It's official!

Today was my first day of work for the White House Council for Community Solutions. First days of new jobs and internships are usually consumed by orientation materials, paperwork, and a lot of catching up in terms of getting to know background information and context. Today was a little bit different.

I've never worked in government before -- let alone the federal government! -- so today I received an official badge, property of the U.S. Government. The morning logistics included taking an oath to swear to support and defend the Constitution. The Office fo Personnel Management has a neat historical description of why federal employees take the oath as a sign of "clear, publicly sworn accountability."

The Council is administered under the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is the federal agency that engages Americans in service through AmeriCorps and other programs. The Corporation's broad mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering across the country, so it makes sense that the Council would be placed under its umbrella. Both entities champion local community efforts, aim to strengthen public-private partnerships, and foster collaboration as much as possible.

Today wasn't just my first day. It was also the first day of Robert Velasco, II, new Acting CEO of the Corporation. He was previously the Chief Operating Officer at the agency, and this afternoon, he addressed what was essentially an optional all-agency gathering. The budget compromise just a few months ago felt fresh in my mind attending the meeting, especially since Learn & Serve America was completely defunded as a part of that negotiation.

The Corporation for National and Community Service may be a small federal agency, but its mission is resounding. Revitalizing communities across America -- from natural disaster-stricken Joplin to manmade disaster-stricken Detroit -- will take all citizens and all sectors working together.