From our colleagues at Voices for National Service ...
A Presidential Proclamation has been issued to officially mark National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2010. In the proclamation, President Obama reiterates his Administration's commitment to "ushering in a new era of service and responsibility":
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.... 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.
Click here to read the Presidential Proclamation declaring National Volunteer Week 2010.
On Wednesday, April 21st, as the service community celebrated the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1276, "Recognizing the continued importance of volunteerism and national service and the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act." Introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the resolution had 30 co-sponsors and passed by a voice vote. During the debate, Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) spoke about the impact of service and volunteerism on individuals, communities, and our country:
Albert Einstein once said, “A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.” Regardless of one’s age or background, education or interests, experience or abilities, every American should have the chance to serve because all have something to contribute to the greater good.
Click here to read the resolution, "Recognizing the continued importance of volunteerism and national service and commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act."
Click here to read floor remarks delivered by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), and Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-Northern Marinas Islands) in support of H. Res. 1276.
Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) introduced a similar resolution in the Senate this week. You can read the text of S. Res. 495 from the Congressional Record here.
Click here to read remarks from Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, at a luncheon celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Serve America Act, co-hosted by Voices for National Service, ServiceNation, and America Forward.