I know I annoyingly - and endlessly - trumpet the volunteer thing (of course it’s deliberate but at least I practice what I preach) but if you weren’t inspired by Obama’s words last night to get involved in community service, then I don’t think you really get what this is all about:

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Like JFK before him, this is your call up from the bullpen to provide relief for America. The worst thing you can do is go back to observing the political “game” and wait for the next campaign season to do something. I mean, if you experienced last night as a fair weather fan rooting for a national championship (how many of those late night revelers only started paying attention during the playoffs?) then feel free to do nothing. But if you want your team to win again, you gotta get your uniform dirty now. (Hurray for cheesy sports metaphors! Burp.)

Here are some sample projects with New York Cares:

Job Readiness with the Junius and Liberty Street Residences, Sat., Nov. 8
Work with adults from two transitional housing facilities, the Junius and Liberty Street Residences, to help them develop job readiness skills. Two of the largest family shelters in Brooklyn, Junius and Liberty Street serve homeless and disadvantaged families with supportive housing; job training and placement; alcohol and substance abuse treatment clinics; and more. Volunteers will help clients draft/polish their resumes, conduct mock job interviews, and assist their online job search, and basic computer skills. No HR experience necessary. Support materials provided.

Morning Tutoring at St. Michael Academy, Tue., Nov. 11
Work with 9-12 grade students at St. Michael Academy, a girls’ high school near Penn Station in Midtown. Tutors are paired with students to review assignments and provide academic support throughout the year. Tutors proficient in high school math and sciences are needed.

Plant Bulbs at Patrick J. Van Doren Pocket Park, Sat., Nov. 8
Volunteers will help winterize this local Brooklyn pocket park by planting bulbs and other gardening tasks.