The RNC will culminate tonight when Senator McCain officially accepts the nomination as the Republican candidate for the presidency.  The convention’s Day Two theme was “Service” which was fantastic to see.  We heard from an incredible array of people committed to the idea of serving community, country, and fellow citizen.  Here is the Day Two Wrap-Up.

As for tonight, what should we expect from Senator McCain’s speech?  Will he discuss service?  The answer depends what type of speech he gives.  Will it be more about details of policy or more about lofty themes?  More about defining John McCain or attacking Barack Obama?  With that said, here are some not-so bold predictions:

• Senator McCain will mention one of his go-to phrases about how he would have called people to serve in AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and the military after the attacks of 9/11.
• He will implore people to serve a cause greater than self (hopefully multiple times!).
• He’ll say the word “AmeriCorps” twice.

Tonight will also feature Governor Pawlenty and Senator Lindsey Graham – both are supporters of service programs.

Anyone else have predictions?

Alaska Proclamation for AmeriCorps Week 2008

WHEREAS, Alaska is home to generous individuals dedicated to serving others and to service programs devoted to harnessing the talents of volunteers.

WHEREAS, each year, AmeriCorps provides opportunities for thousands of Americans to dedicate a year of intensive service with nonprofit and community organizations. In Alaska, hundreds of men and women have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to “Get things done for America,” actively building a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in our great state of Alaska.

WHEREAS, these important contributions include tutoring and mentoring children, building affordable housing, creating playgrounds and parks, restoring the environment, providing literacy and work readiness skills, caring for the elderly, and more. These contributions are essential to the state’s economic and social well-being.

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is an annual public awareness and educational campaign that highlights the valuable contributions that AmeriCorps members make to their communities throughout the year.

WHEREAS, following in the tradition of programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps members have dedicated million hours of service around the country. In return, these volunteers have earned education grants to help pay for their college educations. Many AmeriCorps alums remain engaged in their communities after their service, working as teachers, nonprofit leaders, or public servants.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim May 11-18, 2008, as:

AmeriCorps Week

in Alaska, and I encourage all Alaskans to join me in commending AmeriCorps volunteers for their dedication to Alaska communities.

Governor Sarah Palin