GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEW YORK TO HOST 2010 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON VOLUNTEERING AND SERVICE

Appoints Four New Members to the New York State Commission on National and Community Service

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York City has been selected to host the 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. At the conference, scheduled for June 28-30, 2010, more than 6,000 leaders in volunteerism and community service will join Governor Paterson to work towards finding solutions to the nation’s most challenging problems through service. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service, held June 22-24, 2009 in San Francisco, California.

“I could not be more honored to learn that the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Lights Institute have selected New York to host the 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Community service is a part of our shared culture in New York; altogether, we volunteered over 397 million hours of community service last year. The selection committee could not have chosen a better location for the 2010 National Conference.”

“In designating New York City as the 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service host site, we have the opportunity to expand upon our State’s service network and to reinforce our commitment to community,” First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson said. “Volunteerism is a powerful tool that helps us meet real needs; for instance, assisting our neighbors or protecting our environment. I am confident that with the 2010 National Conference, we in New York will continue to make significant service achievements and learn from our fellow volunteers, both in the State and across the nation.”

Governor Paterson has made community service and volunteerism a priority in his administration. In September, the Governor elevated Susan Stern, Chair of the State Commission on National and Community Service, to his cabinet. New York is the second state to emphasize the importance of service and civic engagement with a cabinet-level position. In April, Governor Paterson encouraged governors across the nation to support the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that was signed into legislation by President Obama on April 21, 2009.

In May, Governor Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson launched the 2009 National AmeriCorps Week in New York City and announced the appointment of First Daughter Ashley Dennis to Chair of the State Youth Service Committee. She is tasked with engaging a younger generation of volunteers and public servants. On June 22, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson helped kick-off the national United We Serve initiative for New York with a day of service activities at the Executive Mansion.

The Governor also announced the appointment of four new members to the New York Commission on National and Community Service, the body responsible for promoting and implementing volunteer and community service programs across the state.