Volunteers Focus on Children at Risk

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (2/16/98) -- The special needs of America's "Children at Risk," as defined by President Bill Clinton's 1997 Summit for America's Future, has prompted the formation of an Aerospace committee to promote and coordinate community volunteer efforts.

The committee brings new focus to the company's commitment to volunteerism and keeps the firm in step with goals established at the national level.

In April President Pete Aldridge responded to a national volunteer initiative spearheaded by former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell who called for enhanced volunteerism within the business community.

Pledge to General Powell

In a letter to Powell, Aldridge wrote, "The Aerospace Corporation has a rich history of employee and corporate support to volunteerism focused mostly on educational programs for students and encouragement for younger generations to enter careers in technical fields." He said the corporation's goal is "to increase the level of Aerospace employee participation in volunteer efforts."

The Aerospace Volunteer Activity Committee is working to fulfill that pledge. Its goal is to encourage and integrate internal volunteer programs such as Aerospace's Commitment to Education (ACE) and the Youth Motivational Task Force (YMTF).

Accomplishments

To date, the volunteer committee has created the Computer Learning with Aerospace Surplus System (CLASS) Program; developed a volunteer Web site, which includes a link to the Volunteer Center of South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach; and promoted employee involvement in community-based volunteer programs.

Information on employee volunteer activities, including data from a survey in April, will be used to track community involvement. This information is available through the company's Employee Involvement, Awards and Recognition Office, and also is online.

Information on the Web site will aid employees researching volunteer opportunities. Employees are encouraged to update their volunteer profiles regularly.

Employees involved in activities other than those mentioned on the Web site can request volunteers for their programs and offer information on the organization they are involved with.