A moment with our City’s youth
15 March 2011
This winter, I had the privilege of speaking to four of our high schools about public service as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy giving his inaugural speech in Washington, DC. More than anything, Kennedy’s speech was an inspirational call to public service as he challenged us:
“Ask not what your country can do for you —- ask what you can do for your country.”
That call is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
In my conversations with our high school students, I asked them to try to find a role in positively impacting our community. I emphasized how important it was for all of us to make commitments to the betterment of the place we call home. Commitments to improving the human condition of our neighbors.
I can tell you many of our students have already become deeply involved in community life. But opportunities abound and the stories of our collective efforts often go untold.
One institution that has consistently promoted collaboration as a key to moving our community forward is Leadership 2000… a program that fully engages leaders and future leaders in the community and in purposeful impact. Class 24 has opened up a contest asking students in the community to record the ways they or others are making a positive impact on the community.
The contest is open until April 29, 2011 and the full details can be found at www.impactdotte.org. I encourage our students to participate and share the great stories in our community. I applaud Leadership 2000 Class 24 for coming up with this great project.
