DNC Delegate Service Day

Wednesday morning, delegates at the Democratic National Convention rolled out of bed, headed to breakfast, and then took to the parks, rivers, and community centers of Denver to participate in various service projects organized as part of the Delegate Day of Service. Coordinated by Michelle Obama and First Lady of Colorado Jeanine Ritter, the Delegate Day of Service included projects ranging from water quality testing to tree planting, preparing and serving lunch at the Denver rescue mission and various beautification and improvement projects at Denver schools.

The impact of the Day of Service can be measured in many ways. At Curtis Park in Denver, 80 trees were planted by delegates and volunteers, part of the city’s Mile High Million program, which aims to plant one million trees by 2025.

At Force elementary school, volunteers worked to install new playground equipment, improve the grounds, and painted a world map on the blacktop. The impact of this project can be easily measured in trees and flowers planted and countries painted, but the full impact on the lives of the children at Force elementary, is much greater than that.

At America Forward, our focus is on impact: measuring it, multiplying it, and creating opportunities to replicate impactful programs. As part of this focus, we asked participants at the Delegate Day of Service to reflect on the impact that service has had for them – on their own lives or on the lives of others. Delegates shared their thoughts on the backs of specially prepared cards. These cards will be delivered to Michelle Obama in hopes that she will know the impact that the event she coordinated has had, both on the delegates, and on the communities in Denver.