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

WHEREAS, ServeNebraska – the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission – and the Nebraska State Office of the Corporation for National & Community Service provide strong leadership in deciding where resources should be directed to best meet state and local needs and assuring effectiveness and efficiency in the meeting of these needs; and

WHEREAS, ServeNebraska has strengthened Nebraska’s independent sector by investing in grants to support the efforts of nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based community groups; and these grants have leveraged additional funds and in-kind donations; and

WHEREAS, this year through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA programs more than 175 Nebraskans are devoting their talent and energy to meeting critical educational, environmental, public safety and other needs through service to nonprofit, governmental and community based organizations.

WHEREAS, thousands of Nebraskans have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to “get things done for America” as AmeriCorps members since 1994; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members in Nebraska have served more than 6 million hours helping to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, strengthen our children’s educational system; protect our environment, and contribute to our public safety; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members last year demonstrated value as a powerful volunteer catalyst and force multiplier by recruiting and supervising more than 1.2 million community volunteers nationally; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members in Nebraska, in return for their service, have earned more than $13 million to use to further their own education and professional advancement at colleges and universities; and

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

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

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Dave Heineman, Governor of Nebraska, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby designate May 11-18, 2008 as Nebraska AmeriCorps Week and urge citizens to thank AmeriCorps members and alumni for their service and to find ways to give back to their communities.

DAVE HEINEMAN

###