I have always believed that if we engage children in service early, it’s a gift that will stay with them for a lifetime.

I was so proud to stand beside each volunteer at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee Center and build a playground for kids in the community.  There were mothers and families from the Center and the community, AmeriCorps volunteers and so many people who rolled up their sleeves to build this playground – all because they, too, wanted a safe place for children to play.  (Photo: Maria Shriver, right, and Paul Chavez, left, son of the late Cesar E. Chavez, join volunteers in building a community placespace at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee Center).

But the day was so much more than building a playground, it was about building a place for children to connect to important life lessons.  Playgrounds teach our children to be active – to run, jump and reach high – playgrounds inspire imaginations and connect communities.   But what excites me the most about this playground initiative is that they honor the life of Cesar E. Chavez and continue his legacy of service.  Not only are we building playgrounds, but we’re creating afterschool service clubs for middle school students that implement lessons regarding Chavez’s life – teaching our children at a young age the importance of serving that I hope will remain with them for a lifetime.

Celebrating the legacy and courageous life-long dedication of Cesar E. Chavez is an endeavor I am thrilled to be a part of.  Chavez was one of 13 Californians inducted into the first ever California Hall of Fame that Arnold and I established in 2006.  I was honored to join Paul Chavez and his family at the Hall of Fame ceremony, and I was once again honored to join them in launching the playground initiative, which will continue to tell Chavez’s story, inspiring future generations.

This year, to honor Cesar E. Chavez, 10 new playgrounds are being built by community volunteers across California – with so many more to come!  It wouldn’t be possible without each of our partners, particularly CaliforniaVolunteers, KaBOOM!, the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation and Youth Service California. (Photo: Maria Shriver joins volunteers in painting mural of Cesar E. Chavez, located at the new playground site.)

Thank you to everyone who participated in this remarkable day and for volunteering your time.  Building a playground is just one way you can make a difference in your community – I encourage every Californian of any age to visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org and learn about volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood and sign up to serve today!

Maria Shriver
California First Lady and Honorary Chair of CaliforniaVolunteers

Photo Credits: David Richardson, California State Department of Transportation