There were speeches from President and Mrs. Clinton and formerPresident George Bush on the closing day in the City of BrotherlyLove. Those in attendance said it was much like a pep rally to senddelegates home with the spirit of volunteerism, and the desire to recruitothers.
The overall message was that volunteers must work with at-risk childrennationwide, if possible in a one-on-one basis. Governor Hunt saysmentoring is a concept that works, but there aren't currently enoughmentors to go around.
He has already announced that a North Carolina summit will take placein the fall, possibly in September. Other delegates will organizemini-summits in their communities to inspire volunteerism at the grassroots level.
East Garner Middle School currently has a mentoring program in placewith five Americorps volunteers to work with 25 students. School officialssay they want to see some mentors with a real sense of commitment. They'dalso like to see corporations allow employees time to serve.
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