FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 04, 2010

Washington, DC—Mark Gearan, Board Chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter will meet with area nonprofit leaders tomorrow to discuss ways that national service is addressing local challenges. The meeting will be held at the University of Rochester at 10 am.

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 Mark Walter, Executive Director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service.

Rochester ranks in the top ten among the 51 largest cities in the number of volunteer hours committed by its residents per year, 42.3 hours, according to the Corporation's 2010 Volunteering In America report. Last year, more than 242,600 Rochester volunteers contributed $702.6 million worth of service to the local economy that addresses the needs of area residents.

This year, the Corporation will commit nearly $62.8 million to support 241 national service projects that will improve communities across New York State. These projects engage thousands of area volunteers in service that helps to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement.

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

Thursday, August 5, 2010

WHAT: Gearan and Representative Slaughter will meet 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: University of Rochester Campus

Rush Rhees Library

755 Library Road

Rochester, NY

OPEN PRESS