Longitude

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA — June 24, 2009) – On June 20, Longitude founder, Shawn Rubin learned he would be receiving AmeriCorps Alums highest award at an event headlined by First Lady Michelle Obama. Just two days later, he was backstage at the event, waiting in the green room with luminaries like actor Matthew McConaghey, singer Jon Bon Jovi, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California First Lady Maria Shriver.

On June 22, Rubin received the Eli Segal Award at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. The award was presented in front of more than 4,000 people who attended this year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service, the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors. The Eli Segal Award, named after the first CEO of the Corporation for National Service, is the highest and most prestigious honor awarded by AmeriCorps Alums.

Rubin also received a $5,000 prize to assist with Longitude.  He was recognized for founding Longitude.  “This award is really about the volunteers, donors, and most importantly, the leaders who are creating change in their own countries,” said Rubin. “The recognition and award will help us continue to support individuals who have the vision and perseverance to lift up people in their own community.”

Since its inception, Longitude has sent more than 150 volunteers overseas.  These volunteers have raised more than $100,000 for Longitude’s partner projects while Longitude has spent less than $2,000 on overhead expenses during its four years of existence.

Co-convened by Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National Conference on Volunteering and Service provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through a wide range of exciting and informative plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, exhibits, specialized corporate tracks and more.

This award is a huge step towards national recognition for Longitude.  It is important to keep the momentum going.  Please take some time to visit the Longitude website, www.golongitude.org, and make a donation today.  Even a little bit can go a long way when you give to Longitude.