ANYONE CAN SERVE: LEARN TO LEAD THROUGH SERVICE IN 2016

Rev. Juanita receiving a Proclamation from Washington DC Mayor's representative

“Anyone can serve.” These words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. set the stage for the 4th Annual Learn to Lead Through Service Project held in Washington, DC on the 20th of October, at the Georgia Avenue Police Precinct #4. This project was begun by Women Federation for World Peace, an organization founded by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her late husband, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, to usher in the “Era of Women” in the 21st Century. We are an international body of women who are mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, working together to establish and perfect a “Culture of Heart” in and for the family, community, nation, and the world; thereby achieving genuine and sustainable peace under God.

Several schools joined us in answer to the call to action. At least one of the schools that sent students this year, has joined all four years since the project’s inception. Other schools returned for another year. The more than 60 students that participated in this Day of Service helped to fulfill the mission of the project: to help create an environment where our young people can and will develop their character and build self-esteem as they learn to “lead through service.” Service teaches us lessons that may not be taught in a classroom, including responsibility, compassion, and empathy. I can see that these young people are progressing and growing well. Thanks to their parents and teachers, these children will be our future leaders.

Women Federation believes that service should be the common expectation and common experience of all young people. Our children and youth are community assets and resources possessing unique perspectives, idealism, energy, creativity, and commitment. The earlier the youth are ask to serve, the better prepared they are to embrace the virtue of lifelong service and philanthropy.

WFWP gives thanks to all our Partners in Service, who made it possible for this project to continue for four years. The Police Precinct #4, Parks and Recreation, the many restaurants and stores, City Hall ,and community leaders. It has been our mission together to create the opportunity and environment, for our youth to develop the character and fortitude to live for the sake of others.

Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han, have said that in a circle of give and take, there is harmony, there is unity, and there is an eternal process of increasing prosperity. And I did feel that there was harmony and unity while doing this project and that our “circuit of existence ” helped us to fulfill some semblance of our purpose of creation and it brought about an abundance of joy.