September 19, 2007

In an effort to give back to the Denver community hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) is launched a year-long service campaign by participating in an after-school soccer skills camp with Colorado Rapids players and urban youth from Colorado UpLift. The kick-off, done in partnership with Democrats Work, officially opens the series of service outings that the DNCC will participate in during the lead-up to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. During the coming year, "DNCC Service Days" will focus on three areas of importance to the Denver-area community: youth, environmental projects and the combined issues of homelessness and hunger.

"From day one, we've talked about our goal of being good citizens of the Denver community while we're here," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "This service campaign is just one way for us to make good on that promise. This is truly a win-win-win. Through these activities, our staff will have the opportunity to engage with the community and learn more about Denver, answer questions and do a little bit of good along the way."

In choosing the issue areas of focus, the DNCC looked to combine areas of need identified by city and community leaders with priorities among
Convention organizers for the coming year. The "greening" of Convention planning and an effort to spotlight leadership - including the leaders of tomorrow represented by youth in Denver and throughout the country - as well as the City's strong commitment to addressing homelessness were all driving factors in developing the DNCC's service platform.

While today's event marks the official launch of the "DNCC Service Days" campaign, Convention staff first partnered with Democrats Work for a service project in July. Made possible by Denver Parks + Recreation, the event was held in conjunction with a national day of service focused on environmentalism organized by the Democratic National Committee (DNC). As part of the 2nd annual "Democratic Reunion," the DNCC staff helped spread mulch around trees in City Park in Denver.

To kick off the year-long service campaign, students from Colorado UpLift, a program designed to empower urban youth, will be paired with DNCC staff and members of Democrats Work for the soccer skills clinic before taking a tour of the Colorado Rapids stadium at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver. Following the tour, the DNCC will set aside time for snacks and conversation with the students.

"We are grateful for organizations like the DNCC that are reaching out to the Denver community and helping Colorado UpLift build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth," said Christie Ziegler, Communications Director for Colorado UpLift. "The soccer clinic with the Colorado Rapids really enhances Colorado UpLift's After School program, where our teacher/mentors are able to bond with urban students and provide healthy, enriching activities for urban youth."

Colorado UpLift has worked with more than 3,400 youth in areas where the population is primarily comprised of single parent families living in low-income housing. Founded in 1982, the group is committed to helping at-risk students in Denver public and alternative schools lead successful lives emphasizing character, education and attitude. Through the organization's mentoring program, students are empowered to become healthy, productive citizens.

"We are proud to team up with the Democratic National Convention Committee to make community service a top priority for Democrats in the coming year and beyond," said Thomas Bates, Executive Director of Democrats Work. "In the next year, we will partner with the DNCC on community service projects throughout Denver and will continue our efforts to lead projects across Colorado and the country. From Georgia to California, Democrats Work has shown that our party is devoted to helping Americans in their communities, whether it be in the halls of Congress or the streets of Denver."

Democrats Work connects Democratic volunteers with visible, tangible service projects in their communities - cleaning up parks and neighborhoods, painting schools, building houses, planting trees and helping the homeless. The group's mission is to mobilize grassroots Democrats to perform community service projects and foster the civic participation of Democrats in their communities.

For the DNCC, the outdoor event at the Rapids' facility represents not only an opportunity to engage directly with Denver youth, but also a chance to encourage young people to continue to forge connections with
the environment and the outdoors.

Details on subsequent "DNCC Service Days" outings will be announced in the coming months.

About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.demconvention.com

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. www.demconvention.com

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.