Ohio University Hosts Sixth-Annual Ohio AmeriCorps All-Member Gathering

Contact: Michael Greenfest, (740) 593-4769

ATHENS, Ohio (July 10, 2001) -- Ohio University will host the sixth-annual Ohio AmeriCorps All-Member Gathering Wednesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 12. More than 800 people are expected to attend the event, which has adopted the theme "Your World. Your Chance to Make it Better."

"This event brings together the volunteers for important educational and social sessions that enhance the campus and the community," said Ohio University Associate Director of Community and Professional Programs Michael Greenfest.

The in-service event will feature a Service Celebration that includes testimonials from AmeriCorps/VISTA members and a workshop on more than 40 topics, including conflict management, diverse populations, cultural differences, career preparation, developing successful tutoring and literacy programs and improving leadership and communication skills.

AmeriCorps works with community and faith-based organizations to address needs in the areas of education, public safety, human services and the environment. The organization employs thousands of Americans 17 and older who perform critical services in urban and rural areas in exchange for an educational award.

The AmeriCorps, known as America's Peace Corps, has about 1,000 members in Ohio working in more than 80 programs and nationally has involved more than 150,000 people in 500 programs.

For information about Ohio University's participation in AmeriCorps and other volunteer opportunities, please contact the Center for Community Service at (740) 593-4007.