Last week, America Forward partnered with ServiceNation and Voices for National Service to recognize Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) at an event in his home state of Iowa for his commitment to national service and social innovation.  Senator Harkin is a true champion, and his leadership—especially in the appropriations process for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the Social Innovation Fund—has been critical in the effort to expand service opportunities and foster innovation and impact in the social sector. The event brought together more than 200 citizens involved in service in Cedar Rapids, along with leading Iowa figures like Congressman David Loebsack (D-IA) and actor Brandon Routh, to celebrate of the power of social innovation and service in social problem solving.

Throughout the day, event participants engaged in service projects, from rebuilding homes to cleaning up neighborhoods, in support of flood recovery efforts across the city. Senator Harkin and Brandon Routh joined the volunteers in these recovery efforts immediately following the event.

See below for pictures:

Senator Tom Harkin speaks before the crowd about national service.

Senator Harkin helps rebuild a porch on a house that was damaged by the flood of 2008.