Washington, D.C. — Representatives of more than 40 nonprofit and public organizations are converging in Washington, D.C., tomorrow through Thursday to participate in "Securing the Homeland Through Service," a conference sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The conferees will receive expert training to hone and strengthen their volunteer-based homeland security efforts.

In July, the Corporation awarded $10.3 million in grants to 43 nonprofit and public organizations in 26 states and the District of Columbia.  Across the country, these programs will enlist more than 37,000 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members and volunteers in public safety, public health, emergency response and disaster preparedness.  Grantee activities include developing disaster response plans to expand Neighborhood Watch and Community Response Teams; establishing Medical Reserve Corps; training youth in disaster preparedness; disseminating information on bioterrorism; and training ham radio operators and volunteer pilots in emergency response.

Expert speakers at the conference include John Bridgeland, assistant to the President and director of USA Freedom Corps, Steven J. Cooper, special assistant to President Bush in the White House Office of Homeland Security, Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Susan Aarhus, of the Arlington, Va., Red Cross, which responded to the September 11 attack at the Pentagon. The conference takes place at the Holiday Inn Georgetown in Washington D.C., from noon Tuesday, October 29, through noon Thursday, Oct. 31.  Media coverage can be arranged.

"Tragically, the Washington-area sniper attacks showed us how a small group of determined individuals can wreak terror in our homeland," said Corporation CEO Leslie Lenkowsky.  "But it also showed us how vigilant and brave citizens can—and will—make our communities more secure.  The Corporation wants to empower all Americans, through volunteer service, to help make our communities—and our country—safe from attack."

"Many Americans have asked what they can do to help fight the war against terror. Volunteer programs across the country provide excellent ways to get involved," said Tom Ridge, White House Director of Homeland Security. "The homeland will be secure when our hometowns are secure. The President's new National Strategy for Homeland Security makes it clear that the work of keeping our homeland secure does not rest solely with government. Citizens can and must play an active role in protecting their communities."

"Every American can help make our communities more secure—by helping a neighbor, serving at a hospital, or volunteering at a police station," said Bridgeland. "President Bush has called on all Americans to dedicate at least 4,000 hours to service over the course of their lives, and these organizations will help more Americans to achieve the goal."

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three main programs:  Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation engages more than 2 million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas.  The Corporation is part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House effort to encourage all Americans to dedicate at least two years over the course of their lives to serving others, and to assist them in finding volunteer and service opportunities.   For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three main programs:  Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation engages more than 2 million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas.  The Corporation is part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House effort to encourage all Americans to dedicate at least two years over the course of their lives to serving others, and to assist them in finding volunteer and service opportunities.   For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.