FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 12, 2010

Citizen and National Service Provide over $6 Billion in Services to Local Economies across the State to Tackle Tough Problems

Washington, DC –Patrick A. Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will deliver keynote addresses at the Council of Michigan Foundations' 38th Annual Conference in Traverse City on October 11 and at the Team UP Michigan! Conference in Detroit on October 12.

Corvington will discuss the need to strengthen partnerships in the foundation community and among elected officials to increase investment in service that addresses Michigan's toughest challenges – from skyrocket unemployment to school dropout and foreclosures. A key part of that strategy is to better target service efforts and build the capacity of local communities to solve problems.

The Corporation will invest more than $21 million in the state's hardest-hit cities and rural areas to support projects led by agency programs AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America this year. Since 1994, more than 18,000 AmeriCorps members have served 25 million hours mentoring at-risk youth, building homes, caring for the elderly, and helping struggling students graduate. They are part of a larger national service family that includes 11,000 Michigan seniors sharing their life skills through Senior Corps, and 40,000 students improving their communities while enhancing their academics through service learning.

Governor Granholm and Detroit Mayor Bing have joined a bipartisan group of elected officials across the country who are using service as a tool to achieve local priorities. Last week, Granholm and Bing unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand the use of volunteers to support education, neighborhood development, and public safety. Even in these tough economic times, Michiganders are tilting toward problems and volunteering to put their community on the path to prosperity. In 2009, more than 2.3 million in the state volunteered, providing services valued at more than $6.4 billion.

Monday, October 11

WHAT: Corvington delivers keynote at the Council of Michigan Foundations' 38th Annual Conference

WHEN: 12 p.m. ET

WHERE: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard

Acme, MI 49610

Tuesday, October 12

WHAT: Corvington delivers keynote at Team UP Michigan! Conference

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. ET

WHERE: Doubletree Guest Suites

Crystal Ballroom RM

525 West Lafayette Blvd.

Detroit, Michigan48226

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.