“Give. Advocate. Volunter. Live United,” is the United Way slogan. Eighteen NFL players and role models are living united for education. Together with each Player Ambassador, United Way is trying to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors to take a pledge to help cut the drop out rate in half. Studies show that if students receive one on one support from a caring adult they are less likely to drop out. After players recruit volunteers (in their perspective cities) each student involved in the program will be paired with a local mentor to provide support and guidance throughout the year.
These college educated players have become volunteer recruiters. They have recognized the increasing rates of Americans dropping out of school. The upstanding players leading this effort off the field include: cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha of the Philadelphia Eagles; Leigh Bodden of the New England Patriots; Calais Campbell of the Arizona Cardinals; Greg Jennings of the Green Bay Packers; Chris Canty of the NY Giants; Josh Cribbs of the Cleveland Browns; Virgil Green of the Denver Broncos; NaVorro Bowman of the San Franciso 49ers; Roman Harper of the New Orleans Saints; D’Brickashaw Ferguson of the NY Jets; Jason Campbell of the Oakland Raiders; Brain Leonard of the Bengals; Cullen Loeffler of the Minnesota Vikings; James Hall of the St. Louis Rams; Anthony Adams of the Chicago Bears; Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers; Lorenzo Alexander of the Washington Redskins; Olvie Mughelli of the Falcons and George Wilson of the Buffalo Bills.
So far the Bills fans in Buffalo have been showing the most support. George Wilson has taken the lead in recruiting by a land sliding 1033 volunteers (as of 4/4/12). In second place is the Saints Roman Harper with 185 recruited volunteers.
This community pledge will make lives better by uniting players,the community and ultimately kids on ONE team to lower high school drop out rates nationwide.
Click on the United Way link HERE: http://www.unitedway.org/team-nfl
Read about this pledge and join your favorite team’s player by volunteering and learning how he is living united for education.
By Theresa Villano
