Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that the Governor’s Office and the state’s departments and agencies will participate in United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer.
“These 11 weeks are a time for North Carolinians to take the lead in organizing service projects and forging partnerships with local organizations to get their communities back on track,” Perdue said. “Whether you are working in a soup kitchen, reading to a child or helping out a friend in need, everyone’s small efforts can create some big results.”
The campaign kicks off June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a national day of service and remembrance. The initiative focuses on four key areas: education, health, community renewal, and energy and the environment. It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.
The governor will focus on mentoring during the summer of service campaign. Cabinet secretaries will volunteer with different nonprofits and advocacy groups throughout the summer as well. The governor also encourages state employees to use their allotted 24 community service hours in support of the initiative and to help get North Carolina back on track.
The Obama administration created www.serve.gov, a Web site that allows visitors to type in their zip code to find local volunteer opportunities and recruit volunteers by posting their organization’s projects.