Get Ready for National Volunteer Week

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Mar 7, 2000

***Canadian citizens, get information for National Volunteer Week at Volunteer Canada.***

They're everywhere. Young and old; black and white; student, businessperson, homemaker. No one profile can describe them, but they do share something in common: Volunteers ensure that essential services, the programs offering them, and the communities which benefit from them, continue to grow and to thrive.

The week of April 9-15 is a time set aside to honor those people who contribute their time, energy, and talent to the causes they hold important. It is also meant to increase awareness of the critical role that volunteers play in our community. The theme for NVW 2000 is Celebrate Volunteers.

This has been an American tradition for over a quarter of a century. National Volunteer Week started in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the Week as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every president since, as well as many governors and mayors, has supported the week through proclamations. Remember on this week to say "Thank you, Volunteers! You truly light the way!"

Help your community get involved by asking your city or town's major to issue a proclamation. Remember to ask in advance to ensure that your request gets met in time. Feel free to draw ideas from this sample proclamation:

Sample National Volunteer Week Proclamation

WHEREAS, the foundation of a humane and just society is the people's willingness to work together for the common good; and

WHEREAS, volunteerism historically reflects the highest values of our democratic society, in that regardless of the situation, station, age, race, creed, all may volunteer and thus reap the rich rewards that come from giving aid to others, while improving one's own skills and widening one's horizons; and

WHEREAS, Americans are willing and eager to volunteer and bring people together in response to our community's critical needs; and

WHEREAS, our volunteers demonstrate that it is possible to bring people together in response to our community's critical needs; and

WHEREAS, it is the duty of every citizen and leader to honor our dedicated volunteers and celebrate the volunteer programs that contribute to the quality of life in Shreveport and our surrounding communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, XXXXXXXXXXX, Mayor of the City of XXXXXXXXX do hereby proclaim the week of April 9-15, 2000, as

National Volunteer Week

in the City of XXXXXXXX, and urge all citizens to join me as we celebrate this special day.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of XXXXXXX to be affixed.

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