New York, Oct 1 (IANS) Hundreds of volunteers are coming together Oct 4 to perform community service in over 50 American cities and campuses as part of the ‘Be the Change’ campaign inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
As the world observes the Mahatma’s birth anniversary Oct 2, volunteers in the US get ready to participate in community service benefiting their local neighbourhoods and non-profit organisations. The annual day of community service is coordinated by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a non-profit organization.
The SAALT campaign follows the message from the Mahatma’s well-known quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
‘Be the Change’ events have been planned for cities around the country, including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC area, Atlanta as well as campuses, including Vanderbilt University, University of Texas-Austin, University of Virginia, University of Florida, Ohio State University and Michigan State University.
The service events range from working with disabled children, revitalizing natural habitats, making hygiene kits for refugees, assisting in building projects with the Habitat for Humanity to helping to raise awareness about AIDS/HIV.
In New York, for instance, volunteers will deliver meals to seniors, work at soup kitchens, conduct mock interviews for job seekers and work at community clean-up projects.
In San Francisco, the events include green homes for low-income families, assisting with a bone marrow drive, serving lunch to the homeless and more.
In Atlanta, volunteers will participate in a range of service activities including building wheelchair ramps, computer mentoring, landscaping and more.
SAALT is a national, non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering better participation by South Asians in American civic and political life.