[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, boxer Muhammad Ali once said, 
``Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.'' 
Minnesota's volunteers exemplify that philosophy, and during National 
Volunteer Week, April 9-15, we celebrate their passion for their 
communities.
  National Volunteer Week offers an opportunity to salute the millions 
of dedicated men, women, and young people for their efforts and their 
commitment to serve. Volunteers are one of this nation's most valuable 
resources, making this year's Volunteer Week theme--``Celebrate 
Volunteers!''--very appropriate.
  Minnesotans can be proud that our state has one of the highest rates 
of volunteerism in the nation. While 56 percent of Americans volunteer 
nationally, two-thirds of all Minnesotans give back to their 
communities through volunteering. According to state officials, this 
show of strength returns $6.5 billion a year in donated hours to 
Minnesota communities.
  Thanks to the many Minnesota volunteers who help make our communities 
better, more compassionate places to live. For those who have yet to 
discover the joy that comes from serving others, I invite them to get 
involved--and remember the words of Henry David Thoreau: ``One is not 
born into the world to do everything but to do something.'' 
Volunteering is truly your opportunity to do something.

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