Volunteers Sought For United Way's National Day Of Action

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Saying that education is the key to getting a good job – one with a good income and health care – this year the United Way is focusing its National Day of Action on getting involved in issues related to education. “Today, 6,000 young people nationwide will drop out of school,” says the United Way. “That’s 1.2 million high school dropouts a year—and 1.2 million young adults closing a door of opportunity. High school dropouts are more than 12 years in the making.  By 3rd grade, a child’s grades and absenteeism rates can predict with 90% accuracy whether he or she will complete high school. And if a child is not ready to read by the time they enter school, the cycle has already begun.” The United Way is seeking volunteers to help stuff 50,000 backpacks with summer reading materials on June 21 on the National Mall between 10A and 2P. A good job is “key to a good life for individuals and our communities,” adds the United Way. Click here for more information and to register to volunteer. Please email kmckirch@dclaborarchives.org to let Kathleen McKirchy know when you sign up; the aim is to have a labor contingent at this event.