The Rawlings-Blake Review #27: Baltimore, A City of Service

I believe that City residents are Baltimore's greatest agents for change. Far too often, the passion of our citizens goes untapped. When working together, this passion far outweighs any challenge confronting our City. As we continue to recover from the "Great Recession," it is critical that we all work together, in partnership, to create a better, safer, and stronger Baltimore.

Last month, Baltimore City was named a winner of the Cities of Service Leadership Grant at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, which took place in New York City. Baltimore is one of ten cities that were selected to receive a $200,000 grant over two years, funded jointly by the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, to hire a new senior level position in the Mayor's Office, a Chief Service Officer (CSO). The CSO will be charged with increasing civic engagement and the amount and impact of local service efforts in the City of Baltimore; particularly, in our key priorities of betters schools, safer streets, and stronger neighborhoods.

The CSO will lead a citywide planning process, engaging all of our key stakeholders-community groups, universities, foundations, and the business community-to create a comprehensive service plan, which will identify our greatest opportunities to increase service and the tools needed to achieve that goal. The plan will also establish a baseline of service activity from which to measure ongoing progress.

Receiving a Cities of Service Leadership Grant is a distinct honor. Most exciting about this award is the opportunity to elevate the role active citizen engagement plays in moving our city forward. Recent strides in education, safety, and neighborhoods are a result of strong partnerships with our communities. This new position will provide a platform to strengthen those partnerships and our progress.

Click here to learn more about the Chief Service Officer position. Qualified individuals can submit their resume online. Applications are due August 20, 2010 by 5:00 p.m.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore

Special Notices

The Walters Art Museum Furlough Discounts

The Walters Art Museum offers furloughed Baltimore City and Maryland State employees 50% off admission to their special exhibitions and most adult programs. To learn more about this program and details on dozens of free and ticketed programs throughout the year, visit www.thewalters.org or call 410-547-9000.

Upcoming Events

Dive In Movie at the Pool

Friday, August 6, 8:00 pm-10:00 pm
Druid Hill Park Pool, 800 Wyman Park Drive
Enjoy an evening swim and a movie. Fun for the whole family! Tickets are $2 and include pool admission and movie. Refreshments will be available for sale.

For more information, call 410-396-3838.

International Festival

Saturday & Sunday, August 7-8, 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Poly/Western High School, 1400 West Coldspring Lane
Baltimore celebrates its cultural diversity with music, dancing, and a variety of ethnic foods. Enjoy the 6th Annual Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament. This annual celebration is FREE.

For more information, call 410-396-3141.