WASHINGTON, DC – Tens of thousands of youth in every Ward of Washington are throwing down their video games, skipping on shopping, and ungluing themselves from their TV sets to volunteer throughout the District during National & Global Youth Service Day. From April 20th to April 22nd, youth ranging from ages five to 25 will join millions around the globe as they engage in service to their communities. Serve DC, within the Executive Office of the Mayor, is coordinating this event, which in its 19th year will be the largest service event in the world. Over the weekend there will be 200 project locations.
This year’s theme, “Bringing Service Back,” like the popular Justin Timberlake song “Bringing Sexy Back,” emphasizes the commitment of today’s youth to service and volunteerism. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our city. From schools and shelters to hospitals and hotlines, volunteers are vital to the District of Columbia’s social and economic well-being,” said Mayor Adrian Fenty. “During National and Global Youth Service Day which concludes National Volunteer Week, and throughout the year, we appreciate volunteers across every ward who are making a more compassionate and decent society.” NGYSD engages all types of organizations, from non-profits to faith-based groups, District and federal government agencies, and public schools, libraries and parks.
The official opening ceremony and signature service project will focus on youth emergency preparedness. The event will be on Friday 4/20/2007 at King Greenleaf Recreation Center from 4-6 pm. Other projects highlighted include:
- Jump Start for a day
- River and Neighborhood Clean Ups
- CPR and First Aid Competition between local High schools
- HIV awareness
- Graffiti Removal
- Mentoring
For more information about local events or to get involved, please contact Dy Brown, Communications Director, at (202) 615-0094.
About Serve DC:
Serve DC’s mission is to strengthen and promote the District of Columbia's spirit of service through partnerships, national service and volunteerism. This is Serve DC’s sixth year as the Lead Local Agency for NGYSD. In 2006, nearly 10,000 volunteers participated in 80 youth-led community service projects. NGYSD is a program of Youth Service America.