"Service Above Self - Not Just a Motto or Mantra, It's a Mindset"
Tennessean Talks To Tennessee College Students About Public Service

Over Veterans Day weekend, I addressed the 37th General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL). Since 1966, TISL has immersed college students in state government and legislative procedure by using the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives in the State Capitol for an annual fall assembly. Students draft, introduce, debate and vote on bills in a session similar to the Tennessee Legislature. Senators and representatives elect officers to guide the organization for the following year. (Many of you may remember myself, Paul Whitt, and other Chops and UU folks being involved in this organization.) Before a few weeks ago, my last time in the Tennessee State Capitol was 8 weeks after 9/11.

Much has happened in our world since then. Our nation and our lives have seen great changes. I have been out of college as long as I was in college. I moved from Jackson, TN working for a professor, to Washington, DC working for the President. As an alumni of TISL engaged in service in our nation’s capital, I addressed the students on (1) My story – from TN to DC, (2) 5 Challenges to Public Service, (3) 2 Popular Responses to Challenges, (4) 3 Lessons Learned About Public Service.

5 Challenges to Public Service

1. Globalization, Especially Through Trade
2. Erosion of American Civic Knowledge and Decline of Reading
3. Move From Porches To Portals
4. Massive Demographic Shift
5. The Bureaucracy

2 Popular Responses To Challenges in Public Service

1. Nihilism
2. Narcissism

3 Lessons Learned About Public Service- Principles and guideposts to light the way forward

1. About Others - Everyone Deserves Kindness and Respect
2. About Yourself – Be A Good Servant-Leader
3. About Your Job – Do What You Believe In

"We begin our journey public service simply: if you would serve your nation, begin with your neighbor. Make the commitment to be a contributor, not just a consumer; a citizen, not a spectator. In the end, service is the work of a person, not just a government."

Ridiculously Hilarious Rush Recruitment Tool
Have you checked out LZZ's Lambda Chi Rush video online? Search on Google Video "Lambda Chi Alpha." It is out of control and hilarious. I am proud.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2900447755797383491&q=lambda+chi+alpha&hl=en

Tennessean To Texas For Thanksgiving
Lins and I went to Texas for the Thanksgiving holiday. We went to the UT-A&M game and saw the fightin' Aggies "whoop" the Longhorns. We went to the George H.W. Bush library at Texas A&M -- worthwhile. This is a picture of us in front of the Alamo. About 180 men gave their lives at the Alamo, 30 of whom were Tennesseans (twice as many as any other state behind Texas). Also went to the infamous Gruene, Texas and ate a lot of good tex-mex and some good Texas BBQ while we were there. Good trip. (Want to know more about the Alamo? Check this out: http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/adp/history/mission_period/valero/vframe.html)

Want To Help SomeBuddy This Hollieday Season?

This is Bro. Joel and Bro. Jason Polk's sister as well as Bro. Jeremy Hollie's, LZ 493, wife. Please help out in any way that you can. Bro. Bryan Hollie LZ 555

Hello, This is Rachel Hollie. I am a teacher at the International School of Kabul in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our school is host to 250 students from all around the world (16 different countries). 60% of our students are Afghan. The students at our school in the 11th and 12th grades have been presented with a wonderful opportunity.

We are hoping to take these students on an educational adventure to China. Our plans are to visit Guilin, Yangshou, Xian, and Beijing. We will experience major pieces of historical and cultural significance like the Shannxi Provincial Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Imperial Palace, Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall of China, plus much more.

Our trip is planned for the first of June 2007, however we have already begun planning because of the magnitude of the trip. There are 25 students who are planning on going with us in June. They are so excited to broaden their understanding of the world by visiting the great country of China. Students need the chance to experience a culture outside their own so that they can develop into future leaders. I am writing you to ask for your help. I know that you are as excited as us that students from around the world, including Afghanistan, are signing up for this trip.

The total cost for each student is $2500. This price includes flight, lodging, and food. This price is too excessive for our students. Unless we receive serious financial support, we will not be able to go. I am imploring your company to support us on our journey. Any financial support you could offer our students would be greatly appreciated. The faculty at International School of Kabul believes that our students need to experience many cultures in order to develop a healthy view of the world and its people.

Please help provide this opportunity for our students. You can email me for additional information on how to help. rachelhollie@oasisis.org

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Rachel Hollie
International School of Kabul Kabul, Afghanistan

More Mooney Material

I know this is not Mooney's blog, but he sends me good material. If you have news or photos to share, shoot me an email.

And, c'mon, the kid is pretty cute....I think he looks like Rachel.

Ty To Tie The Knot.....And Ami Is His Aim

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to send a quick message and let you all know that, as of Monday night [11/20], Ami and I are engaged. I ordered her ring about a month ago, hoping that it would be here before Thanksgiving so that she could have it when she went home to visit her family for the holiday weekend. Luckily, it arrived Saturday, so I gave it to her Monday night. I didn't have time to make any elaborate plans, but it was a definite surprise. We don't have any plans yet, but we are thinking about sometime in early June, afte she gets out for summer break. If anyone wants more details about the proposal, the ring, or anything else, just let me know and I will fill you in. I have included a few pictures, so check them out. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

-Ty
tyjones50@hotmail.com