New Orleans, June 6, 2011 — Fostering economic opportunity in cash-strapped communities is a constant challenge. At the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS), Chase is sponsoring the “Citizen Solutions for Economic Opportunity” forum and presentation track for communities to share their best practices in leveraging the power of volunteers.
“During economic downturns, the social sector is needed even more than in times of prosperity,” said Anne Motsenbocker, president of Chase in Dallas. “Chase is proud to sponsor this important conference, which will shine a light on ways communities can harness the incredible power of volunteers to make positive change.”
This forum will highlight examples of community-based organizations that, through innovation and an adventurous spirit, leverage the power of volunteers to build economic empowerment and financial stability to households and develop assets for communities. It is the first time NCVS has taken a strong look at programs that leverage volunteers to drive the economies of communities.
Forum speakers will discuss practices of asset-based community development and case studies of successful community programs will be highlighted. Speakers include:
As Chief Service Officer for the city of New York, Diahann Billings-Burford heads NYC Service, a division of the mayor's office with the mission of tapping the power of the people to meet pressing challenges. NYC Service meets the mayor's State of the City pledge for New York City to lead the way in answering President Barack Obama's nationwide call to service.
Jeff Johnson is an award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator, MSNBC contributor and author. From his celebrated conversations with world leaders in the political, business and entertainment arenas to his grassroots trench work to inspire the next generation of leaders, Jeff continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur and authentic voice for change.
David Eisner is the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, the only American museum solely dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the history and ongoing relevance of the United States Constitution. He works with the Center's 40-member Board of Trustees, chaired by President William J. Clinton, and presides over the $200 million facility's financial, educational and programmatic initiatives.
Entrepreneur Gary Maxworthy came up with an idea in 1999 of accessing fresh produce and distributing it to people in need, initially to 11 food banks in northern California. Up to that time, food banks had focused on distributing primarily canned and boxed foods. In its first year, they distributed 750,000 pounds of primarily stone fruit (peaches and plums) to people in need via 11 food banks. Today, they get fresh produce into the hands of approximately one million seniors and children in need each month.
The panel will discuss innovative ideas such as community development through urban agriculture and ways to best leverage existing programs like the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. They will also address effective principles for nonprofit organizations to manage volunteers in new ways.
For more information on NCVS, please visit www.VolunteeringandService.org.
About the National Conference on Volunteering and Service
The conference, convened by Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service, is the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors. This year’s event will nearly 4,000 “Champions of Service” with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through a range of plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects and more.
About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.2 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves consumers and small businesses through 5,200 bank branches, 16,200 ATMs, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships and schools and universities. Chase also has issued more than 90 million credit cards. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com .
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