We are beginning our countdown to the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New York City June 28-30, and this is the first of a number of highlights from the upcoming great gathering of nonprofit, government and corporate leaders.  Just to give you a teaser, this year’s conference includes White House leaders such as Cabinet Secretaries Arne Duncan and Shaun Donovan; CEOs such as Jamie Dimon from JP Morgan Chase; social media rock stars , the co-founder of ; Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist, and Joe Rospars, the social media guru behind President Obama’s election campaign.

A special summit on June 28 focuses on Girl Power, inspiring action and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of teenage girls to create meaningful change.  After all, a majority of young girls say that improving their community is their favorite activity, and consistent young volunteers are significantly more likely to be girls than boys. With the help of such special guests as civic entrepreneur Lauren Bush and WE tv President and GM Kim Martin, the “Girls. Power. CHANGE: Girls Summit on Civic Engagement” will focus on how school and work can reinforce the value of service, and how citizens can self-organize and mobilize to address social issues.   In addition, three girls will be awarded $1,000 WE tv Power Grants for their innovative Changemaker ideas.

This is a generation of young girls who grow up understanding their own ability, and responsibility, to change the world around them for the better. They are answering President and Michelle Obama‘s calls  to service, and we celebrate their  commitment, energy, and creativity.  Imagine the power of girls unleashed to create change!

Sincerely,

Michelle Nunn
CEO, Points of Light Institute