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Three U.S. Senators have asked President Obama to launch a “National Call to Service” aimed at engaging volunteers to assist in Gulf Coast oil spill recovery efforts.

U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Robert Casey (D-PA), wrote the President yesterday requesting that he fully utilize the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as part of an effort to recruit citizens to help in the Gulf. According to a press release:

“The future of our nation depends on the drive, the talent, and the values of our young people, and tremendous good can come from giving them a mission in this time of turmoil when their country needs them,” the Senators wrote. “By leading a nationwide, proactive mobilization of the resources of the CNCS, Americans across this country will be given the sense of mission they seek: to support the clean-up and revitalization of the Gulf Coast.”

‘As the oil continues to flow in the gulf, thousands of college graduates are entering into one of the toughest job markets since the Great Depression. These young adults are among the most eager to volunteer and help with community development along the Gulf Coast. By increasing the visibility of the CNCS, individuals and businesses will have an avenue to volunteer their support and donate their resources to address this crisis.”

I wrote about a similar idea from a Connecticut prep school headmaster that was mentioned by “Hardball” host Chris Matthews earlier this month.