SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 3 The WE Movement, a newly formed organization that will gather goods, products and services from "those that have" and link these offerings to "those who do not" via Ramsell Holding Corp's HELP4U online, "search and match" software program, issued "a call to arms" for WE Champions at today's press conference while also announcing the official launch of the organization, according to Tom Loker, founder of the WE Movement. Bryce Benson, external affairs coordinator for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, echoed that request at this morning's event, while presenting a letter to WE from the Governor.
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Keith Hart, Chief Service Officer at the office of Mayor Kevin Johsnon, issued the appeal for WE Champions to step up in Sacramento, and former California Senate President pro Tempore and Oakland mayoral candidate, Don Perata, was also on hand to offer support and share well wishes from current California President pro Tem, Darrell Steinberg, who was unable to attend due to the state's current budget crisis. Assisting Loker in officiating at the event was country music recording artist, Laura Bryna, who also appeared in WE's public service announcements. Both Perata and Bryna asked for WE Champions to step forward to offer to spread the organization's message and coordinate logistics.
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"WE Champions are those enthusiastic community activists needed to coordinate logistics in each California community so that those who need the goods, products and services donated through HELP4U can easily find them," Loker explained. "WE needs those most active and familiar with their respective communities to assist WE in gathering up both Providers -- those who wish to offer goods, products and services free of charge -- and also WE Recipients -- those most fragile among us who need them. Once we gather these sources, we can link them together quickly and efficiently."
During this morning's press conference at Sacramento's The Citizen Hotel, WE also premiered the celebrity public service announcement. Those making the appeal along with Ms. Bryna included: Country music legend, Lee Greenwood; singer/songwriter/Righteous Brother, Bill Medley; Mindy Sterling, featured on "Desperate Housewives" and in the "Austin Powers" movies; and actors and comedians, Maz Jobrani and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Loker pointed out during his comments at the conference that WE Champions will also meet with city officials and various groups to explain how HELP4U works -- how the new social networking program can be of tremendous benefit to their respective communities in many ways. "The WE Movement hopes that through the HELP4U program, many underserved will receive help from those who may never have known their needs," Loker explained. "The WE Champion can assist us in reaching both sides of that equation." He went on to say, "Contributions from those who have something to offer can be small, like a few hours of mentoring for a student who cannot read, or they can be substantial, like a restaurant that wants to donate its daily leftovers to a soup kitchen on an ongoing basis. HELP4U can facilitate such offerings in a very efficient and streamlined manner via high-tech Internet technology."
Loker presented Marsha Martin, the WE Movement's first WE Champion from WE's headquarter city of Oakland, with an official lapel pin donning the motto: Always Looking For a Match. Martin has already begun spreading the WE word, she told the press.
WE Champions will have full support from WE headquarters in "taking it to the streets," Loker pointed out. Champions will be armed with a WE "BRIEF" case stocked with a PowerPoint presentation, collateral materials, handouts, testimonials and Public Service Announcements. WE principals will work in tandem with WE Champions. These energetic, enthusiastic and caring individuals are asked to gather 20 Providers and 20 Recipients. "Naturally, if they wish to add others to their list, we will be most appreciative," Loker explained.
Shortly after Ramsell Corporation designed HELP4U, which is currently being used to coordinate mental and physical health care benefits for the uninsured, underinsured and underserved, they realized they could utilize HELP4U's technology in a more expansive way. WE will now offer the coordination of resources in other areas in addition to health care, including financial services, housing, legal guidance, youth programs and education.
The WE Movement, now committed to making good use of Ramsell's generous donation, believes it can make a difference when helping one another has become the new norm. The organization's motto is: "Offer What You Can. WE Will Do the Rest."
In the letter commending WE's efforts, Governor Schwarzenegger thanked WE saying, "The numerous individuals and groups that make up your organization have my gratitude for joining this fantastic effort. By strengthening communities across the nation, you will give many the tools they need to thrive, and you have my gratitude for your outstanding actions."
Nonpolitical and nonpartisan, the WE Movement is also seeking WE Partners, individuals who are willing to host informational events to spread the WE message and recruit both Recipients and Providers. WE also invites Sponsors -- companies or individuals who wish to provide a good, product or service to a Provider or who simply want to make a monetary donation -- to join the WE Movement.
To become a WE Champion -- or to become a WE Partner, Sponsor, Provider or Recipient, please visit www.wemovement.org or call the WE headquarters at 510-587-2600. For interview opportunities with a WE Spokesperson or additional PSA selections, please contact Cherie Kerr at 714-550-9900 or email [email protected].
SOURCE The WE Movement
