Approximately 1,000 AmeriCorps members and staff from 32 programs around New York
State enjoyed the 2008 AmeriCorps Kickoff Celebration on November 19, 2008. The
Kickoff combined celebration with valuable training. The day provided several opportunities
for inspiration, fellowship and networking for the members serving throughout the
state.
From left to Right: *Mark Baker, FOX-23 News Morning Show Anchor *Mark Walter,
Executive Director New York State Office of National & Community Service *Susan Stern,
Chair, New York State Commission on National & Community Service *Iris Chen,
CEO, “I Have a Dream” Foundation.
AmeriCorps is federally funded through the Corporation for National and Community
Service and administered in New York State by the State Office of National and Community
Service.
Governor Paterson has made national service and volunteerism a priority within his
administration. The Governor said the following about the AmeriCorps Kickoff, “As
we join together to begin another productive year of service, we celebrate the achievements
made by these committed young people and look forward to their continued success
in the year to come. Our AmeriCorps members embody the spirit of service that can
be found across the State.” Click here to see the Governor’s
recent Press Release relative to the 2008 AmeriCorps Kickoff.
New York’s First Lady, Michelle Paige Paterson, Honorary Chair of New York’s Commission
on National and Community Service, said, “I believe strongly in volunteerism and
our common obligation to address community needs across our state.”
Following are highlights of the day that was hosted by Fox 23’s Morning Program
Anchor Mark Baker.
During the Morning Program:
- AmeriCorps member Carrie Smith of Western New York AmeriCorps opened the session
with the National Anthem.
- Susan Stern, Commission Chair and Mark Walter, Executive Director, each took the
opportunity to thank AmeriCorps members in attendance for being the heroes among
us, wishing them a productive and inspiring year ahead.
- New York’s First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson congratulated the members on their
year of service by, via a pre-recorded message.
- Iris Chen, President and CEO of “I Have a Dream” Foundation presented a passionate
message to the audience about the importance of continuing to work hard to resolve
disparities in achievement between children in our schools – throughout her career
she has seen that this truly is a problem we can solve.
- All 1,300 AmeriCorps members in attendance took the AmeriCorps Oath together, pledging,
as AmeriCorps members, to: Get Things Done for America.
- The morning session closed with an emotional rendition of “I Hope You Dance”, performed
by AmeriCorps member Matthew Pezzula, of Self-Advocacy Association’s AmeriCorps
program - Our Experience is the Best Teacher.
During the Lunch Break:
Members visited 23 displays presented by the AmeriCorps programs in attendance.
Through this venue, AmeriCorps members were able to learn from each other and come
to understand the depth and breadth of service opportunities that exist in our state.
During the Afternoon:
Members attended Emergency Preparedness Training provided by the American Red Cross.
Members who are interested and able, will soon become trained Red Cross Disaster
Relief Volunteers, responding to large scale disasters, should they ever occur in
New York State.