Untapped Potential: Fulfilling the Promise of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Bigs and Littles They Represent
American children represent a great untapped potential in our country. For many young people, choices are limited and the goal of a productive adulthood is a remote one.
This report paints a picture of who these children are, shares their insights and reflections about the barriers they face, and offers ways forward for Big Brothers Big Sisters as it undergoes a nationwide strategic planning process to initiate an engagement and advocacy strategy that will provide at-risk children with the tools they need to achieve success.
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In the News
Veterans Are Civic Assets
This week, we're happy to introduce a new guest blogger: Mary Yonkman, Chief of Staff at Civic Enterprises, co-author of All Volunteer Force, and military spouse. Mary provides practical guidance on how every community can better harness the skills and commitment to service of returning veterans to meet the needs in local communities. Read the Article >>
Compassion Across Borders
High unemployment, the Gulf oil spill, and mounting fiscal worries clouded our July 4th celebrations. Yet, one patriotic highlight in President Obama's first year was bipartisan support of the Serve America Act, which expanded opportunities for Americans of all ages to meet urgent domestic challenges through community and national service. In the process, Americans who otherwise would have been unemployed are engaging in productive work, at low cost to taxpayers, to meet problems like the high school dropout epidemic. Similar efforts can expand volunteer service abroad. Read the Article >>
ServiceWorld Co-Chairs Harris Wofford and John Bridgeland announce a new
plan for a Sargent Shriver International Service Act at the National
Conference on Volunteering and Service in New York City.
John Bridgeland delivered the Commencement Address for Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin. The theme was "Lives of Service." He also spoke on a panel with President Joyce, Father Wally, John Heasley and Wayne Meisal.
Mary Yonkman spoke at the California Mayors Graduation Summit in
Sacramento, California. She spoke about the national policy landscape
and moderated a youth panel. Fellow speakers included Sacramento Mayor
Kevin Johnson, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Bob Wise and Dr.
Russ Rumberger.
Civic Enterprises works on issues ranging from the high school dropout crisis, to national parks, malaria, civic engagement, and private investment in Rwanda. We are looking for motivated fellows to join our team for a semester or summer fellowship to assist on critical research, strategy sessions and the drafting of national reports. We are a small, dynamic team looking for fellows interested in working on public policy surrounding significant issues.
