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Public Allies has stellar record of producing public servants

Wilmington News Journal Editorial
 
April 23, 2009

Public Allies has stellar record of producing public servants

It is an understatement to say that Public Allies has been a terrific training ground for young leaders in Delaware.

It is the largest young-adult program in Delaware with a structured, full-time service focus that serves thousands of Delawareans annually.

Over 250 alumni have formed 150 nonprofit partnerships and provided more than 500,000 hours of service.

It is not unusual to hear of a "public ally" being on loan to struggling nonprofits or having roles in shaping polices with direct impact on clients of government services.

Allies are paid a small stipend during their service year. Those who complete the program receive an educational stipend toward existing educational loans or future educational pursuits. Many have gone on to complete undergraduate degrees or pursue advanced degrees because of the program.

The local organization is part of the national Public Allies network formed in 1992 and lauded as a model for national service by presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.

President Barack Obama was a member of the founding advisory board of Public Allies and his wife, Michelle, was the founding executive director of Public Allies Chicago.

But Delaware was the first Public Allies site to forge a relationship with a university. Its close partnership with the University of Delaware serves as a model for the country. The hands-on experience gained through apprenticeships, skills training and team service projects focused on creating long-term change in public life has proven invaluable to the graduates and Delaware.

The 15-year-old organization celebrates its well-earned local and national reputation at The Waterfall Banquet and Conference Center in Claymont this evening.

In our absence, we will be applauding.

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