Closing Remarks by Father Richard Ryscavage, S.J.

The central purpose of this summit was to find a way to increase volunteerism through stronger collaboration and partnering while maintaining respect for each other’s institutions and organizations and not watering each of us down. Carl Anderson mentioned some of the ways we’re going to encourage that process such as the Neighbor to Neighbor Web site that will be going on.

And I heard many, many rich ideas and insights today that surfaced and we’re going to try and capture these in a good report that we’ll send to you for your comments and then use it as a kind of tool for bringing some of these issues to the government and to the public in creative ways that I hope you also help us figure out. I think amid all the complicated cares that claim us and our organizations these days, we should always hold in mind the good people that we serve and the values that anchor that service.

It’s very important for all of us to keep our eyes on that central thing as we move ahead. And it’s extraordinary to me to hear the wonderful work that all of you are doing in your organizations. We need to figure out a way of bringing that work to the public in a stronger way so people understand what’s actually happening. And we need to do that together.

So, I thank you and please continue to work together for the common good.