Organization Partners with President to Create Jobs
President calls, AKA responds
President Barack Obama has enlisted the assistance of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in his crusade to create jobs and get Americans back to work. AKA's International President Barbara A. McKinzie responded to the call and is galvanizing members to engage in discussions and forums that can yield solutions.
To reinforce the appeal, she cited current statistics: There are over 16 million Americans out of work; the jobless rate is over 10%, meaning this has now risen to the level of being a full-fledged crisis. McKinzie said that African Americans usually boast higher jobless figures.
In an outreach to members, she said, "I'm sure many of you know someone who is out of work, or maybe you have lost your job. If so, you know the impact losing a job can have on a family, a community and a nation."
She noted that the job crisis is confounding President Obama—particularly since his economic recovery initiatives are beginning to yield favorable results. She said that Obama held a jobs summit that was attended by small business owners, CEOs, economists, financial experts and nonprofit groups. The purpose was to brainstorm ways to stimulate job creation.
Knowing the organization's commitment to service and its proven ability to "get things done," Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, outreached to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to join the administration in finding solutions. She requested that AKA host community jobs forums, engage in discussions and flush out ideas and insights that can lead to new jobs and new hope for so many Americans.
Following the call, McKinzie declared, "We have agreed to assist the president in this mission. Therefore, I'm asking chapter presidents to convene meetings where ideas can be shared. If you cannot physically host a forum, then arrange to have a conference call."
Jarrett asked that these dialogues occur from now until December 13.
Recognizing that convening a meeting may be a challenge, McKinzie offered alternative ideas. "If you cannot come together as a chapter, individual members should assemble think-tank strategy sessions to come up with innovative ideas."
She urged members to submit their ideas, and she would, in turn, prepare a packet that would be sent to the White House for the president's review.
With unemployment raging and with the projections indicating that joblessness is not likely to abate, McKinzie reiterated her plea: "Let's join forces with President Obama and tap into our vast reservoir of ideas. I'm certain that with our resources, innovativeness and desire to help those we serve, Alpha Kappa Alpha will come up with the winning solution that will get America working again."