“I believe in the greatness of this nation as a beacon of goodwill throughout the world. My friends, each and every one of us has a duty to serve a cause greater than our own self-interest.” – Sen. John McCain

These words serve as Sen. John McCain’s clarion call for Americans to make a difference in their communities, their nation, and their world. This belief is based on the premise that such service makes us better citizens, invests “our life with the eminence of that cause,” and assures us all self-respect.
 
To serve a cause greater than one’s own self-interest is to truly serve the better angels of our nature, and it is this lesson that we have taken to heart as we continue to prepare for the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul – now only 100 days away.
 
That our 100-day benchmark falls during the Memorial Day weekend is fitting, as we are reminded of those who have served our nation’s greatest cause: the defense of our freedoms by the giving of their last full measure of devotion.
 
While our service pales in comparison to those heroic sacrifices, our cause of making a difference in our community is strong through our American Neighbor Volunteer Program. Its mission: to make people realize that, “I can help my neighbor. I can make a difference in my community.”
 
The staff preparing for our party’s convention has come from across the nation. We have different accents, different sayings, and different backgrounds. However, we are one in the cause that is our nation, and the cause to give something back.
 
Since our arrival, we have helped feed those who have gone without. We have helped those with physical and mental challenges, as well as their families. We have helped to clean the local watershed, so that the people of our community can enjoy its beauty this summer. And, before we are finished here, we will help build a new home for an injured veteran who selflessly gave of himself so that we may experience the freedoms we will celebrate at our convention.
 
Our efforts are not charity, they are not self-serving. They are causes that make a difference in our community.  They are not driven by partisanship; rather they are driven by good citizenship.
 
As we move forward, our convention is calling on every American – Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, alike – to be good American Neighbors and serve a greater cause. As you do so, we also encourage you to share your story of service through our convention’s website at www.GOPConvention2008.com <http://www.GOPConvention2008.com> .
 
For the next 100 days, we will continue our work to make our convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul the most exciting event in Republican history. We will continue to be good American Neighbors by making a difference, and we will do all we can to inspire our fellow Republicans, and our fellow Americans, to take the words of Sen. McCain to heart.
 
Maria Cino
President & CEO
2008 Republican National Convention