Michigan Represented at ServiceNation Kickoff in New York City

ServiceNation, a campaign dedicated to strengthening America and addressing domestic challenges through civic engagement and service, will kick off this week with a ServiceNation Summit in New York City, September 11 and 12.  This summit will gather civic, corporate, and political leaders together to redefine and reshape what citizen service means in our country.

The ServiceNation Summit will begin the evening of September 11 with a "ServiceNation Presidential Candidates Forum," featuring Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.  Held at Columbia University at 8:00 p.m., the event will be moderated by TIME Magazine Managing Editor Richard Stengel and will provide both candidates with a national stage to discuss their views on service and civic engagement.  The Forum will be open to all broadcast networks and will take place before a live audience, including September 11 family members, military veterans, and leaders from across the nation.

Several representatives from Michigan will attend the ServiceNation Summit in New York City including Musette A. Michael, Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director; Michael P. Flanagan, Michigan's Superintendent of Public Instruction; and Paul Joss, Building Bridges Coalition Managing Director.  Two youth leaders will also attend the Summit on behalf of Michigan - Molly Frendo, Assistant Program Director for the Michigan State University Extension: 4-H Mentor Michigan Initiative AmeriCorps program, and Breannah Alexander, board member of the Michigan Community Service Commission and Grand Valley State University freshman.  These leaders and more will gather together to talk about volunteering and national service and its impact on our citizens through key addresses and panel discussions. 

"It is an honor to be attending the ServiceNation Summit in New York City this week.  Michigan is a strong proponent of service and is proud to be sending various state leaders and representatives to such a historic opportunity," said MCSC Executive Director, Musette A. Michael.  "We are sure to get our voices heard and help propel the goals of the ServiceNation campaign forward in Michigan."

The ServiceNation campaign aims to lead the passage of dramatic new service legislation, creating opportunities for Americans to serve at every key life-stage as a strategy for addressing critical challenges in communities.  Governor Jennifer Granholm was the first governor in the country to join the ServiceNation Leadership Council, thus proving Michigan is a pioneer in the field of service.

ServiceNation is implementing many tools to spread its message.  The campaign has created a Declaration of Service which will serve as a blueprint for creating a true nation of service.  The campaign hopes millions of Americans will sign it and agree to make service an integral part of communities across the country.  Following the ServiceNation Summit, events are being planned across the country on September 27 and touted as "Day of Action" events to demonstrate the impact service has on communities throughout America.  Over 2,200 events are planned throughout the nation.  Michigan currently has over 40 events planned for September 27.

If you'd like to learn more about ServiceNation, or discover ways you and your community can get involved, visit www.servicenation.org.