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 New York Governor David Paterson to work towards finding solutions to the nation's most challenging problems through service.
"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," said Governor Paterson. "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," Michelle Paige Paterson, the Governor's wife, said. "Volunteerism is a powerful tool that helps us meet real needs."
Governor Paterson has made community service and volunteerism a priority in his administration. In September, he 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 Mrs. Paterson launched the 2009 National AmeriCorps Week in New York City and announced the appointment of their daughter, Ashley Dennis, to chair of the State Youth Service Committee. She is charged with engaging a younger generation of volunteers and public servants. On June 22, Mrs. 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.