A Call to Service, in Real Time

As the Republicans get ready to kick off their convention, the uncertainty about Hurricane Gustav is like a cloud looming over the Twin Cities. People are expressing concern for the safety of the folks in the Gulf Coast, and they’re wondering out loud whether the day’s events should go on. While it has a much different feel than the celebratory atmosphere of the Democratic convention’s kick off, the profound feeling of commitment to service and concern for our fellow citizens is clear. America Forward and some of our coalition organizations, including Be The Change Inc. and Points of Light Institute, have been working with the RNC on the service events they have planned throughout the convention week. There’s a chance those service events may be ramped up to help with rapid response to the hurricane, if necessary. Although we hope that doesn’t have to happen, I have no doubt that all of the people in Minneapolis/St Paul—residents and delegates alike—would rally to Senator McCain’s call to service.