Call to Service

Obama helped make history as he became our new President of the United States of America. He pledged his loyalty and urged for a new "call to service." Forty-eight years ago, John F. Kennedy issued a call to national service using a still novel technology for political communication: television. "Ask what you can do for your country," he commanded. Barack Obama is reprising the call to service. But rather than using television, he has sent out his message primarily over the Internet, through millions of e-mails, hundreds of thousands of YouTube views and a new social-networking site created by his Inaugural committee. "I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their community and their country," the President-elect announced.

As Bonner Leaders we are volunteers. We are committed to and engaged in service and civic engagement to strengthen our communities, nation, and world. And now, President Obama has urged that there should be "no idle hands." Obama is all about change and it's our turn to step up and take action. In times of economic distress we need citizen service. Lets face it, we're living in tough times. A Northeastern University study found that the percentage of summer teen employment has dropped from 45% in 2000 to 33% last year. There are increasing stories of graduating seniors, like me, facing a tough job market. My hope is that we can overcome this hardship and turn America back on track. This will be no easy battle but if we work together nothing is impossible. Service is a continuing commitment. Skills we gain from our Bonner experience will travel with us long after our college degree is in hand.

“This country is great because of its people. And when all of our people are engaged and involved in making the community better … we can accomplish anything,” Obama said