Version User Scope of changes
Jan 28 2009, 12:48 PM EST michaelbeezner 21 words added, 1 word deleted
Jan 28 2009, 12:48 PM EST michaelbeezner 1 word deleted

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions
Building on the momentum of his grassroots presidential campaign, President Obama has asked all Americans to give back to their country by carving out some time to volunteer in their community.

The Call to Action from President Obama
"As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead. That's why I'm asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities...The change we've worked so hard for will not happen unless ordinary Americans get involved, and supporters like you must lead the way. read the complete transcript

To make it easier for you to make a difference in your neighborhood, Wetpaint has put together a guide to setting up an online volunteer community. Check out the tips and templates below to get started.

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps
  1. Create a free Wetpaint site for your community.
  2. Build some basic pages with the help of our page ideas and templates (below)
  3. Get the word out with the help of our outreach checklist (also below)
Page Ideas & Templates
  • Customize your homepage with images and info about your neighborhood. Embed the video.
  • MakeWork together to make a list of volunteer opportunities in your area (see template)
  • Create a page where users can share their volunteer experiences (see template)
  • Build a photo album to capture photos from each volunteer event
Outreach Checklist
  • Send an email to your local list serve to invite neighbors to participate
  • Post flyers at local coffee shops, restaurants, and stores, or go door to door.
  • Post a link to your site on your Facebook or MySpace account
  • Contact your local newspaper (or their blog) to make them aware of what you're up to.
Watch Obama's Call to Organize



Ideas for Getting Involved (via USAService.org)
• Environment (Non-profits, youth organizations or schools can be partnered with for beach and/or park clean-ups)
• Hunger/Homelessness (Faith-based organizations, charity groups, soup kitchens, etc.)
• Health (Businesses, hospitals, non-profits, or schools can be partnered with for blood drives or volunteering at a hospital)
• Education/Youth (Schools, colleges, or youth organizations can be partnered with for tutoring or volunteering in a classroom or maintenance at a school)
• Civic engagement (Government agencies or elected officials can be partnered with for events such as teaching children civics and civic participation)
• Military/Veterans (Government agencies or hospitals can be partnered with for volunteering at a local veterans’ center; or assisting military families)


Have your own ideas and suggestions for ways to get involved? Add them to a thread below!