The National Conference on Volunteering and Service began in Chicago on Sunday.
It runs through Wednesday, and is billed as the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders. Participants will discuss ways to spur civic engagement across the globe.
Former first lady Barbara Bush and founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy will speak at the opening plenary session, Monday at 3 p.m. at McCormick Place. Actor Kevin Bacon and Mayor Rahm Emaneul will also speak at that session.
The mayor's office says the event will include service projects in neighborhoods around the city.
The event is a program of the volunteer organization Points of Light.
The generationOn Youth Summit, aimed at inspiring young people to make their mark, happens Sunday at 1 p.m. The youth summit will bring together 250 young people from around the world.
Emanuel says Chicago has a "remarkable history of combining service with innovation."
