Community Service enters NYC's School Curriculum

Last month the Brooklyn elementary school that my kids attend was highlighted by Mayor Bloomberg at his NYC Service Initiative Rally. With NYC's Service Initiative launch, public service has now officially become a part of K-12 Public School Education in New York City.

As a parent, I can not help but feel that all this change would not be possible without the 2008 Presidential Election results. Now it's ok to support change as a positive force rather than something to be feared. Through community service we can bring out the best in our culture, our communities, our citizens, and our children. My kids are lucky to see this change. I sure hope it lasts.



I admire the mayor for standing behind these ideals and his administration for attempting to bring these values back into our educational system. "Throughout my life, I've found that giving back is one of life's greatest rewards and that civic service may be the most important thing we ever do," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York has always been fortunate to be home to everyday people who want to pitch in and help - and we need as much help now as ever before. NYC Service will channel New Yorkers' good intentions to tackle our greatest challenges, particularly those caused by the economic downturn. We are meeting the President's call to action and New York City will be the first city to strategically connect the power of its volunteers to solving its biggest problems."

Like the mayor's office, Scholastic has launched a kid-friendly public awareness campaign with similar themes. Check out www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig to learn more.