Washington, D.C. — As a part of a broad effort to advance Americans' understanding of their own history and civic traditions, the Corporation for National and Community Service-together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Department of Education, and the National Endowment for the Humanities-is co-sponsoring the White House Forum on History, Civics, and Service, Thursday, May 1st, at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

Titled "We the People," the event is gathering over 300 educators, students, lawmakers and policy professionals from across the country. Featured speakers include Mrs. Laura Bush, Mrs. Lynne Cheney, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, and historians David McCullough and Robert Remini. The day-long event is made possible through the generous support of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, A&E; Network, and The History Channel.

"Full citizenship requires not only understanding our history and political principles, but developing the civic skills necessary for individuals to become fully engaged members of their communities," says Corporation CEO Leslie Lenkowsky. "Service is one of the best ways to instill the lifelong habit of engaged citizenship. We are proud to be a part of the President's effort to renew and reinvigorate America's tradition of citizenship, service, and responsibility."

The purpose of the forum is to call public attention to the need for more and better American history and civics education and draw attention to promising practices in teaching history and civics, particularly through student service. The forum will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.

WHEN:	Thursday, May 1, 2003 Event begins: 8:30 A.M. Event concludes: 4:30 P.M. Preset for the morning session is at 7:30 a.m.     and final access is at 8:00 a.m. Press check in for the afternoon session will     be held from 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:	National Museum of American History Carmichael Auditorium 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.

NOTE: Members of the press without White House press credentials who want to cover the event must fax your name (as it appears on your driver's license), social security number and date of birth on company letterhead to (202) 260-7753 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2003. You do not need to confirm receipt.

The "We the People" Forum was previously scheduled to take place on February 17, 2003, but was rescheduled due to weather. The rescheduled forum will incorporate the first "Heroes of History" lecture by Robert Remini and recognition of the 11th-grade winners of the first "Idea of America" essay contest previously scheduled for a separate event on February 18, 2003, which also was canceled due to weather.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation and its programs are part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.