Dear Neighbors,

When President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law on April 21, 2009 and rallied the nation to service, he spoke of being "possessed by the most American of ideas, that people who love this country can change it."

Similarly, we have long known that the answers to Pittsburgh's most pressing challenges cannot come from government alone. Throughout our City's history, volunteers have played a critical role in providing essential services to residents, and building leadership and capacity among citizens to address community concerns. I am proud of Pittsburgh's strong tradition of neighbors-helping-neighbors.

servePGH builds on our City's rich history of service. It is a comprehensive, citywide blueprint for using impact volunteerism to achieve measurable progress on pressing local challenges. Within servePGH are a number of service initiatives that were created to meaningfully impact Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the lives of Pittsburgh youth. But as ambitious as this plan may be, it will only take us so far. It will take citizens who will step up to the plate and invest their time, skills, and energies for the betterment of our City.

I have no doubt that Pittsburghers are up to the task. Time and again, I have been inspired by the generosity of residents who volunteer their time to build playgrounds, coach little league, mentor and read to kids, serve on boards and commissions, and the list goes on.

Like President Obama, I believe that "people who love this country can change it." People who love this City can make a difference.