Norton to Urge Freshman to Help D.C. Get Its Rights (08/16/2010)

Norton to Urge Freshman to Help D.C. Get Its Rights

August 16, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will be the keynote speaker today at American University's Freshman Service Experience opening ceremony at 4:00 p.m. in the university's Woods-Brown Amphitheater. Norton said she is especially fond of this year's theme, "A Passion for D.C.," because she will not only focus her remarks on volunteering in D.C. as a way to become a part of the city, but also on students helping residents get their full rights as American citizens. The Congresswoman said that American University deserves credit for instilling community service in their students from the time they come to campus.

"I relish the opportunity to welcome young people to D.C., a city that is full of fun and not just full of government," said Norton. "It is a city that is, among other things, a big-time college town. There is a lot to do here and students can help our city get things done."

Norton is a strong proponent of volunteerism, including organizations such as AmeriCorps, which has more than 3,800people volunteering in 66national service projects across the District of Columbia. She supported the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act passed by Congress last year.

The Freshman Service Experience is a four-day volunteer program built on community service, academic achievement, leadership development, and orientation to the university and to Washington, D.C. Now in its 20th year, the program has involved nearly 9,000 students and contributed more than 200,000 volunteer hours to about 50 non-profits throughout the city.