Blazers in the Community | Community Programs | Volunteerism | Community Connection | Sponsor Partnerships | Community Awards | Making Contact

NBA players have worked as hard off the court as they have on it, providing help in numerous communities through outreach programs, charitable foundations and public service announcements. The NBA takes pride in serving the needs of young people and providing opportunities for them to reach above and beyond their goals.

NBA TeamUp
This program is a league-wide community service initiative and is the heart of the NBA's volunteer efforts. The program encourages youth to volunteer for community service. Over the past five seasons, more than 200,000 youth have participated in NBA TeamUp-related projects. Blazers Community Builders Youth Corps was the recipient of the 2000 NBA TeamUp Award.

Black History Month
The NBA recognizes the achievements and contributions of outstanding African-Americans during Black History Month. At each game during the month, the Blazers honor outstanding local African-Americans who have made significant contributions to the community.

NBA Reading Month
The NBA has joined forces with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and Scholastic, Inc. to dedicate March as Reading Month. The program promotes literacy and encourages players to donate time reading to students at schools. Blazers forward Steve Smith, a Reading Is Fundamental national board member, joined Clifford the Big Red Dog at King Elementary last season, where they provided story time for the students. Blazers team members and staff also host a lunch each year at the Rose Garden for local Head Start kids, where each child receives books and a backpack.

NBA Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Blazers partnered with Morrison Center Child and Family Services at the first home game of the 2000 NBA Playoffs to promote Morrison Center's "Bear Hugs for Kids" campaign. Morrison Center's goal was to collect bears throughout the month of April to give to kids in its program that have been removed from their homes. At the game, the Blazers collected 2000 bears for the program.

America's Promise
The NBA has partnered with America's Promise, The Alliance for Youth, led by General Colin Powell, and Youth Service America, where youth can further develop positive attitudes and contribute to their communities.

NBA/WNBA Sportsmanship Initiative
This initiative is a two-fold program that consists of the NBA Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Program and the annual NBA/WNBA Sportsmanship Award. Partnering with the National Federation of State High Schools and the Canadian School Sports Federation, the mission of the initiative is to focus on fostering the ideals of sportsmanship -- ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity -- in amateur and professional basketball players.