NCoC joins Splashlife in campaign to help rebuild American South
May 6, 2011
The National Conference on Citizenship believes the most powerful force in American democracy is the connection between and among citizens. A true measure of the strength of a nation is its ability to band together in the face of adversity. As proof this spirit has never been stronger, the five southern states ravaged by record-breaking tornadoes last week have become a temporary home to many Americans eager to lend a helping hand. And NCoC is proud to be supporting them.
NCoC, Youth Service America, Mobilize.org and others have joined the “Rebuilding from Devastation” campaign, championed by our friends at Splashlife. In addition to spearheading a national campaign to rally attention, donations, and volunteers, Splashlife deployed a three-member video crew to Tuscaloosa, Alabama earlier this week to document and support the efforts to bring hope and service to storm-ravaged communities. Through blogs, videos, and interviews, the “Rebuilding from Devastation” campaign will highlight stories of perseverance and service as volunteers and citizens across the American South band together to rebuild communities and individual spirits.
This campaign will be chronicled at ~1@BODYURL[id=114kcurl68]@
Over the next several days, the Splashlife team will film, report, and blog from the front lines and follow the efforts of two particular groups who are lending a hand where one is needed. Splashlife is following the On Campus Veterans Association from the University of Alabama which lost 6 students to the storms. These vets were among the very first responders when disaster struck. The University group partnered with Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization founded by young war veterans dedicated to using their training and experience to provide skilled disaster response. Team Rubicon’s mission in Tuscaloosa is part of a broader initiative to engage returning veterans in disaster relief.
“With the help of our influential partners, we hope to provide an unprecedented platform for these heroic young Americans as they once again selflessly serve others,” says Melissa Helmbrecht, Splashlife’s Chair and CEO. “We are proud to lend our support and to bring awareness to a part of the country that, despite the fact that the media has moved on to other stories, is still in great need of our help.”
Through their support of these two veteran groups, Splashlife and the “Rebuilding From Devastation” partners not only hope to bring attention to rebuilding the South and assisting those in need, but also to show the power and impact of a group of young people whose purpose is to serve others. Together, it is our firm belief that today’s young people can—and will—change the world.
By coming together and mobilizing when it mattered most, both teams have already proven that even amidst waist-deep debris and devastation, what still stands is the courage and strength of a Generation.
For more information on Splashlife, the “Rebuilding from Devastation” partners, how you can help the South, and to witness Team Rubicon’s rebuilding efforts from the front lines, visit ~1@BODYURL[id=114kcurl68]@