WHEREAS the AmeriCorps national service program has proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in meeting a wide range of community needs and promote the ethic of service and volunteering since its creation in 1994; and

WHEREAS each year AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 75,000 citizens across the nation, including approximately 2,500 in Washington, to give back in an intensive way to our communities, our state, and our country; and

WHEREAS last year AmeriCorps members recruited more than 1.7 million community volunteers, demonstrating AmeriCorps’ value as a powerful catalyst and force multiplier; and

WHEREAS more than 540,000 men and women across the nation, including 21,140 from Washington, have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to “get things done for America” since 1994; and

WHEREAS those AmeriCorps members have served a total of more than 705 million hours nationwide, including more than 29 million hours served by resident from Washington, helping to improve the lives of our state’s most vulnerable citizens, strengthen our educational system; protect our environment, and contribute to our public safety; and

WHEREAS after their terms of service AmeriCorps members remain engaged in our communities as volunteers, public servants, and nonprofit leaders in disproportionately high levels; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week (May 11-18, 2008) is an opportune time for the people of Washington to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact; thank all of AmeriCorps' community partners in Washington who make the program possible; and bring more Americans into service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim May 11-18, 2008, as

AmeriCorps Week

and I urge citizens to thank AmeriCorps members and alumni for their service and to find ways to give back to their communities.

Signed this 28th day of April, 2008

Governor Christine Gregoire

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