FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 24, 2010

Washington, DC—Julie Fisher Cummings, Board Member of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will meet with area nonprofit leaders tomorrow, August 25, to discuss ways that national service is addressing local challenges. The meeting will be held at the Focus: HOPE Conference Center at 10 a.m. ET, tomorrow.

Several dozen social sector leaders are expected to gather to discuss the agency's five-year strategic plan and new vision to drive greater impact toward solving national and local problems, from unemployment to student achievement. Participants will include Paula Kaiser VanDam, Executive Director of the Michigan Community Service Commission, and Barbara Jean Patton, Chief Service Officer of Detroit.

Last year, more than 929,500 Detroit volunteers contributed $2.7 billion worth of service to the local economy that addresses the needs of area residents. Detroit ranks above the national average in the number of volunteer hours committed by its residents per year, 37.1 hours, according to the Corporation's 2010 Volunteering In America report.

This year, the Corporation will commit more than $21.4 million to support 147 national service projects led by the agency's programs in Michigan – AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. These projects engage more than 52,000 volunteers across the state in service that strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement.

Below is a schedule of events. All times Eastern Time.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

WHAT: Community dialogue with area nonprofits to discuss how national service is helping to tackle local challenges and the future direction of the federal agency.

WHEN: 10 a.m.

WHERE:   Focus: HOPE Conference Center
                1400 Oakman Boulevard, 3rd Floor
                Detroit, MI 48238

OPEN PRESS

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

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AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.