FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2011

** MEDIA ALERT – PLANNING ADVISORY **

 

Largest Gathering of Volunteer and Service Leaders Convenes in New Orleans, June 6-8

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS), convened by Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service, is the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors. This year's event provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through a range of plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects and more.

This year's conference will showcase the city of New Orleans as a laboratory for social innovation in areas reaching far beyond disaster recovery. Since 2005, millions of volunteers have helped address the city's educational challenges, economic development issues and government leadership. NCVS will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the impact of volunteerism on the revitalization of the city, demonstrating the critical role of service in improving communities and our nation at large.

WHEN

June 6-8, 2011

WHERE

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130-2226

WHAT

NCVS attendees will hear from renowned presenters during multiple workshop blocks. More than 150 workshops, 11 immersion learning sessions and seven forums will be offered in focus areas ranging from disaster response to youth leadership. Expert presenters from the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors will engage participants in hands-on sessions to explore topics relevant to volunteerism and service.

Highlights include:

  • Signature Service Project, Monday, June 6, 8 a.m.
    NCVS will serve as the final stop on the six-month Road to the Gulf program sponsored by University of Phoenix. The signature park restoration projects will be held at Sam Bonart Park in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Volunteers will install new playground equipment, repair basketball courts, install sideline benches, build soccer fields, install lighting and beautify the park.
  • Citizen Solutions for Economic Opportunity, Tuesday, June 7, 2 p.m.
    Fostering and advancing economic opportunities in under-resourced communities is a constant challenge. Some communities have found success drawing on existing resources and the power of volunteers. At this session, sponsored by Chase, practices of asset-based community development will be discussed and case studies of successful community programs will be highlighted.
  • Leaders Make the Future: Leadership Skills for an Uncertain World, Tuesday, June 7, 3 p.m.
    An interactive conversation, sponsored by UPS and eBay, with a cross-section of leaders about the skills needed to be successful in a world characterized by volatility, complexity and ambiguity. Panelists will discuss their predictions for the future, the leadership frameworks they work within and how those frameworks lead to lasting impact in communities.
  • Innovate, Serve, Educate, Tuesday, June 7, 4 p.m.
    This session will highlight innovative, citizen-driven solutions that are making an impact on the challenges of America's education system. Sponsored by Target, the forum will showcase inspiring examples of cross-sector partnerships that have created tangible results for schools and students nationwide.

WHO

Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, the first African-American to attend a newly desegregated New Orleans school in 1960, will reflect on her journey of service during the opening plenary session on Monday, June 6, at 3:30 p.m.

Cliff Burrows, president, Starbucks Coffee US, will host the CEO Roundtable on Tuesday, June 7, at 8:30 a.m. The session will focus on how companies can leverage their assets to create positive community change.

Political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin will talk about the impact of service on their hometown of New Orleans during the opening plenary session on Monday, June 6, at 3:30 p.m.

Actor and activist Rosario Dawson will receive a Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the closing plenary session on Wednesday, June 8, at 12:30 p.m.

MSNBC contributor and The Grio.com chief correspondent Jeff Johnson will moderate the Citizen Solutions for Economic Opportunity panel on Tuesday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Chris Thomas King, actor and Grammy Award-winning blues musician, will perform at the closing plenary session on Wednesday, June 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Teach for America Founder and CEO Wendy Kopp will participate in a discussion of building leadership skills during the education track on Tuesday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Wes Moore, veteran and best-selling author of “The Other Wes Moore,” will be part of the closing plenary session on Wednesday, June 8, at 12:30 p.m., where the city of New Orleans will thank the volunteers who helped it rebuild.

Roots of Music, a music program for New Orleans middle schoolers, will perform at the opening plenary session on Monday, June 6, at 3 p.m.

ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts will moderate the conversation between James Carville and Mary Matalin at the opening plenary session on Monday, June 6, at 3:30 p.m., and the CEO Roundtable on Tuesday, June 7, at 8:30 a.m.

Soul legend Percy Sledge will perform at the closing plenary session on Wednesday, June 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Bob Woodson, a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal for his establishment of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, will be the keynote speaker at the Corporate Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 7, at 12 p.m. The luncheon will also announce the 2011 winners of the 18th annual Corporate Engagement Awards of Excellence.

For more information on NCVS, please visit http://www.volunteeringandservice.org/

About Points of Light Institute

Points of Light Institute inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. The Institute has a global focus to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement for the 21st century, putting people at the center of community problem solving. We are organized to innovate, incubate and activate new ideas that help people act upon their power to make a difference. Points of Light Institute operates three dynamic business units that share our mission: HandsOn Network, AmeriCorps Alums and generationOn. For more information, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/.

About Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages more than 5.5 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit /.

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.