by Jeff Quibell
20. May 2008 16:09
On May 7, Mary Potter appeared before the Senate Confirmation Committee in Jefferson City. Governor Matt Blunt had appointed her to the Missouri Community Service Commission as a Republican member. Her term is from March 28, 2008 - December 15, 2010. Currently there are 16 members on the Commission. The commission effects and administers the National and Community Service Act of 1993. It strives to make service and volunteerism a common expectation of all Missourians, with a special concentration on youth.
The commission's mission is to build stronger communities by fostering an ethic of service in all Missourians through empowering communities and citizens from all walks of life to address educational, public safety, human and environmental needs through volunteer service programs; supporting those programs that demonstrate a lasting impact on communities, and; instilling in participants a sense of community and civic responsibility while nurturing personal development and self-esteem.
Mary welcomes the opportunity to learn and talk about volunteerism. She is a strong proponent of giving back to her community. As incoming President of the Blue Springs Historical Society, one of her basic goals is to involve the community in our local history. She had already raised contributions to expand the publication of the Society's newsletter to a monthly circulation instead of 3 - 4 times a year. Mary Potter stated, "That the first step in obtaining volunteers is to let the community know that you are a viable organization who wants their members to be involved.
Action toward achieving this ongoing goal was seen at Heritage Day on Saturday, May 3. She asked students from Brittany Hill Middle School, Classy Clover 4-H Club, and the Boy Scouts to volunteer. She received a call from a staff member at Plaza Heights Christian School asking if their students could volunteer. They did. She credits the youth and adults of our community who volunteered in the many day's activities to making the event a success for the Blue Springs Historical Society, the City of Blue Springs Historic Preservation Commission and the Downtown Businesses.
Mary will attend her first commission meeting on Friday, August 22 at Eldon.