    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 22, 1998]
    [Page 602]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 602]]

    Memorandum on Citizen Service
    April 22, 1998

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Strengthening Our Commitment to Service

        Citizen service is one of the most important ways we demonstrate
    that we care for and are responsible for one another. It is also an
    American tradition that we meet our challenges as members of a true
    community, with all of us working together. Thus, citizen service should
    not just be a temporary pursuit of only a week or a month. The ethic of
    service must extend throughout a lifetime.
        Over the years, great numbers of Federal employees have been
    generous with their time and talents and have made positive
    contributions to their local communities, even as they have fulfilled
    their official responsibilities. At the same time, as the Nation's
    largest employer, the Federal Government has a responsibility to set an
    example by helping to make it possible for its employees to dedicate
    time to serve others.
        Therefore, I am today directing Federal departments and agencies to
    explore additional measures to expand service opportunities for Federal
    employees. Each department and agency should review its work scheduling
    practices and make maximum use of existing flexibilities to allow
    Federal employees to plan and take time off to perform community service
    as the public business permits. Each department and agency should also
    inform its employees of the various flexibilities available to them to
    participate in volunteer activities. The Office of Personnel Management
    should provide information to departments and agencies in support of
    this effort. Each department and agency should then report to the Office
    of Personnel Management within 90 days on the measures taken to
    implement this memorandum.

                                                          William J. Clinton