President Obama's call to service - usaservice.org

While many have great hopes for President Obama, www.usaservice.org makes it clear that President Obama expects great things from us. Launched on Martin Luther King Jr. Day - as a reminder that one individual can make a difference - Usaservice.org is a site that connects volunteers with volunteer projects across the nation.

Volunteers can search for service events by location, type of event (civic and community, education, environment, health and public safety, other) and date. Individuals and organizations who need volunteers can post service events and find resources, such as tips on organizing the event, sample schedules and sample fliers. Usaservice.org both empowers and inspires individuals to serve. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: "If you want to be important - wonderful. If you want to be recognized - wonderful. If you want to be great - wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

If you are stressed or depressed by bleak economic news, take a break from your problems and build your community up, where ever you are. Whether through Usaservice.org, through other organizations like One Brick or through other national and international volunteer organizations. The opportunity to serve exists. Make a difference.