In Boston appearance, Bill Clinton praises community service

(Evan Richman/Globe Staff)

Clinton models his City Year jacket for Corey Wiechmann, Alexandra Hernandez, and City Year CEO Michael Brown.

By James Vaznis, Globe Staff

Former President Bill Clinton extolled the virtues of community service and warned against the dangers of global warming Friday night at a 20th anniversary celebration of City Year.

Hundreds of City Year youth workers -- decked out in red jackets, khaki pants, and workboots --packed the historic Citi Performing Arts Center, formerly the Wang.

Officials of City Year, a Boston-based youth community service program that now has international chapters, presented Clinton with a leadership award and a special 20th anniversary version of the group's trademark red jacket. More than a decade ago, City Year inspired Clinton to create AmeriCorps, a national community service program.

"There is more money and opportunity for citizen service to do public good than ever before," said Clinton, noting there are a million foundations in the US, half of which were established in the last decade.

"It must be comforting to know that you are part of an organization that was doing this work before it was fashionable, making a difference, and this still feels like the preciousest, newest most honored and most exciting place in the world to be."

Clinton made no mention of the presidential campaign of his wife, Hillary, which she is expected to officially end tomorrow.

• Comment
• Permalink
• Email