On Friday, October 16, President Barack Obama will join Points of Light Institute and former President George H. W. Bush to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the vision of a thousand “Points of Light,” which catalyzed the modern volunteer service movement, by hosting a presidential forum on community service at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University.

The nation and the world lost an extraordinary change agent in Edward M. Kennedy. He had an unyielding commitment to ensuring that every individual reaches her/his potential- to have access to equal rights, health care, a good education and the opportunity to give back. His singular commitment and leadership brought millions of people into the circle of the American dream and the fullness of their own gifts. He lived out a personal and transformational commitment to public service and was passionate about creating a culture of service across the country.

It would be easy to assume that all of Washington is consumed with health care reform, the Supreme Court nominee and our losing professional baseball team!

Actually, this week and next, the House and Senate are moving quickly to set next year’s spending levels for agencies such as the Corporation for National and Community Service, which will implement the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.