Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Announces “Just Serve” Partnership on 20th Anniversary of 9/11
State Employees Granted Four Hours of Administrative Leave
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives today announced that the State of Maryland is partnering with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the “Just Serve” volunteer initiative in honor and remembrance of those who were lost in the 9/11 attacks. Governor Larry Hogan is granting four hours of administrative leave to all state employees who volunteer between Sept. 11 and Oct. 11.
“Our Day to Serve initiative has shown major success in promoting volunteerism and improving our neighborhoods and communities – including more than 500,000 pounds of food donated by the church to Marylanders through this program alone,” said Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Director Steven McAdams. “Encouraging a spirit of service as we remember this 20th anniversary of 9/11 helps continue the legacy of those who lost their lives, and makes a positive impact on the lives of Marylanders across the state.”
In 2015, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. committed to working with the church to promote volunteerism and service by asking citizens to pick at least one day to volunteer with a local organization, group, or as an individual. This year, the church is launching the new “Just Serve” initiative to expand this effort throughout the year, offering a single website to find service opportunities in various cities at JustServe.org.
State employees can find more details about using administrative leave for service activities by visiting goci.maryland.gov/dts/.
-###-
About the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives
The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives is Governor Larry Hogan’s office to enhance and improve opportunities for Maryland residents. It oversees the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, Volunteer Maryland, community affairs and engagement within the executive branch of Maryland government, faith-based outreach, and the governor’s eight ethnic and cultural commissions.
