We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.
- Barack Obama, Inaugural Address
Newsfeed chatter stopped, and the crowds on the Mall were pin-drop silent; we were each called to serve the common purpose of our shared future.
New beginnings necessitate reflection, and the YAVA Board has been working to establish its goals for 2009. So with a new year and what feels like a new era, I'd like to enlist your help to make YAVA everything it has the potential to be.
Find new non-profit partners
YAVA's membership is continually expanding, so we're always looking for new organizations to serve with. If you're involved with a group that you think would be a good fit for a future event, please help us get in touch.
Have successful events...
We want to be able to commit to our non-profit partners and to our fellow volunteers that events will be full of awesome-ness and all slots will be filled. If for any reason you need to cancel, get in touch with us as soon as you can. No shows hurt the group's effectiveness and credibility.
...and keep 'em coming back for more
I know I've been guilty of letting my life get in the way of volunteering, it's a very easy thing to postpone. My new personal goal is to do an event once every six weeks. Please commit to what you can.
Increase the EL ranks
Are you able to volunteer twice a month? Are you willing to be the point person for a group on the day of an event? Email us about becoming an Event Leader.
The Young Alumni Volunteer Association is entirely volunteer-run. To me, it's proof of the power of numbers and why I feel proud to be part of the movement emblemized today. YAVA is my very small part. It's my community and my way to give back. Me writing you this email once a week doesn't change the world. But together, we can.
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