ANN ARBOR—U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) will hold a town hall meeting at the University of Michigan at 1 p.m. Monday (April 8) to speak with students and community members about the “Call to Service Act,” legislation they’ve sponsored to encourage volunteerism and military service. There will also be press availability at 12:30 p.m. in the Michigan Union.

[Map of Central Campus, Michigan Union lower left]

The “Call to Service Act” is designed to encourage volunteerism by dramatically expanding volunteer opportunities and options for military service. The bill requires colleges and universities use federal work-study funds to more vigorously promote student involvement in community service activities. The legislation also calls for the expansion of AmeriCorps and elimination of the current tax on the AmeriCorps education award and expands eligibility for willing and able seniors to volunteer through the Senior Corps.

McCain and Bayh chose U-M because it is known as the place where the Peace Corps originated. U-M currently ranks second among all colleges and universities in Peace Corps participation. Enthusiasm for international service among U-M students carries over to the University’s leading community service programs, such as AmeriCorps, America Reads and Project SERVE. These and other programs are coordinated through the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning.

The 1 p.m. town meeting will be in Hill Auditorium. The 12:30 p.m. press availability will be in the Wolverine Room of the Michigan Union.

For further information, contact Nancy Ives at 202-224-7130.

E-mail: jseguine@umich.edu