One of America’s greatest strengths is the sense of duty shared by all its citizens. As we commemorate National Volunteer Week, it is important to recognize the countless individuals who make our nation truly great. Since 9/11, the United States has witnessed a resurgence in the importance of community and civic responsibility that includes helping those in need and promoting the common good.
Men, women, young, and old have selflessly sacrificed their resources and their time to perform community service, to volunteer, and to serve their fellow citizens. By volunteering, they continue to enrich our communities, strengthen our democracy, and improve our neighbors’ lives.
Americans serve in their neighborhoods and communities in many ways – volunteering in schools and hospitals, picking up litter to keep this country beautiful, and visiting the elderly and homebound, just to name a few. Most of our Nation’s civic work is done without the aid of the federal government; the heartfelt desire of many Americans drives them to serve.
President Bush has challenged all Americans to give at least two years or 4,000 hours of service to their communities and neighbors over the course of their lives. Through the establishment of the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush has identified several possible ways for Americans to get involved in giving back to their communities. He also has proposed reforming and enhancing AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service to create new service opportunities. The purpose of these initiatives is to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.
It is important to empower individuals – not the government – to serve their fellow Americans. I have always been supportive of efforts to encourage the involvement of Americans in community service and volunteer opportunities. I applaud the many Floridians who have answered the call and served as volunteers in many ways throughout the years.
To learn more about how you can volunteer, please visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov and the Florida Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service’s website, www.volunteerflorida.org.
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