FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2012
On April 22, teens, high school and college students will join together to share the importance of early childhood education and literacy at Red, White & Read. United Way of Dane County, UW-Student United Way, and Student Athletes Equally Supporting Others are coming together from 2:00-4:00pm at the Madison Public Library- Sequoya Branch located at 4340 Tokay Blvd to show local kids that reading is fun!
Everyone is invited to join Bucky Badger and other UW-Madison Athletes for an engaging day of reading. Additional activities at the library will include opportunities for parents, caregivers, and children to learn through play at Play and Learn, circle time and lots of interactive reading stations. This event is free and open to the public. These youth join millions of other young people around the world who are creating community change as part of Global Youth Service Day, the world’s largest and longest-running service event.
United Way of Dane County has been part of this national youth volunteer movement since 2002 and has mobilized over 2,000 youth every year, during Global Youth Service Day, to get out and give back to the community. This year local youth volunteers will be focusing on projects which improve the community in the areas of Education, Safety and Health, identified through our community’s Agenda for Change. These projects include local neighborhood and park clean-ups, building picnic tables for community families, cooking and serving food at a local community center and so much more.
“It is inspiring to see youth in our community come together and make change happen,” says Leslie Ann Howard, President & CEO. “Volunteers, like these youth, are the heroes in our community making Dane County a great place to live!”
Now it’s in 24th year, Global Youth Service Day (April 20-22, 2012) is celebrated in more than 100 countries, and recognizes the positive impact that young people have on their communities 365 days a year. Organized by YSA (Youth Service America), a leader in the international youth service movement, Global Youth Service Day offers youth, ages 5 to 25, the resources and support to plan meaningful projects that improve their communities.
“Congratulations and thanks to the young people of Dane County for their work to improve their community,” said Steven A. Culbertson, YSA president and CEO. “On Global Youth Service Day, the world stands in awe as we see what’s possible when kids take the lead as problem-solvers.”
For more information log onto http://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/2012/03/rwr/
About Youth Service America
YSA (Youth Service America) improves communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people, ages 5 to 25, serving in substantive roles. Through grants, service-learning programs, mobilization campaigns and resources, YSA supports a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership and achievement. YSA’s signature campaign, Global Youth Service Day, is the largest and longest-running service event in the world, and takes place in more than 100 countries on six continents April 20 to 22, 2012. Learn more at www.GYSD.org. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/globalyouthserviceday and on Twitter @gysd.
Our Community’s Agenda for Change
EDUCATION
- Students succeed academically and graduate from high school, regardless of race.
- Children are cared for and have fun as they become prepared for school.
SAFETY
- There is a decrease in family homelessness.
- There is a reduction in violence toward individuals and families.
HEALTH
- People’s health issues are identified and treated early.
- Seniors and people with disabilities are able to stay in their homes.
United Way engages our community mobilizes volunteers and strengthens local nonprofits to achieve measurable results and change lives.
United Way of Dane County
United Way of Dane County is addressing the underlying causes of community issues through our community’s Agenda for Change—seven goals focused on three priority areas of Education, Safety and Health that our community identified as most critical to changing lives and strengthening Dane County. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative work, we are achieving measurable results toward making our community better educated, safer, and healthier. United Way provides organizations and individuals the opportunity to give, advocate, and volunteer to change the human condition in Dane County.
