Michelle Obama Calls On You To Serve

The Obama administration has made community service a cornerstone of its agenda and this week they have taken their commitment one step further by launching United We Serve, the home base for coordinating volunteer opportunities around the country.

Not wasting a moment, Michelle Obama has called on Americans to step up their altruism this weekend by declaring Saturday, June 27 National Health Care Day of Service.

With a massive health care reform bill moving through Congress, Saturday will be a time to put down the debate between single-payer and HMO coverage and help one's neighbor. According to the National Health Care Day of Service website, hosted by Organizing for America, this is also an opportunity for people to see "the reality of our country's health care system and the millions of people who it is currently failing."

HuffPost's citizen reporting unit, Eyes & Ears, wants to highlight these lessons by sharing what you learn on Saturday with our readers.

If you are able to volunteer on June 27 (see the Organize For America site for suggestions in your neighborhood) we want to hear about your experience. Submit your story below (200 words or less) and email us photos from your day at [e-mail].

We'll feature the most inspiring and insightful stories next week.

Comments

[MsWillis]

Will she be wearing her $500 sneakers?

[amistad]

Yes.
And you are so jealous you can hardly see straight.

[stunvegas]

MsWillis said-

"Will she be wearing her $500 sneakers?" -

So let me get this straight - If she's done well in life, and can afford $500 sneakers, she can't help make the world better? This is assinine Obama hate, which is unfortunate, especially for a discussion like this.

Have you taken a vow of poverty? Do this - go to your closet , remove any jeans that aren't Wranglers (inexpensive, utilitarian). Go to your living room, remove any art, it's not necessary. Look at your feet, how much did you spend on your sneakers? Before you tell me, "they didn't cost $500!", I'll tell you I can find a cheaper pair for you. But who am I to decide that anything 'nice' you choose for yourself is excessive?

Here are some facts, The Obamas made $2.7M last year. IF Michele spent $500 on here shoes , that wouild be .02 percent of her income. If you made the average US income last year, ($48,000), and spent $100 on a decent pair of Nike/NewBalance/Adidias, that would be .2 percent of your income, or 10 times as much. Who's extravagant?

Send me your address, I'll be right over to help clean out your closet.

I'm sure you can point me to your past complaints about Cindy McCains' shoes? Cindy's worth more than Michelle.

I know lots of democrats, republicans, independents, and we can discuss anything. But you've got to bring facts to the table, not naked hate.

[ElsaIndy]

The US is a nation of volunteers. My hometown had a volunteer fire department and volunteer library system. Most everyone I know does some kind of volunteer work. Our First Lady is preaching to the choir.

What Americans need are jobs and good government. Our problems cannot be fobbed off on the lack of volunteerism in our communities.

[michaleenflynn]

It's amazing that they can make even something good sound arrogant.

I hate to break it to FLOTUS, but many of us already DO serve our communities, as we were brought up with those values.

We don't need a politician's wife to tell us what we should be doing.

[stunvegas]

Michaeleenflynn -

Some News

Barbara Bush - ADVOCATED in the area of literacy

Laura Bush - ADVOCATED in the area of literacy

Pat Nixon - ENCOURAGED women to volunteer

Betty Ford - ADVOCATED helping others suffering from addictive illnesses

Nancy Reagan - “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the countless volunteers and advocates who work tirelessly to give comfort and aid to victims. I know my husband would join me in thanking all of you for your selfless work.”

Why can't these women just shut up and knit? That's right, they're Republicans

[AngieMom57]

Katherine Fulton: You are the future of philanthropy on TED.com

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=201557975454&h=JHJlK&u=OlLEG&ref=nf

[Pema]

I think its good to get some people off thier duffs and show them its not only good but is enjoyable.
i suspect alot of readers here do works on a regular basis yet dont really toot their own horn.

[AngieMom57]

I'm going to be fixing a vegan & kosher meal for an elderly Jewish woman who recently became widowed.

[Weirdwriter]

Perfect. I'll be visiting an elderly relative recovering from the implantation of a Pacemaker.