Help Youth United bring president obama to pierce county

In 2009, United Way of Pierce County submitted an invitation to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to attend and speak at the 2010 Varsity Letter in Community Service Awards Ceremony. The Varsity Letter program recognizes outstanding youth who volunteer more than 145 hours over the course of a year with a varsity letter like those given to athletes and musicians. In addition, recipients of the Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship are also honored at this event.

At the 2009 ceremony, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire served as keynote speaker and honored the students for their generous work. Governor Gregoire's office, as well as Congressmen Smith, Reichert and Dicks and Senator Patty Murray, have supported our efforts to bring President Obama to Pierce County.

While no commitment has been made, United Way was very encouraged to receive a phone call from the White House confirming receipt of the invitation and notifying us that it would be reviewed when they reached a "three-month protocol window."
United Way's motivation for the invitation was not political but is instead to honor our student volunteers with a visit from a President who has made volunteering a priority for Americans.

United Way's Youth United program is accepting examples of youth making a difference in Pierce County. Youth are encouraged to send videos, photos, artwork, songs or written work they created depicting how they LIVE UNITED. With each submission, please include a personal letter inviting the President to Pierce County.

Submissions and letters should be sent to:

United Way of Pierce County 
Attn: Bethany
P.O. Box 2215 
Tacoma, WA 98401

The Letter in Community Service program is an opportunity for students in Pierce County schools, grades 9 to 12, to earn their school’s varsity letter for their volunteer work above and beyond high school and class requirements. It is a unique program which is being replicated in other United Ways and Volunteer Centers across the country. The program started in the 2001-2002 school year with seven recipients. In 2003, 38 students were recognized. The program broke the 100 mark in 2007 with 113 students and in 2009 honored 222 local students, representing every public school district in Pierce County and many private schools.

For more information about United Way of Pierce County's Youth United program or the effort to bring President Obama to Pierce County, contact Bethany Opstedal.