Cape Cod Not by Government Alone - But Together -Yes We Can!

First Lady Calls on Nation's Nonprofits to Help Communities Hit by Recession

First lady Michelle Obama recently told a group of Washington, D.C.-area nonprofit leaders that communities hit hard by the recession should look to nonprofits — in addition to government — for help, the Associated Press reports.

Speaking at the annual Greater D.C. Cares summit, Obama said that nonprofit leaders should take advantage of the recently signed Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will triple the federal government's contribution to volunteerism efforts while helping to recruit thousands of new volunteers for nonprofit organizations. But those groups need to be ready to put the new volunteers to work to help struggling communities, said Obama. The key to keeping volunteers interested, she added, is for them to see results. "People really want to get involved. They're looking for a way to turn their frustration, excitement, anxiety into action."

Recalling her experiences as a community organizer and running an AmeriCorps program, the first lady noted that "communities are built and rebuilt by regular people. Folks working in businesses, philanthropists, foundations, and volunteers — all of them coming together to find solutions to these types of challenges."

She also called on funders to offer more support, especially multiyear commitments, noting that when she ran community service plans in Chicago, such support helped her develop more realistic budgets and invest in technology and fundraising. And she offered encouragement as well as a plea to service organizations whose budgets have been strained by the recession. "As tired as you may be, we're going to need you," she said. "We're going to be tapping you more and more."

“Michelle Obama: Government Alone Can't Rebuild.” Associated Press 6/16/09.