[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