    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8500--APR. 16, 2010

    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.

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    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.
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA