An Announcement from BVU's Executive Director: Baltimore - A City of Service

Did you know that almost 1 in 3 people in the Baltimore area volunteer each year? Or that the approximate value of a volunteer hour is over $21.00? It's true: our citizens are contributing millions of hours, and millions of dollars of value, by strengthening our neighborhoods through volunteerism. There is no denying that Baltimore has a long-standing tradition of being a city of service, and BVU is proud to play a role by connecting 20,000 people a year to meaningful volunteer opportunities, while educating thousands more about creative ways they can make a difference.

At a time when national service is on the rise and seen as a key solution to our country's economic recovery, we are so proud that Baltimore has been recognized as a winner of the national Cities of Service Leadership Grant competition. As one of just 20 cities to receive the award since its inception earlier this year, we have been recognized as a national leader in the service movement and provided with new resources to go even further. The grant will allow city government to hire a Chief Service Officer to coordinate city agency efforts around volunteerism, while also elevating the work of so many organizations that are engaged in service, including BVU.

I would like to recognize Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for her leadership in Baltimore's successful application for this award.  We look forward to welcoming and working with Baltimore's Chief Service Officer when he or she is announced in September.  The past few years have been amazing for the service movement in Baltimore, and even greater things are ahead. I look forward to sharing in many opportunities to make a difference alongside each of you in the near future!

Yours in service,
Kelly Hodge-Williams

P.S. - We'll be posting the new Chief Service Officer's name to our Facebook page as soon as the city makes the announcement! Make sure you "Like" us today and be one of the first to know!

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