Public Allies Los Angeles Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership!

The Public Allies Los Angeles (Public Allies L.A.), a CDTech program, held its 10th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon with enormous success!

2010 marks the 10-year anniversary and commemorates the accomplishments of Public Allies L.A.’s young leaders and supports the next generation. Public Allies L.A. has successfully graduated more than (250) young adults, aged 18-30, of whom 75% continue to work in the nonprofit sector.  Allies are talented young adults from diverse backgrounds who become leaders, engage volunteers, unite people, lead effective projects and commit long-term social change.

The Honorable former U.S. Senator and Peace Corps co-founder Harris Wofford was the keynote speaker, thanks to the support from the S. Mark Taper  Foundation and Mr. Ray Reisler.  Wofford has been central to every major effort to advance civic service in the United States during the past five decades. In his keynote address, he spoke about his early work in the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and of the founding of the Peace Corps. More recently, he has played a key role in crafting and passing the trailblazing legislation that created AmeriCorps, the Learn and Serve America program, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Following Wofford’s Senate tenure, President Clinton appointed him CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (1995 to 2001). Paul Schmitz, Public Allies National, CEO, presented Wofford with a plaque to recognize his accomplishments.

The day’s Honorees included Mr. Wofford, Mr. Rafael Gonzalez (the first PALA Site Director), Mr. Ray Reisler of the S. Mark Taper Foundation, and 2009-10 S. Mark Taper Fellows.

Over 100 guests joined the celebration and represented Public Allies alum, former PA staff, a record attendance of partner organizations and community supporters.