Something bigger than us all

Today I was humbled and inspired to attend the local celebration of the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. OK so what's that?

In 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) was established to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. It merged the work and staffs of two predecessor agencies, ACTION and the Commission on National and Community Service.

OK so why do I care?

I have been lucky to have learned that you can not only do well but you can do good. 

If you are reading this then you probably know me well enough to know that Elliott and I have been able to find joy and success in service to our communities - first for us both in Miami and now for Elliott in Philadelphia while I keep the home fires burning. 

Today as AmeriCorps celebrated its 20th birthday (next year they can order alcohol in a bar!) I was more moved than I thought I would be as folks committed to service, both young and old, took an oath to serve. In 50 states and at the White House.

President Clinton launched the first class of AmeriCorps volunteers 20 years ago today. Since then, more than 900,000 people have contributed more than 1.2 billion hours on service projects at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and religious-based groups nationwide.

My son Elliott is one of those 900,000. He served two years with City Year and has begun his career as a teacher with Teach for America. I was proud to hang out with my City Year and Teach for America friends today as a double AmeriCorps mom. I am also working on bringing an AmeriCorps program to Miami-Dade that could be a game changer. Stay tuned on that one.

Enjoy this White House posting about the celebration. Probably time to savor some good news.

Have a great weekend!