in participating in the United We Serve Initiative throughout the summer. He also joined with Senator Kennedy in sending a letter to his Senate colleagues today urging them to participate.

This initiative builds on momentum in the past months to expand service opportunities for all Americans, regardless of age, race, religion, or economic status. Earlier this year, the Senate passed and President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act to expand and improve service and volunteerism opportunities. This legislation included many provisions of Senator Dodd’s “Service for All Ages” Initiative to expand opportunities to participate in community service for young and old. Senator Dodd is also Co-Chair of the Senate National Service Caucus.

Source: Senator Chris Dodd