In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities and across the globe through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to help Americans answer his Call to Service.

WHO WE ARE:

President Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11th. When he announced USAFC in his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves. Over the past four years, USAFC has helped Americans answer that call, and the American people are responding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 65.4 million Americans volunteered in 2005.

WHAT WE DO:

As a White House office, USAFC is charged with promoting a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. USAFC promotes and expands volunteer service in America by supporting national service programs, serving as a resource for non-profits, recognizing volunteers, and helping to connect individuals with volunteer organizations in their communities.

• Volunteer Network – USAFC offers a website, http://www.volunteer.gov, and a toll-free number, 1-877-USA-CORPS, for Americans to find existing volunteer service opportunities in their area. This search-friendly database includes over 2 million volunteer opportunities from organizations across the country.
    
• President’s Volunteer Service Award – The President's Volunteer Service Award was created by President Bush to recognize outstanding volunteers. The Award is available to Americans of all ages who complete a significant amount of service to their communities. To date, nearly 311,000 individuals have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
    
• Greeter Program – To thank community volunteers for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush greets an outstanding local volunteer when Air Force One arrives at cities throughout the country. The President has met more than 465 volunteers since March 2002. The greeters are nominated for this honor by local volunteer organizations. Each greeter receives a President’s Volunteer Service Award.
    
• USAFC Kids Website – In 2004, USAFC launched http://www.volunteerkids.gov to engage and inspire young people to perform community service. Children can find games and ideas designed to show them how they can make a difference in their schools and neighborhoods.
    
• Hurricane Relief and Recovery - After the hurricanes of 2005, over 3 million Americans turned to the USA Freedom Corps web site and their Volunteer Network to find service opportunities to help their neighbors in the Gulf Coast. In the months and years ahead, Freedom Corps will continue to be a reference point for Americans wanting to help in the Gulf Coast.

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