“Children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents did,
And this has significant implications for our children's health,
The economy, and the future of American conservation.
This summer, as part of President Obama's new United We Serve campaign,
I encourage all Americans to serve by mentoring a child in the great outdoors,
And introducing them to our nation's treasured landscapes.”
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar
This week, President Obama's United We Serve initiative will spotlight the countless ways that volunteers promote energy efficiency, address climate change, and preserve our natural environment as part of Energy and Environment Week.
From building trails and restoring parks, to weatherizing homes and teaching environmental education, millions of volunteers make a critical contribution to energy independence and environmental stewardship each year.
Through Energy and Environment Week, August 3-9, United We Serve will spotlight some of these projects and success stories on its blog.
A wide range of organizations are participating, including the Department of Interior, the Department of Energy, Take Pride in America, The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation, the Corps Network, the Sierra Club, Community Action Agencies, the Student Conservation Association, Groundwork USA, and Habitat for Humanity.
“As millions of Americans enjoy parks and public lands this summer, we hope they will be inspired to volunteer,” said Nicola Goren, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is leading the Administration's United We Serve initiative. “Whether preserving natural treasures for future generations, or helping America become more energy secure, volunteers make a huge difference in addressing our energy and environmental challenges.”
Service and volunteering have a long and proud history in our nation's parks and public lands, dating back to the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps. Today hundreds of modern-day conservation and youth corps, many of them part of AmeriCorps, perform similar work preserving natural habitats, restoring parks and streams, weatherizing homes, building and maintaining trails, and teaching the next generation the joy and importance of getting outdoors.
I, myself, learned the many merits of volunteerism after Hurricane Katrina devastated our Gulf Coast. Without the exuberant and tireless work of thousands of unpaid volunteers from all walks of life, and from all areas of the country, this national tragedy would have been even far worse than it was.
And perhaps the biggest benefit people get from volunteering is the satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives, and making a difference in their community, and in their country. The intangible benefits alone—such as pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment—are extremely worthwhile reasons to serve. In addition, when we share our time and talents, we:
- Solve problems
- Strengthen communities
- Improve lives
- Connect to others
- Transform our own lives
Far too many people today sit around complaining about how bad things are; yet they expect someone else to do all the work, to make things better.
I already belong to several of the wonderful organizations listed above, and I am now mentoring a child in the wonders of nature, and the great outdoors.
I’ve also increased my volunteer efforts on behalf of America's abandoned, abused, and homeless pets.
What will you be doing to help improve our world - this week, and in the weeks ahead?
The world truly is what we decide to make it.
Please visit the link below, to learn how you can get involved.
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