From: Subject: GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 13:34:27 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.napsnet.com/articles/57937.html X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.3198 GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT

GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT

Generation Y Finds New Ways To Help

by Tessa Hoerner &

Adam Ballance

(NAPSI)-We are often referred to as the "Internet Generation" = or the=20 "Reagan Babies," but by definition we are Generation Y. Many = perceive us=20 to be entitled, privileged and demanding. The reality is we are 75 = million=20 young, empowered Americans who are taking our nation by force.=20

We have been transformed by inexplicable acts of violence = within our=20 schools, the tragic events of September 11th, political = instability at=20 home and abroad and natural disasters that have damaged = communities across=20 the country. And because of these experiences, we are a generation = dedicated to bringing real change to our communities, our country = and even=20 the world.=20

Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising that tens of thousands of = us from=20 across the nation skipped the traditional spring break rite of = passage=20 that includes sun, sand and endless parties. Instead, we headed to = depressed urban neighborhoods, desolate rural areas and the=20 hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast to help individuals and communities=20 desperately in need of help, hope and rebuilding. In fact, more = than=20 40,000 students and young adults participated in alternative = spring break=20 programs this year.

Alternative Spring Break provides Generation Y with an = incredible=20 opportunity to spend a week volunteering. As participants in = United Way=20 Alternative Spring Break, we helped to rebuild communities that = are still=20 struggling to recover from the destruction of Hurricanes Ivan, = Katrina and=20 Rita and to revitalize urban communities that continue to combat=20 significant housing, education and child care challenges.=20

In its third year, the program, which is sponsored by Deloitte = and=20 FedEx, continues to provide us with the opportunity to give back. = We came=20 together this spring throughout the Gulf Coast and in Detroit, = Michigan to=20 address the great needs of these areas through thoughtful, focused = and=20 dedicated volunteer work.=20

Generation Y is truly committed to making a difference. United = Way=20 Alternative Spring Break is an excellent vehicle for helping us = achieve=20 our goals. We are committed to making our mark and putting Gen = Y-all 75=20 million of us-on the map as a vital component of our country's = future.=20

=95 Tessa Hoerner and Adam Ballance are United Way Alternative = Spring=20 Break Volunteers.

Thousands of students volunteered during their school breaks.


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