Column: Clearinghouse for Volunteers

9/17/09 - Involvement is essential in order to be a productive and responsible citizen. So what can you do to become more engaged?
Citizenship Day, enacted in 1952 by President Truman, recognizes rights and responsibilities of U.S citizens, both native-born and naturalized, and encourages Americans to celebrate our Constitution and reaffirm our commitment as citizens of our country. The choice of Sept. 17 commemorates the events of Sept. 17, 1787 when the United States Constitution was signed.
On Citizenship Day, a day which recognizes the rights and responsibilities of U.S. Citizens', you should reflect upon these two questions: What is it that the United States of America can offer you as a citizen and in return what are you able to offer your country?
The University of Rhode Island and Feinstein Center for Service-Learning is excited to host its second annual Citizenship Day celebration. This event will be held today from 10a.m.-3p.m. on the Quadrangle and in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
At this event, there will be plenty of information focused on becoming involved in the community.
Last year's event included a mock presidential election in which 792 students voted. Of the 792 students that participated, 548 voted for President Barack Obama resulting in 75 percent of the student participants supporting President Obama.
This year we will be hosting a small informal community engagement fair including free speech/ graffiti tables, student polls on current issues on topics such as the economy, civil rights, the Presidency and health care reform. Representatives from several organizations including:
-First Book URI
-Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry Drive
-Habitat for Humanity URI
-Jumpstart URI
-Leadership Studies
-League of Women Voters
-Voter Registration Drive
-Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation
-ROTC
-URI Clearinghouse for Volunteers
-URI Recycling Center
Celebrate Citizenship Day by becoming engaged and following the words of the Great John F. Kennedy who said "Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.