Introduction to the Second Annual Disability/Inclusion Week

Written by: Ellen King, Learn and Serve – Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

The Michigan Community Service Commission is so excited to announce that we will be celebrating the second annual Disability/Inclusion Week October 17-21, 2011. This week-long effort raises awareness about disability and inclusion to make service a part of the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Learn and Serve – Michigan team will be focusing this awareness on including individuals with disabilities in service-learning projects, and other youth service opportunities.

Throughout the week of October 17, we will connect you with countless disability/inclusion resources through Facebook (Learn and Serve – Michigan) and Twitter (@learnandservemi). You can also track the Michigan Community Service Commissions tweets all week with #inclusion. Be sure to check in everyday for inclusive classroom project examples and other service-learning and inclusion related resources!

Sign up to join us for our webinar on Wednesday, October 19^th at 3:30 as we discuss “Engaging Youth with Disabilities in Service.” This webinar will connect schools and youth serving organizations with valuable tools and resources to help serve and connect with those with disabilities. Attendees will also hear from a special education teacher who will highlight successful service projects. Registration is still available: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/900700242

Do you have any inclusive service or service-learning examples that you would like to share with us? Comment and we will be sure to highlight it during Disability and Inclusion Week!

September 11 National Day of Service

Written by Chelsea Martin, Volunteer Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

This month, people all across the country are taking part in September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance activities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and national service coordinators like HandsOn Network are partnering with organizations like 911day.org, My Good Deed, as well as state and local organizations to help Americans serve, honor, and remember those who served or were lost in the tragedy.

The Michigan Community Service Commission has joined the growing national movement focused on supporting veterans and military families as part of their September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance efforts. With funds granted by HandsOn Network and the Points of Light Foundation, the MCSC is working to coordinate service projects across the state of Michigan between September 8 and September 12, 2011. Projects will incorporate an element of remembrance for the 9/11 tragedy and many will engage military members, veterans, or military families in projects. Partners like Michigan Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps State programs, and local volunteer centers are carrying out service projects like community garden clean-up and house builds in communities across the state.

If you’re interested in creating a September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance project, there is still plenty of time! Visit www.handsonnetwork.org for great project tool kits. To find listings of already existing service projects based on zip code, check out www.911day.org.

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups. It became officially recognized following the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of April 2009.

Also, be sure to check out Michelle bama’s PSA on this National Day of Service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC66p-cStSU&feature=channel_video_title