Remarks: President Bush Discusses National Volunteer Week
White House Fact Sheet: National Volunteer Week 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano today joined President Bush for a White House celebration of National Volunteer Week, honoring Americans who give of their time to help the less fortunate and create impact in communities at home and around the globe. During an East Room ceremony, President Bush recognized 33 Peace Corps trainees preparing to leave for Guatemala and thanked them for dedicating their lives to serving others. This tradition of hosting Peace Corps volunteers for a formal White House send-off before the trainees leave for their service has been continued by every sitting President since Richard Nixon.

“I believe strongly in the admonition, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ Those of you here today are living up to that noble calling. And you carry on the best traditions of American citizenship,” said President Bush.

Prior to his remarks, President Bush presented Paul Otellini, president and chief executive officer, Intel, and Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a distinction that honors the hard work and dedication of those who serve their communities. These outstanding leaders and volunteers are working to embed civic service within their corporate cultures and engage the leadership and expertise of their employees to help address community needs.

“It's an honor to receive this recognition," said Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP. “Deloitte is committed to making a difference in our communities and the greatest way we can do that is by using our skills and knowledge to help strengthen nonprofit organizations. This is really a testament to our people who are making a social impact all across the country.”

“Community involvement has been a critical element of Intel’s culture for each of our 40 years of existence.”said Paul S. Otellini, president and chief executive officer of Intel Corporation.“Intel's efforts not only help improve the quality and fabric of local communities, but also provide a rewarding and meaningful experiencefor our employees. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year with a million volunteer hours and significant matching donations all focused at making a real difference.”

Also at today’s event were members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. This group of community leaders, entertainers, business executives, professional athletes, and media personalities, is working to recognize and inspire service and volunteering in America. The Council recently launched a multi-year campaign to boost the amount of skilled volunteering and pro bono service professional employees give to nonprofits and communities.

Today’s event continued Director Lozano’s weeklong celebration of National Volunteer Week. Yesterday, Director Lozano joined the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and the Corporation for National and Community Service to recognize youth volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their exemplary community service. The event also launched a new online toolkit, “Youth Engaged in Service: How and Why to Incorporate Volunteer Projects into Your Youth Program”, to engage youth from disadvantaged circumstances in volunteer service. The free online toolkit is available at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/yes.

“Volunteers are critical allies in our Nation’s attack on need. Through countless acts of compassion, these public servants are responding to critical issues facing our communities and extending hope to the less fortunate. America is indebted to our volunteers for their service,” said USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano.

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In 2002, President Bush issued a national call to service and created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans serve causes greater than self. As a signature White House initiative, USA Freedom Corps works to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility, and connect Americans with opportunities serve their country, their community and their neighbors. Since President Bush launched the initiative, volunteering is at historically high levels and last year alone, more than 60 million volunteers across America helped sustain social services and aid others in need, both at home and abroad.

To learn more about USA Freedom Corps and find volunteer opportunities in your community and around the world, visit: http://www.volunteer.gov.

To learn more about the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and the President’s Volunteer Service Award, visit: http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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