Recognizing Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week runs from April 19is "Celebrating People in Action". We are
through April 25 this year. This week is aboutextremely fortunate to have these individuals,
recognizing those individuals who have engaged inyoung and old, take such an interest in the
their community. It's about showing the nationhappiness of the residents.
that we meet our challenges not as isolatedNational Volunteer Week began in 1974 when
individuals but as members of a true communityPresident Richard Nixon signed an executive order
with all of us working together. It is about all theestablishing a week in April as an annual
wonderful things the volunteers do.celebration of volunteering. Since then, every U.S.
Many nursing home volunteers have assisted thePresident has signed a proclamation promoting
staff in enriching the lives of the residents in ohNational Volunteer Week. Also, governors,
so many ways. Some of the volunteers servemayors, and other elected officials make public
coffee and doughnuts. Some lead religiousstatements and sign proclamations in support of
services. Some provide assistance at bingo orNational Volunteer Week.
another activity. Some play musical instruments orIn 2003, President Bush created the President's
lead a sing a long. Others visit residents withCouncil on Service and Civic Participation to
Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. They helpexplore ways to acknowledge the worthwhile
to keep the minds of these folks active. Somecontributions volunteers are making in our Nation.
just take time to put a smile on the faces of theThe Council brings together leaders from the
residents. Of course, our volunteers help in manyworlds of business, sports, education
other ways but they are just too numerous toentertainment, government, nonprofits, and the
mention.media...
The theme of National Volunteer Week this year