Dear AFP Friends,
 
I had the privilege of being in Washington, DC on the two days leading up to this historic inauguration of a President whose message to all of us is service and responsibility. Whatever your personal politics, the event was meaningful and memorable. 
 
At the ServiceNation breakfast the morning of the 19th in a high school gym where 90% of the students live under the poverty level, I saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher premiere their "I Pledge" video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kAw4OTlA0) and Toby Maguire tear up speaking about his commitment to service. From there, I had the luck of meeting some of the Obama Transition Team at a forum called to bring together funders such as the Ford, Kellogg and Gates Foundations and corporations like IBM, Mattel and Jet Blue to talk about what can be done to fulfill the President's call to service.
 
As covered so well during our January meeting by our knowledgeable panelists, times are hard, and the economy is staggering, but I hold firm to the belief that our people, our hearts, our AFP knowledge, and our innate generosity as a nation will bring much-needed hope to millions in need. The nitty-gritty daily grind of small non-profit life may finally be elevated to the national stage! 
 
It was very cold in our nation's capital, but the message and the uplifting spirit of the occasion were truly heart-warming and I am so glad I was able to experience that. You have chosen to work in the arena of hope and service and, my friends, I salute you for that choice. This profession will yet change the world and you will have been part of it! I am honored to know and to work alongside you.
 
Luanne Samuel, CFRE
President