Originally convened by Points of Light Institute, Be the Change, Inc., Civic Enterprises and City Year, ServiceNation launches September 2008 with the ServiceNation Presidential Candidates Forum and Summit in New York City. At the Summit, Presidential Candidates Obama and McCain publicly endorse the policy framework developed by ServiceNation and its coalition.

Early on in the life of the organization, ServiceNation plays a leading role in the drafting and enactment of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the greatest expansion of national service in America since the Great Depression.

Musician Usher and young civic leaders at the ServiceNation Presidential Candidates Forum and Summit show their support of a powerful culture of volunteerism in our country.

Known from his superhero role in the movie Spider-Man, actor Tobey Maguire thanks the real heroes – volunteers.

Then Senator Obama shares his view on public service in the United States at the ServiceNation Summit.

United States Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu works on homes in the 9th Ward neighborhood during Mission Serve Veterans Day 2010 in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010.

Civilian volunteers serve alongside veterans and military family members to build two new homes in Washington, D.C. on November 10, 2010.

More than 150 civilian and military volunteers gather at the Veterans Affairs campus on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011, in the Westwood portion of Los Angeles to renovate a garden used for Veteran rehabilitation.

Service Nation and Second Harvest partner to bring veterans and civilians together to serve on Veterans Day.