I participated in Americorps at its inception in 1995, so presidential candidate Chris Dodd's recent call for a national service program resonated strongly with me.

I recently saw Sen. Dodd at a campaign stop in Concord, where he talked about the need for Americans to become part of something greater than themselves. That is what I did when I did two years of service in the AmeriCorps conservation programs in the Monadnock and Lakes regions. It's what Sen. Dodd did when he participated in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s

Americans are ready to serve their country; all they need is a leader willing to ask. Just as John F. Kennedy called on Americans to serve 45 years ago, Chris Dodd is doing the same thing today. Chris Dodd's ambitious national service plan separates him from other candidates.

It is his understanding that the people of the United States of America are seen not only as generous in their service to help other countries in need but are equal in their commitment to serve their own communities and fellow citizens.

ERIKA THORSELL

Penacook

(The writer is chair of the Concord City Democrats.)