FEMA.gov logo

DHS, FEMA, & Citizen Corps Participate in United We Serve

United We Serve - Serve.gov

This summer, President Barack Obama is calling on all Americans – young and old, from every background, all across this country – to participate in our nation’s recovery and renewal by serving in our communities.  As part of the Administration’s call to service, United We Serve (UWS), a summer service initiative will occur from Monday, June 22 and conclude with the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials will be participating in several events throughout the summer to support United We Serve.  It began with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano’s support for community readiness in Orlando, Fla., on June 22, where she worked with the Orlando Citizen Corps Council and volunteers to assemble CERT kits in preparation for hurricane season at the Orlando Emergency Operations Center.  In addition, FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate discussed the importance of service at a roundtable in Denver, Col., with firefighters and volunteers from Fire Corps and CERT programs on June 22.  You can view Administrator Fugate's comments via the webcast posted at www.dhson.tv.

You can also participate in United We Serve events across the nation this summer by visiting the new White House website, Serve.gov. On this website, you can find service opportunities in your community, register your service projects, connect with others with similar interests, and share your stories.  To encourage participation in service this summer and beyond, the Serve.gov website allows people to search for volunteer opportunities based on location and interests.  The site also includes social media tools to share volunteer opportunities with friends.  FEMA is working closely with the developers of Serve.gov to post Citizen Corps Council and Partner Program information on the website.  Please be sure to post your summer service projects and share stories of how your volunteers are making a difference on Serve.gov and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

“Volunteerism strengthens a community’s capacity to meet challenges,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “President Obama’s call for service—today and everyday—plays a critical role in our efforts to prepare and protect the nation.”

UWS Focus Areas:

  • Promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, and public land restoration.
  • Supporting education and literacy for all Americans.
  • Increasing health care access, public health awareness, and prevention.
  • Providing community renewal to areas hardest hit by the economic crisis.
  • Ensuring our communities are safe from disasters and our veterans and military families are supported.

UWS Issue Weeks:

  • Jul 20-26: Community Renewal Week
  • Jul 27-Aug 2: Education Week
  • Aug 3-9: Energy & Environment Week
  • Aug 10-16: Health Week
  • Aug 24-30: Safety and Security Week
    • Aug 24-30: Disaster Preparedness and Relief Week
    • Aug 24-30: Veterans Care and Military Family Support Week
  • Aug 31-Sep 6: Interfaith Week
  • Sep 7-11: 9/11 Remembrance Week

Updates/News

Resources