[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20891-20892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9415]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 21, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[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