September 2020

One of the historical virtues of the American saga is the ability to harness the initiative of a free people to overcome adversity in whatever form.  As a nation we have risen to mobilize our resources to face and overcome the devastation of man-made or natural disasters such as wars, economic downturns, natural disasters, or life-threatening diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic with which we are now confronted.

It has been remarkable to witness how private industry, once given the incentive and challenge, was able to so quickly produce necessary materials to combat this disease – ventilators, personal protective equipment, and other essential supplies.  The development of new pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, has progressed at amazing speed.

On a personal level individuals have responded to “the better angels” of their nature as they have supported neighbors or complete strangers in this time of personal and national crisis in a myriad of ways – shopping and providing other essential services for those isolated; participating in food drives; donating time or money to volunteer support organizations; and temporarily giving up personal preferences and freedoms to inhibit the spread of the virus; etc.

Sadly, this spirit of communal good will is dampened by childish political polemic and finger-pointing, which is another fact of our free society, and really contributes very little to the communal good.  May we all in this time of national crisis and political debate appeal to our “better angels” and heed the words of Pres. Lincoln in his second inaugural address at the conclusion of the Civil War.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been tremendous change in our country as the lives of many Americans have been impacted one way or another. As people have adapted to the virtual world and social distancing, the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge has also developed new plans for the future. 

Every year, our Sacramento chapter has sponsored high-schoolers to attend the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. There, students engage in workshops, visit American landmarks esteemed in our nation’s history, and grow in their leadership skills and understanding of our civil rights. In light of the pandemic, it is the Foundation's top priority to keep everyone safe while doing its best to give every student an experience unlike any other.

Due to recent closures of the historical sites in Pennsylvania, the October program which had to be rescheduled from last spring has been postponed yet again to March or April. “We decided it would be better to send the students out when they can have the full experience, but we are definitely hopeful for the future,” said Sowmya Gudapati, a student director for the Sacramento chapter. 

Additionally, in an executive board decision, it was decided that the program would reduce the number of participants selected this coming year due to budgetary restraints. 

It is important to everyone to stay safe, and while the future is uncertain, nothing is more firm than the hope and enthusiasm we have in our mission to educate, honor and challenge those around us to stay strong. Be sure to check back regularly for more information, including the essay prompt. We look forward to reading your applications. 

This fall, schools and extracurriculars are starting up again with innovative changes. The Sacramento Chapter’s Service Learning committee, run by Ian Matthews and Rebecca Hanson, has been working very hard to get ready for the new school year. They have adjusted to limitations and are in the process of organizing virtual service clubs. 

Even though these clubs are unable to meet in person, they will continue to serve their schools and towns. Once students are signed up for clubs, they plan to meet over Zoom to discuss new ways to serve the community. Co-chair Ian Matthews says, “There doesn't need to be a big group of people, one person can serve as well.” Going off of that, the virtual service club plans to have everyone create individual service activities and share their progress and experiences with others during the Zoom meetings.

The committee will keep track of all the student’s services. Rebecca Hanson tells us, “The Service Learning committee is working on compiling a database that will list local service activities that can be done at home.” Our service clubs will help students access the database and sign up for service opportunities. These at-home options include sewing projects, writing letters, socially-distant deliveries, and phone calls to others in need. Once a project is completed, students will report back to their club, and the club officers will inform the committee.

Although the circumstances are unexpected, our service clubs committee is doing everything they can to make this year successful. A little outreach can go a long way, especially during this difficult time. We are excited to see how these student-lead service clubs will change our community, one service project at a time.

Our mission here at the Sacramento chapter could not be carried out if not for the commitment and time our wonderful staff has dedicated to our cause. Our message here at FFVF has reached thousands of people through their enthusiasm, patriotism, and hard work. One of our student directors, Mayar Amin, is an amazing member of our team at the Foundation.

“Being a part of the FFVF staff has allowed me to take on a bigger role in my community,” Amin said. As a member of the Student Board of Directors and as the chairman of the fundraising committee, Amin is in charge of fundraising outreach, she is often the first person to explain the mission of the Foundation to potential donors and local businesses.

One of Amin’s current projects is setting up a PayPal Giving Fund for the foundation. PayPal’s partnership with Nextdoor allows people to support local nonprofit organizations such as Freedoms Foundation. 

“When people post unwanted and unused products for sale on Nextdoor, buyers will have the option to direct the proceeds to a nonprofit of their choice with the PayPal Giving Fund,” Amin explained. “Once all the technicalities are figured out, I highly encourage all of the FFVF staff to participate in the PayPal Giving Fund and share it with family and friends.”

Amin first found out about the Freedoms Foundation through her history teacher. “Before my involvement with the foundation, I had no idea that one could have such a huge impact on their community, but now I understand that it is very possible.” It’s connections like these with our mentors that have a lasting impact. Part of the Foundation’s perks is connecting with others in our community and beyond who stand for the preservation of American values and ideals. 

Our mission to serve, honor, and challenge is only possible through the support of the community. “The best ways to support Freedoms Foundation is to volunteer and help out at events, spread the message to friends and family, and of course donate if and when you can!” Amin said. “The contributions we receive are vital to the growth of our organization and will help us continue to educate the youth about American rights and responsibilities.”