Service Nation Day Two
By: AARP.org | Source: AARP.org | September 2008
Q & A on Faith & Sexuality
Learn from the wisdom this first openly gay, non-celibate priest to become bishop in a major Christian denomination, Bishop Gene Robinson, has gained.
Musings: In Our Lives
Gay and lesbian leaders remember Stonewall, discuss gay life before and after the riots, and speak to today’s issues.
AARP and SAGE
As the first generation to come out of the closet ages, it’s time to develop plans for its members’ health, safety, and well-being.
LGBT Glossary
- LGBT
- Mattachine Society
- SAGE
- Stonewall Riots
Arnie Is 'Pumped Up' for Service
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was supposed to attend the two-day ServiceNation summit but stayed in California due to the impending budget debacle. (He told constituents that he wouldn't leave the state until the budget impasse was settled.)However, Schwarzenegger did send a video praising the call to action by ServiceNation, in his own way. "Maria and I are pumped up" about ServiceNation, he said, using one of his trademark lines.
The governor said that he didn't know what volunteering or service was until coming to America. After he met his future wife, Maria Shriver, daughter of Sergeant Shriver—one of the founders of the Peace Corps—he said he "got sucked in" to volunteerism.
Schwarzenegger said he was proud to establish the first cabinet-level position that focuses directly on service and volunteerism. He called on other governors and the next president of the United States to do the same. New York Gov. David Paterson announced his creation of such a position the night before at the presidential forum.
In his closing, Schwarzenegger invited the attendees to the site of the next ServiceNation summit, San Francisco. He asked members to visit and stay a while "because we need the money." But he warned that this wouldn't be the last we'd hear from him about volunteering: "I'll be back," the 'Terminator' actor said, using a line from the movie. The audience roared with laughter.
Rock Star Clout
Rocker Jon Bon Jovi talked about his experience with service through the arena football team he co-owns, the Philadelphia Soul. Bon Jovi said that when he recruits, he tells his scouts to "find me men of character, not characters."
Service is a prerequisite of his players, who he said eagerly get engaged throughout the Philadelphia area. Bon Jovi, who introduced the ServiceNation Young Leaders, said of his influence: "I'd like to make volunteerism cool. ... To make it the new black."
'It Takes a Nation'
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) poked fun at herself after being introduced by Jean Case of the Case Foundation. Clinton said she is "proud to be a member of the 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits,'" examples of which both women were wearing.
Clinton praised the Kennedy-Hatch proposed National Service Act, adding that she will co-author legislation with Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) that will establish a U.S. Public Service Academy. The academy will promote ethics among public servants and provide training and education for those who want to enter the public sector.
She said such a program needs to exist, because over the next 10 years, nearly one-third of the federal workforce will retire. "I think it takes a village; well now, it takes a nation, a ServiceNation," Clinton said to a standing ovation.
Service Attraction
Actress Glenn Close sat up front and center during the closing session to listen to Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.) talk about the value of volunteerism.
The "Fatal Attraction" villainess posed for pictures with the ServiceNation Young Leaders, many of whom weren't alive when she played her most notable—and scariest—role.
Staggering Stats
• 72,000 foundations exist nationwide
• That $307 billion was given to charities by Americans in 2007
• The average American gave $1,800 last year
• The band The Police gave $1 million to plant trees in New York City
• That there are 61 million volunteers in America?
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