From the Senator's Desk . . .
February 4, 2009
President Barack Obama has inspired a new generation of HOPE. His energy and progressive ideals have motivated and mobilized young people to get involved in their community. His history of community organizing has inspired the masses to stand up, speak up and get involved in something they believe in.
Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org
"Be The Change"
Dear Friends:
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama has inspired a new generation of HOPE. His energy and progressive ideals have motivated and mobilized young people to get involved in their community. His history of community organizing has inspired the masses to stand up, speak up and get involved in something they believe in.
There are many leadership programs locally and nationally that can help you get involved. There are organizations that fit a wide variety of interests and activities. I encourage you to get involved in an organization or issue that interests you, whether the topic is voter registration, the environment, immigration, volunteering, women's rights, peace initiatives, leadership building or learning more about your government. Below are a list of organizations that can help you be the CHANGE.
Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC)
CYLC offers the opportunity for students to meet high profile government officials while participating in experiential educational leadership development programs.
Website: www.cylc.org
Address: Congressional Youth Leadership Council
1919 Gallows Road, Suite 700
Vienna, VA 22182
National Hispanic Institute
The National Hispanic Institute values the talent of Latino youth, the potential they represent to the future of the Latino community and the extended sectors of American society, and provides private community settings through which they may become intellectually, culturally, and socially engaged in determining the roles they wish to play in shaping tomorrow’s world.
Website: www.nhi-net.org
Phone number: (512) 357-6137
Email El Paso Coordinador: elpaso.ylc@villescas.org
Address: P. O. Box 220
Maxwell, Texas 78656
Youth Corps
The mission of Youth Corps is to provide a one-year course of practical, hands-on, on-site study and experience for 9th and 10th grade students that will provide opportunities and exposure to relevant professional competencies as an important aspect of community service.
Website: www.youthcorps.net
Phone number: (803) 665-5640
Email: jeff@youthcorps.net
Address: P.O. Box 50964
Columbia, SC 29250
Ameri Corps
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.
Website: www.americorps.org
Phone Number: (202) 606-5000
Email: questions@americorps.org
Address: 1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20525
Peace Corps
Peace Corps is an opportunity for post college graduates to contribute their talents around the world and impact lives and communities.
Website: www.peacecorps.gov
Phone Number: 1-800.424.8580
Email: dallas@peacecorps.gov
Address: 1100 Commerce St
Suite 427
Dallas, TX 75242
El Paso Young Leaders Society
The mission of the Young Leaders Society of El Paso is to maximize community philanthropy by empowering uniquely motivated Young Leaders in the El Paso area with the express opportunity to participate in leadership development events, special guest discussions, volunteer activities, and network opportunities
Website: www.ylselpaso.org
Phone number: (915) 533-2434 ext 228.
Email: emartin@unitedwayelpaso.org
United Students Association
The United States Student Association, the country's oldest and largest national student-led organization, develops current and future leaders and amplifies the student voice at the local, state, and national levels by mobilizing grassroots power to win concrete victories on student issues.
Website: www.usstudents.org/
Phone number: (202) 640-6570
Email: ussa@usstudents.org
Address: 1211 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 406
Washington, DC 20036
Eliot Shapleigh
Related Stories