[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8649 of April 7, 2011

National Volunteer Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's story has been marked by the service of volunteers.
Generations of selfless individuals from all walks of life have served
each other and our Nation, each person dedicated to making tomorrow
better than today. They exemplify the quintessential American idea that
we can change things, make things better, and solve problems when we
work together.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our schools and shelters, hospitals and
hotlines, and faith-based and community groups. From mentoring at-risk
youth and caring for older Americans to supporting our veterans and
military families and rebuilding after disasters, these everyday heroes
make a real and lasting impact on the lives of millions of women and men
across the globe.
Last year, nearly 63 million Americans gave of themselves through
service. Their compassion is a testament to the generosity of the
American spirit. In difficult times, Americans are coming together--
tackling our challenges instead of ignoring them--and renewing the
principle that we are our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper.
Today, as many Americans face hardship, we need volunteers more than
ever. Service opportunities tap the energy and ingenuity of our greatest
resource--the American people--to improve our neighborhoods and our
world. My Administration is committed to investing in community
solutions and increasing opportunities for Americans to serve. The
bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act strengthened the programs
of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engage
millions of citizens each year in service through Senior Corps,
AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. We are building the capacity of
organizations and communities to tackle their own problems by investing
in social innovation and volunteer cultivation. And through United We
Serve, a national call to service, we are making it easier for women and
men of all ages to find volunteer opportunities or create their own
projects where they see a need.
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the profound impact of
volunteers and encourage all Americans to discover their own power to
make a difference. Every one of us has a role to play in making our
communities and our country stronger. I encourage all Americans to

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help us renew progress and prosperity and build a brighter future for
our Nation by visiting www.Serve.gov to find a local project.
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 10 through April
16, 2011, 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 seventh day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA