EDMONDS, WA – In a nationwide effort to counter rising polarization and showcase the unifying power of civic engagement, the National Museum and Center for Service is officially launching its new national initiative, "Communities of Service," with a first-in-the-nation prototype debuting this Saturday, June 6.

The pilot program, Edmonds Serves, marks the inaugural rollout of the Communities of Service model. The City of Edmonds is launching this prototype as a part of its 250th anniversary celebration. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the National Museum and Center for Service’s goal for this prototype is that it will model how cities across the country can celebrate the milestone by uplifting the shared values that bind Americans together, rather than focusing on what divides them.

To test this community led model, the initiative is turning the city into a "living museum" of service. Starting this week, storefront windows, faith centers, and public spaces will host exhibits profiling the "quiet heroes" of the community.  To bridge the gap from inspiration to immediate civic action, each physical display features a QR code connecting residents and visitors instantly to local volunteer opportunities.

To commemorate this historic milestone, Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen has issued an official proclamation recognizing the city's extraordinary commitment to civic participation, volunteerism, and care for one another. The proclamation highlights the staggering scale of local engagement, noting that nearly 500 nonprofit organizations currently serve the Edmonds community.

“At a time when so much seems to divide us, Edmonds Serves is a reminder of what still brings us together, the shared values of compassion, service, and a deep sense of community," said Mayor Mike Rosen. "Our hope is that the spirit of belonging that defines Edmonds will also inspire communities everywhere".

The official launch celebration for the prototype will take place this Saturday, June 6, at 12:30 p.m. PT at the Edmonds Historical Museum. Speakers include Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen, former U.S. Congressman Brian Baird, and Kim Gorney, Executive Director of WA Kids in Transition.

Media Contacts:

CITY OF EDMONDS

Natasha Ryan, Public Information Officer

natasha.ryan@edmondswa.gov 425-672-5751

NATIONAL MUSEUM AND CENTER FOR SERVICE

Julie Budkowski juliebudkowski@nmcfs.org

For more information on Edmonds Serves visit: https://www.edmondsserves.com

For more information on the National Museum and Center for Service programs visit: https://www.nmcfs.org/programs

For more information about 250 & Beyond visit: www.250andbeyond.com