SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The call for volunteerism is part of Obama's campaign on themes and in areas that are traditionally Republican strongholds, The Washington Post reported Thursday. Obama spoke of patriotism in Missouri, pledged to grow federal assistance to faith-based service groups in Ohio and called for national service in Colorado.

"That's what history calls us to do, because loving your country shouldn't just mean watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. Loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it", the likely Democratic presidential nominee told an audience at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Obama's $3.5 billion-a-year plan, among other things, would expand the AmeriCorps and Peace Corps programs, create an Energy Corps for energy and environmental-cleanup projects, and offer $4,000 to college students for 100 hours of public service.

Several normally Republican states have changed politically, the Illinois senator said, which could benefit Democrats in the general election, The New York Times reported.

Obama told a crowd at a fundraiser he and former President Bill Clinton discussed the changing political landscape in states such as Colorado.

"He said, 'When I ran the first time, it would have been tough to win if (third-party candidate) Ross Perot hadn't been in the race, but you've seen a seismic shift in attitudes here,'" Obama said.

 BREAKING STORIES

RNC opens with prayer for Gustav victims

Former Obama pastor resigns from ed panel

Bush proposes controversial abortion rule

Anti-abortion pastor set for Dem prayer

Judge: No rent for church group

Judge sets hearing on Ten Commandments

Judge rules in favor of giant Calif. cross

Student apologizes for taking Obama prayer

Man apologizes for taking prayer note

Sudan bombs Darfur amid talk of peace

Stars line up for 'Monk' milestone

Kurdish leader allegedly met plotters

Pope issues apology to clergy victims

Obama promotes large-scale volunteerism

Vatican defends reputation of ex-banker

Book: N.Y. bishop Moore had gay lovers

Book details hidden Michelangelo code

S.C. 'I Believe' tag challenged in court

Singer Charlotte Church pregnant

'Mary of Nazareth' musical set to debut