Clinton Forum Ends in Day of Service

Former President Bill Clinton, Matthew McConaughey and hundreds of students wrapped up their Clinton Global Initiative weekend with a day of service. The task Sunday: helping to clean-up Rosewood Park and Recreation Center in East Austin.

Among the volunteers was Don Bryant. He joined hundreds of students from other states and countries.

"You can see the difference already. We painted over gang signs, picked up trash, it's awesome" says Bryant.

Bryant is not a newcomer to community service. In fact, back in Ohio where he goes to school, he's already started his own initiative to help end violence in public schools.

"To get elected officials involved in school to go to the high schools during daytime hours," Bryant said.

Like Bryant, Max Wilson is also rolling up his sleeves and getting things done.

"Everyone here has made a commitment to do something either in their communities, or other communities to make an impact in change," Wilson said.

It's all part of the Clinton Global Initiative University, or CGIU. The three-day forum at the University Of Texas ended with former President Clinton himself and Matthew McConaughey giving back to the community that hosted them.

Both says they are impressed at what young minds can do for change.

"It shows you the kind of energy and commitment there is among young people" Clinton said.

"At 20, 21, 22 they're not just coming here to get ideas, they have ideas in motion and they're getting stuff done. I mean this is part of their life," McConaughey said.

The effort has been ongoing for thousands of UT volunteers who before this weekend have been working hand in hand with Keep Austin Beautiful. Since the program began at the University of Texas, students have volunteered more than 53,000 hours in seven Austin neighborhoods.

It's because of local activism and innovative ideas that the former president praises Austin's efforts.

"Austin is trying to become the first city in america to have a really smart electric grid," Clinton said.

He said these are practical solutions that may one day help solve future problems.