You're Invited: The National Conference on Citizenship

This guest post was written by Whitney Soensken and was originally posted on the AmeriCorps Alums blog.  It has been resposted here with permission from the author.

I wanted personally to extend an invitation to join me and other AmeriCorps alums forthe 65^thAnnual National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), which will be held in Washington D.C. September 17, 2010 at the Library of Congress. Registration is available here.

As you may know, the Conference is an annual event that focuses on the state of civic engagement in America. It brings together 400 civic leaders, educators, CEOs, and representatives from each of the three branches of government to address issues related to our nation’s civic health.

I’ll be at this conference because my organization partners with NCoC on a variety of initiatives. Personally, I find the Conference a valuable opportunity for me to connect with other civic leaders, learn about the latest civic research, and participate in discussions that move the civic sector forward!

Entitled, “BIG Citizenship: Citizens as Catalysts and Innovators,” this year’s Conference will explore the powerful role civic innovators are playing in fostering societies that are informed, engaged, giving and trusting. Here are a few of the program’s highlights:

• Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will participate in a keynote conversation

• TIME Magazine Managing Editor Rick Stengel will receive the “Citizen of the Year” award for the integral role he has played in elevating America’s dialogue on national and community service

• A discussion on how institutions are supporting citizen-driven solutions, featuring elected officials and representatives of our country’s leading corporations, foundations, and media outlets

• The “Civic Health Assessment,” produced for the first time in partnership between NCoC and the Corporation for National and Community Service, will highlights progress and challenges facing our country’s civic life

• For the third year, Chief Judge Royce Lamberth will perform a naturalization ceremonywelcoming America’s newest citizens

Registration is complimentary and available at http://ncoc.net/conference. Please join me and other change-makers!