This morning I had the honor to speak at a press conference as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined by Councilman Tom LaBonge and LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia launched the Cities of Service effort announcing the three priority areas for the City’s volunteer effort: Education, Economic Development, and Environment. I was there in my role as Chair of the California Commission on Service and Volunteering. There are 17 California cities currently a part of this initiative. Los Angeles, along with Sacramento and Chula Vista, each received a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to help create a Chief Service Officer. Rafael Gonzalez was appointed to this role for LA. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York created the program last year. Cities of Service reflect the belief that healthy, vibrant cities are those whose citizens volunteer their time and talent to keep communities strong and help neighbors in need. I look forward as additional cities across the country join this effort. Please contact your city’s mayor and ask them to join this important movement.
http://mayor.lacity.org/PressRoom/PressReleases/LACITYP_011721