United we stand, and united we serve
In June, Gov. Jennifer Granholm helped kick off the United We Serve Campaign in Michigan. United We Serve is a program initiated by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage volunteerism. As our state works through these difficult times, I too would like to encourage you to offer a helping hand in our communities.
United We Serve is an organized effort asking people to become volunteers. If you visit the website, or the Michigan Community Service Commission's, you will find volunteer opportunities in your communities. But there is also much that you can do on your own. All you really need to be a volunteer is a little time out of your day, a kind heart and knowledge of what your community needs.
We all have memories of our parents helping out family, neighbors, or at our schools. Many of us have our own stories of volunteering and how those activities have changed our lives for the better. Recently the needs in our communities have grown even greater as Michigan, and the country, works through a tough economy and toward recovery.
I know you have all read and heard about Michigan’s current budget crisis. Even when we finalize the 2009-2010 budget, we will still face sacrifices as we work together toward a secure future for our state.
While there will be budget cuts, we can lessen the severity by stepping up and helping out. Churches, social service agencies, schools, libraries, arts and cultural institutions and non-profit organizations all suffer during difficult economic times. Many foundations have also had to modify their giving in order to do as much as they possibly can. But there is one thing that is immune from cuts that no one can reduce or eliminate. And that is your time.
Talking to volunteers recently, Mrs. Obama said: “Think about the libraries that will be changed because each of us donates a book or two. Or think about the smiles on some homeless person’s face because you took the time to spend a couple of hours to feed somebody a healthy meal.” Volunteering can be a simple act, but that act can have profound effects. Reading the book you donated, or listening to you read a story as a school or daycare volunteer, could open up a child’s eyes to books and learning. Helping an elderly neighbor with yard work or by carrying their trash to the curb could be the difference between that person staying in their own home, or leaving it to live with a relative or in assisted living.
There are big and small things that we can do on our own or as part of a group that will help. We just need to take the time to do them. We will weather these difficult times with your help and that of other generous volunteers. We have always been a state and nation of people who understand when and how to lend a helping hand. If we all do our part and continue to offer our help to others, then we will become a stronger community, state, and nation.
Senator Scott represents the 2nd Senate District, which includes areas of Detroit and the cities of Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park and all of the Grosse Pointes. She serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Visit her online.
