Pre-Forum: The Candidates on Service

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John McCain and Barack Obama have both made public service central to their lives and to their campaigns for president.

Sen. McCain announced today that as president he will create a "Service to America" initiative "to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest."

Sen. Obama unveiled his own service agenda, "A Call to Serve", in December of 2007 stating:

"We need your service, right now, in this moment - our moment - in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be; that's for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history."

Both candidates are in favor of expanding AmeriCorps. Both candidates want to increase the resources available to volunteers. Neither candidate is satisfied with the status quo. Both candidates want to grow service opportunities in our country. They know, as we know, that service is an issue that unites all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

Our next president will be on the Summit stage at Columbia University tonight and we hope you will join us in celebrating the launch of a movement that will truly transform America into a ServiceNation.