W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Post

Investing in national service not only addresses pressing social needs but also prepares the next generation of leaders dedicated to improving our nation. These programs cultivate a sense of civic duty, empathy, and leadership essential for tackling future challenges. That's why we're building a pipeline of national service leaders who are ready to enter the political arena.

Excited to see this call for increased support for organizations like Teach For America Metro Atlanta that are encouraging more college graduates to engage in professions that are central to ensuring that our country and our world becomes a more equitable place. As a parent of a college senior, I truly understand the fears that can come with helping our graduates take a next step that will reward them professionally and help them build a life of stability and economic independence. Often, that argument is what causes us, as parents, to guide our children away from organizations of national service which frequently don't come with financial rewards as other professional pathways. 20 years ago, when I first joined Teach For America, my parents had the same concerns, but what I have found is a wealth of professional experiences with students, families, teachers, and communities that has far surpassed the rewards I could have received by following a more lucrative path. That being said, the work of our teachers should continued to be professionalized through better compensation - lets socialize the notion of increasing base teacher pay above a living wage. According to a SmartAsset 2024 survey, in Atlanta an individual would need to make $107,451 to live comfortably. Starting salary for teachers in Atlanta Public Schools is now $61,816 (after a big salary increase this year). I am grateful that so many districts in Metro Atlanta have prioritized increasing teacher pay as a result of staggering inflation, but collectively we still need to do more so that our educators are seen and treated as professionals. Until that time, our educators will continue to reap the numerous non-monetary rewards of teaching while waiting for all of us to do more.

Imagine a place where the silent sacrifices of military families are not only recognized but also actively supported. Where nature's tranquility heals, and the collective voice of a community advocates for the unseen and unheard. This is the story of the Betsy Eves Group—a narrative of how passion, when paired with purpose, can ignite a beacon of hope for military spouses, caregivers, and their families. But why does this work matter? Because behind every uniform, there is a family—a network of individuals whose love, resilience, and sacrifices underpin the very freedoms we cherish. Our efforts go beyond mere acknowledgment; they strive to ensure that these families are empowered, supported, and honored not just in words, but in every action we take. The challenges facing military families continue to evolve, and so too must our efforts to support them. Our annual letter is not just a reflection of what we've achieved but a clarion call to action. It's an invitation to join us in this mission of hope, healing, and empowerment. To stand with us as we advocate for change, nurture connections, and celebrate the unwavering spirit of our military families. Download and read our full 2024 Annual Letter today. Let it be a reminder of the impact we can achieve together, and the enduring power of a community united in purpose and compassion. https://lnkd.in/gHC2Q5Vm

With the Fourth of July almost here, you may be wondering which states exhibit the most patriotism and where does Colorado rank. According to a study by WalletHub, the personal finance website defined patriotism as: the combination of military engagement and civic engagement. Colorado ranked 6th in the study, in large part to their high rankings in the civic engagement dimension. According to the study, Colorado ranks 1st in the nation for having a U.S. history/civic education requirement. In addition, Colorado has a large number of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers per capita, ranking 4th in the country for Peace Corps and 5th for AmeriCorps, according to WalletHub.

Honoring Patriots Day: A Day of Reflection and Unity Patriots Day is a moment to honor the lives lost and the bravery of first responders during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It’s a day for Americans to come together in reflection, unity, and remembrance. As public servants and human resource professionals, it’s essential to recognize the profound role of government employees—many of whom were on the front lines that day—who risked and sacrificed their lives for the safety of others. In the public sector, we are reminded daily of the values of service, community, and commitment to the common good. Patriots Day is a stark reminder that in times of crisis, the strength and resilience of our public institutions and the people who serve in them shine brightly. This Patriots Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can continue to serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and honor, upholding the legacy of those who served in the face of adversity. #PatriotsDay #NeverForget #UnitedWeStand #FirstResponders #ServiceAndSacrifice #HonorAndRemembrance #PublicService #911Memorial #Resilience #CommunityStrength

Read our Director General, Claire Horton CBE, on the topic of the future commemoration the legacy of D-Day in The Times today: https://lnkd.in/eF6m7GrM #LegacyofLiberation #DDay80

Juneteenth is an important day in American history, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. This announcement came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had officially abolished slavery in the confederate states. As we mark this significant milestone, it is essential to remember that the fight for freedom and justice for all continues. Juneteenth serves as a reminder that progress can be slow and uneven and that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat systemic racism and discrimination. At Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, my team is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected and advocating for ongoing change. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and a culture of belonging allows our team to be seen, heard, and valued. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us continue our commitment to promoting equality and justice for all. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and future generations 💙 #Juneteenth #Freedom #Justice #Diversity #Inclusion #Belonging

As we kick off a new month—one celebrating our freedoms no less—we're reflecting on the core values that not only make up our nation but those who serve it: duty, integrity, honor, courage, and loyalty. Comment the name of a service member or Veteran you support! #Mission22 #FamilyHealing #PostTraumaticGrowth #VeteranWellness #VeteranSupportServices #UnitedWeHeal #JeepBeach2024

See my thoughts on the state of American patriotism on WalletHub: https://lnkd.in/eR32rSxY

It's never too early to be thinking about #Juneteenth and how your organization can meaningfully observe the holiday. I shared some ideas and best practices on the Equity At Work blog: