from Campus Progress Advocacy Intern, Ryan Lester:

On Monday, Obama’s summer service initiative, United We Serve, was officially launched. Obama called upon the citizens of the nation to volunteer in their local communities, and help to strengthen the nation in health care, energy independence, education, and community/economic renewal through activism, service, and organization:

“This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation. And when I say ‘all,’ I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across this country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort."

That same day, many White House staffers joined their community in a day of service: Michelle Obama assisted California First Lady Maria Shriver in helping to build a public playground in San Francisco, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis joined youth leadership and community development organization La Causa in ‘greening’ a Los Angeles low-income residence, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan joined Americorps in rebuilding a New Orleans home destroyed by Katrina, and other Cabinet members fanned out across America to serve local communities.

Nonprofits or independent service projects can register here, and volunteers can search for opportunities in their community at Serve.gov.