ServiceNation

On September 11th and 12th, 2008 a movement began to inspire America: ServiceNation. By 2020, we hope to have 100 million citizens serving their nation in schools, workplaces and faith-based community organizations. Proudly, our Governor Granholm signed the pledge: a Declaration of Service, as the first Governor followed by NY and CA. This is an opportunity for citizens to unite around common causes and take responsibility for their future.

"This campaign now focuses on building a national grassroots movement aimed at inspiring widespread public support for increasing voluntary community and national service opportunities, solving problems with proven service strategies, and elevating service as a core ideal of civic engagement. ServiceNation encourages all Americans to step forward and take the lead in bridging our divides, strengthening our communities, and building a more vibrant democracy" (bethechange.org, 2008).

If you're interested in learning more please go to http://bethechangeinc.org/servicenation or to sign the pledge click on http://bethechangeaction.org/servicenation/take_action/declaration

Let's make this happen.To hear more from ServiceNation, check out their ChangeWire: news and notes from the world of social change at http://www.bethechangeinc.org/changewire/

December Pre-Service Orientation

The Power of We Consortium VISTA project has sworn in members at South Lansing Community Development Association and Reach Studio Art Center early. We still have five slots to fill at the Pre-Service Orientation during Dec. 2nd - 5th in Chicago, IL. If you're interested in working with:

Haven House
Gateway Community Services
Franklin Street Community Housing Corporation
The Garden Project
Old Town Commerical Association

Please call the Project Coordinator at (517) 887-4594 or email mzumbrunnen@ingham.org. We must fill out application and paperwork before October 22nd.

Check back soon for the good works these dedicated service volunteers are completing.

New sub-sites

Greetings! We have successfully brought on board two new VISTA sub-sites and re-upped a continuing project. Welcome to Gateway Community Services and Haven House with congratulations to South Side Community Coalition.

Gateway Community Services has provided a comprehensive range of services to children, adolescents and families in crisis in the Greater Lansing area since 1970 to empower and strengthen them to become stable and self-sustaining members of the community.

Haven House provides emergency housing and support services for one-parent and two-parent families with children. The shelter helps families who are homeless prepare for permanent housing by developing and promoting self-sufficiency, stability, and financial responsibility.

We're also continuing work with South Side Community Coalition that provides educational programs, job training, life skills, and recreational opportunities for the youth and community members on the south side of Lansing.

For more information please email: mzumbrunnen@ingham.org