Federal Register: April 21, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 76)
DOCID: fr21ap10-120 FR Doc 2010-9415
Presidential Documents
Treasury Department
NOTICE: Part II
DOCID: fr21ap10-120
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
[[Page 20891]]
Proclamation 8500 of April 16, 2010
National Volunteer Week, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since the founding of our Nation, we have met our
greatest challenges through the dedication of countless
Americans who have given generously of themselves,
asking for nothing in return. The American story is a
story of volunteers--of patriots who fought for our
founding ideals, of people who marched for justice, of
firefighters who rushed into burning towers, and of
ordinary citizens who lifted up struggling communities.
All were volunteers, and their work changed our
country. This week, we recognize their enduring
contributions and encourage more Americans, especially our youth, to join their ranks.
Today's vast challenges require a renewed commitment to
service, and Americans are answering that call. From
mentoring a student and feeding the homeless, to
rebuilding after a natural disaster, volunteers are
touching lives every day. Social entrepreneurs are
pioneering innovative approaches to community service,
and technology is providing us with new ways to connect
with one another. Public-private partnerships are also
expanding the scope and effectiveness of volunteerism.
My Administration is committed to ushering in a new era
of service and responsibility. We launched United We
Serve, a nationwide initiative to encourage all
Americans to make service a part of their daily lives.
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which I signed
last year, has expanded and updated programs at the
Corporation for National and Community Service,
harnessing the energy of millions to meet our most
pressing national challenges. We are also investing in
social innovation and volunteer management to give
community groups the capacity to tackle local concerns.
During National Volunteer Week, we honor the ordinary
people who give of themselves to accomplish
extraordinary things, and we encourage more Americans
to strengthen our country by volunteering. Visit
Serve.gov to find volunteer opportunities across
America and resources to start your own project. This
website highlights volunteer opportunities for
Americans of all ages, and I especially hope our young
people will be inspired to chart a course of service.
Whether through the workplace or a house of worship, in
our own neighborhoods or in another state or country,
service binds us together as Americans in a way nothing
else can. It defines us as a people, and it is
essential to achieving our national priorities.
Together, let us answer the call, take hold of our
shared future, and meet the challenges of our new century.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through
April 24, 2010, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon
all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in
service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.
[[Page 20892]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2010-9415
Filed 4-20-10; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P