First Lady Crissy Haslam Participates sn United Way Day of Action

First Lady participates in United Way’s day to encourage collaborative volunteer efforts for individual and community success

NASHVILLE – First Lady Crissy Haslam participated in United Way Day of Action today at the Watertown Free Public Library.  This year, the United Ways of Tennessee, the association of 38 United Ways in the state, partnered with the Tennessee State Library and Archives, other state agencies, corporations, and a host of non-profits to encourage participation in the Raise Your Hand Tennessee coalition, a statewide effort to recruit volunteers to read with, tutor, and mentor children.

“It is great to be a part of United Way Day of Action, and I am particularly proud that we are using this day to recruit volunteers for Raise Your Hand Tennessee,” Haslam said.  “Research shows that if just one person invests their time and energy in the life of a child, it makes a huge difference for that child’s academic future and overall well-being.”

The purpose of Day of Action is to encourage volunteer efforts worldwide for individual and community success.  United Ways of Tennessee organized more than 60 events in approximately 40 cities throughout the state today to encourage participation in Raise Your Hand Tennessee for their Day of Action.  First Lady Haslam participated in the event by talking with prospective volunteers and by reading Frindle to a group of approximately 25 children.  Frindle is the June Book of the Month in her recently launched Read20 Family Book Club.

“Government can do some things to help educate our children, but government cannot do it all,” Haslam said.  “An initiative like Raise Your Hand Tennessee that can generate volunteers is essential.  I hope to see many Tennesseans across the state raising their hands today.”

For more information on the Raise Your Hand Tennessee coalition, visit www.RaiseYourHandTN.org.