Tell the Candidates: Share Your Views on Volunteering!

We are a volunteer nation -- but this year's Presidential candidates don't seem to know it!

In 2008 the Presidential campaign was full of discussions about volunteering and service. The candidates issued press releases and platform statements. They were photographed volunteering at schools and nonprofits. There was even a summit with both Senators McCain and Obama less than two months before the election.

Four years later, it's another story. Up until now divisive discussions about healthcare, jobs, foreign policy and the role of government have all but dominated the campaign. Yes, these are big, important issues. But what about service and volunteering? Getting involved in our local communities, supporting nonprofits that do good work and making a difference are all things we can all do to help out, right?

Sadly, the 2012 Presidential campaigns have kept their feelings about volunteering to themselves. Volunteering may not be controversial enough to lead the New York Times, but it's something that unites us all as Americans. It's a way to bring purpose into our daily lives, to meet others who share our vision for strong community, and to take responsibility for the world in which we live. The founders of our nation were volunteers, brought together by an idea that was bigger than any one political issue. And today more than 60 million Americans serve with nonprofits each year.

As candidates, President Obama and Governor Romney have the biggest podium in the world to talk about what we can do to make the world a better place. Isn't it time they start using it?