The following press release highlights the tradition of service among sports teams and athletes… local schools may consider this tradition when developing service-learning programs. PE classes could engage students in service-learning projects that teach teamwork and sportsmanship? High school sports teams could engage in service-learning projects as part of their team building process.
Dear Colleagues:
We are pleased to announce that the NFL Players Association has teamed up with the Corporation for National and Community Service to promote the President’s call to service through the release of new United We Serve television public service announcements. The PSAs feature more than 30 NFL players and President Obama urging Americans to visit Serve.gov to find volunteer opportunities. The spots are being distributed today to national network and cable stations and the 32 markets with NFL teams. To highlight the partnership, two NFL players are participating in United We Serve events today: St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Draft will teach financial literacy to teens through Operation Hope in
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sandy Scott, 202.606.6724, sscott@cns.gov
July 23, 2009 NFLPA: Joanna Comfort, 202.756.9170, Joanna.Comfort@nflplayers.com
NFL Players Association Joins President Obama In Call To Service
NFL Players Association Teams Up with
Corporation for National and Community Service
To Promote “United We Serve” White House Initiative
(
“The players of the National Football League have a unique opportunity to serve as role models – both on and off the field – and I applaud them for answering the call to service through United We Serve,” President Obama said. “Their example proves that anyone, whether the toughest of athletes or the youngest of fans, has what it takes to make a difference in the life of their communities and their country.”
The partnership kicks off today with the national release of a new television public service announcement emphasizing the NFLPA’s support of the community service initiative. The PSA features more than 30 players from around the National Football League such as Drew Brees (
Along with a call to action from President Obama, the PSA features behind-the-scenes footage of NFL players as they explain in their own words how they are all part of one team both at home and in the community. Through service, NFL players demonstrate that the numbers worn on their jerseys on Sundays only tell part of their stories. Each player encourages his neighbors and every American to participate in President Obama’s call to service by exploring volunteer opportunities available at www.Serve.gov.
“The Players of the National Football League have accepted the challenge made to all Americans by the President and the First Lady,” said NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice F. Smith, speaking on behalf of all NFL Players. “It is our hope that people across the country will join us in making a difference in their communities.”
“Service is a solution to some of the nation’s biggest challenges, and in these tough times we need more Americans to answer the President’s call,” said Nicola Goren, acting CEO of the Corporation, which is leading the Administration’s United We Serve initiative. “We salute the NFLPA and the players for supporting United We Serve and helping build a better future for all Americans.”
United We Serve is starting with an initial 81 day burst of service, culminating in a day of service and remembrance on September 11, but it will grow into a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to promote service as a way of life for all Americans. This initiative, which aims to both expand the impact of existing organizations by steering new volunteers their way, and encourage new volunteers to develop their own "do-it-yourself" projects, focuses on five key areas: education, health, energy and the environment, community renewal, and safety and security.
To make it easy for individuals to get involved, the Corporation for National and Community Service created Serve.gov, a Web site that allows visitors to type in their zip code to find local volunteer opportunities, recruit volunteers by posting their organization’s projects, or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors.
“I often say that the beauty of serving others is that anyone can do it. You don’t have to be president; you don’t have to be a pro football player,” President Obama said while honoring the Steelers in May. “All you need to do is to have a desire to make a difference, to give back to your community, and to contribute to your nation.”
President Obama’s full message about United We Serve and more information on the initiative can be found at www.Serve.gov.
ABOUT NFLPA
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA’s responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; Assuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; Negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; Providing other member services and activities; Providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; Enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.NFLPLAYERS.com.
ABOUT THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve
# # #
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment