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Changing society requires multiple perspectives to meet community needsEchoing slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Tennessee congressman Harold E. Ford, Jr. told 3,000 participants in the 2001 National Community Volunteering and National Service Conference in Minneapolis that he "dreams" of the day when such a gathering won't be needed to tackle the nation's vast social problems.
Ford addressed the theme of Friday's session - diversity - saying the nation was "still haunted by the demons of prejudice" and that much work needed to be done to King's dream of equality. He implored attendees to return home and work within their community service organizations and with diverse members of their community to improve society.
"When groups like ours commit ourselves to working together, no principality or power can stop us or stand in our way," said Ford who at 31 is one of the youngest members of Congress.
Clotilde Dedecker, co-chair of the U.S. National Committee for the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer, told attendees that enhancing diversity presents its share of challenges. Dedecker, who arrived in this country with her family as a Cuban exile, said confronting cultural nuances and other issues can require more time and effort.
"Diversity presents us with challenges, yes, but it can offer very practical benefits, too - a new vocabulary, new insights, different perspectives and ideas that lead to new levels of understanding and effectiveness," said Dedecker, past president of the Association of Junior League International. "...And isn't that precisely what we're all looking for - new solutions and fresh approaches to solving complex problems."
Dedecker said diversity in volunteerism strengthens organizations, providing better and more nuanced volunteer programming and more authentic experiences for both volunteers and beneficiaries. She added that multiple cultures, generations and experiences are needed to address communities' needs in the future.
"We need all hands on the job," said Dedecker. "Put another way, we need every member of the community at the table. I think this is not only right, but it's smart."
The annual conference is co-sponsored by the Corporation for National Service and the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network are the nation's leading nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations supporting the vital work of millions of volunteers in thousands of communities who are helping to solve serious social problems. For more information about local volunteer activities, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER, or visit www.pointsoflight.org
The Corporation for National Service was established in 1993 to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities. The Corporation oversees AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the National Senior Service Corps, offering 1.5 million Americans opportunities to serve their communities each year. For more information, call 1-202-606-5000 or visit www.nationalservice.gov.
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