The word "service" is thrown around a lot in Utah, and for good reason -- according to the Commission on Volunteers, Utah ranks No. 1 for service.

And the commission doesn't plan to lose ground on that list anytime soon.

From Monday through Wednesday, the commission will be holding a conference trying to encourage and help people get out and get their hands dirty.

The theme for this years conference is "building bridges."

Attendees can select from breakout session such as "Speaking with Pizzazz," "Bridges Out of Poverty," "Bridges that Can Take a Shake (service learning)," and "Appealing to Experience: Recruiting and Retaining Baby Boomers in National Service."

At the conference the commission will unveil their new "Seasons of Service" campaign and hold workshops on volunteerism.

According to Kathy Hyde Smith, the commission's executive director, the Seasons of Service campaign is designed "to promote volunteerism among youth and families."

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert will kick off the event at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Sinobi Johnson, spokeswoman for the commission, said that David Eisner, chief executive officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will give the keynote address. Eisner was appointed by President Bush in 2003 and is a recognized leader on nonprofit capacity building, infrastructure and organizational effectiveness.

According to the commission, "Volunteering helps to rebuild communities and solve serious social problems. And, according to research, it can also improve your physical and mental health."

During the Tuesday-night portion of the event, the 2007 Celebrating Success Awards Banquet will recognize eight exceptional individuals and groups for their contributions to Utah's quality of life.

The conference will be held in the Provo Marriott. Registration for the event is $149.

For more information, visit www.volunteers.utah.gov.

Nathan Johnson can be reached at 344-2543 or at njohnson@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B2.