NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville Mayor Karl Dean is being recognized for his support of national service.

Dean was in Washington this week to receive the Local Leadership Award, which is given to individuals for leadership and innovation in leveraging national service to meet local needs.

National service addresses critical issues in communities across the country by providing the human capital needed to support education and health care initiatives and coordinate disaster relief and prevention.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service's Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2012 report, Nashville ranks No. 14 out of the 51 largest cities in the U.S. for volunteerism.