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The message at the annual 'Be The Change' national day of service - hosted by South Asian Americans Leading Together October 1, on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's 142nd birth anniversary - was that the spirit of volunteerism and community service should be a constant companion.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's message - 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world' - over 3,000 volunteers, including students, retirees and professionals, contributed time and energy to service activities around the country, including in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC under this SAALT project in coordination with campus and city planning teams.
Started at the University of Michigan 11 years ago, Be the Change has grown into a volunteer and leadership development program that attracts thousands of volunteers across the country.
Deepa Iyer, SAALT's executive director, said, 'Every year, Be the Change offers community members, young professionals and students the opportunity to cultivate and reinforce a culture of volunteerism and service in their lives.'
Rupal Shah, the project and volunteer coordinator of the team from Austin, Texas, noted, ? am beginning to realize the impact that Be the Change had on our volunteers. We are empowering others to find joy in...