Exciting times

A note from a colleague in the Boulder County non-profit arena:


I find on this dark, snowy day some very incredible bright spots for the nonprofit sector. I attended the Colorado Nonprofit Association's "A to Z Nonprofit Survival Guide for Uncertain Times" where keynote speaker Michael Seltzer with the Foundation Center shared his observation that President-elect Obama and his wife Michelle, have more nonprofit experience than any other First Couple and that this will certainly influence the new administration. More evidence of this comes across from the Obama Transition Office website, www.change.org. Check out the section where we can share our stories and concerns and hope which will help to identify and create momentum around the best ideas for how the Obama administration and 111th Congress can turn the broad call for "change" across the country into specific policies.

The Obama Administration will also ask every American of all ages and abilities to serve. Of special interest to us as volunteer leaders is their goal that all middle school and high school students engage in 50 hours of community service a year, and develop a plan for all college students who engage in 100 hours of community service to receive a fully-refundable tax credit of $4,000 for their education. Obama and Biden will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start. Check out America Serves and add your comments about service. It is indeed an exciting time to be in the nonprofit sector and working with volunteers!