FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 23, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Erik Hotmire
202-456-7381 |
Director of the USA Freedom Corps Discusses Volunteering and the USA Freedom Corps' Call to Summer Service on "Ask the White House" |
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Welcome
to "Ask the White House" -- an online interactive forum where you can submit
questions to Administration officials and friends of the White House.
Visit the
"Ask the White House" archives to read other discussions with White House
officials.
Desiree T. Sayle
Good morning, I'm delighted to be with your today to answer questions about
volunteering and the USA Freedom Corp's Call to Summer Service.
Cassie, from Alabama writes:
Where can I find out more about different volunteer opportunities in my area?
Desiree Sayle
Great question, there are unlimited opportunities for volunteer service.
Thousands of organizations list opportunities on our website by interest and
geographic location at
http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov. You can also find information about existing
volunteer activities by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS. Also, you can look for a local
Points of Light Volunteer Center by visiting
www.1-800-volunteer.org. Don’t forget to check out our Call to Summer
Service on our website for ideas during the summer months.
Emilia, from Arizona writes:
Is there a national volunteer program exclusively for senior citizens or
exclusively for children under the age of 18?
Desiree Sayle
Thanks for your question Emilia. There is a federal program specifically for our
seniors. Senior Corps, which is administered by the Corporation for National and
Community Service (CNCS), engages over 530,000 seniors in service each year
through programs such as RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), Foster
Grandparents, and Senior Companions. Visit their website at
http://www.seniorcorps.org for additional information. CNCS also administers
a program called Learn and Serve America (http://www.learnandserve.org)
which is designed to encourage service learning in America’s Youth. USA Freedom
Corps works closely with CNCS and other Federal Service Programs to promote
volunteer service for everyone.
Kurt, from Missoula, MT writes:
Do you work at all with the Department of Education? I know several high schools
or elementary schools require community service hours to graduate. Has anyone
thought of making that mandatory nationwide? Any programs that promote that?
Desiree Sayle
Kurt, the President has issued a call to all Americans to volunteer 4,000 hours
or two years over the course of their lifetime. Volunteering is a source of
pride, builds character, and helps others. We believe everyone can do something
and think it’s best to leave the decision on requiring volunteer service for
students to local educational authorities.
Janis, from Jones writes:
I just saw in The Washington Times (front page of the Metro Section) that The
White House interns and Freedom Corps staff helped build a playground in DC
yesterday. How often do White House staff and interns volunteer in the
community? Janis Jones Washington, DC
Desiree Sayle
Janis, thanks for your email question. The office of USA Freedom Corps
encourages everyone to serve something greater than self. The White House staff
is no exception and we have a strong volunteer force among our staff and
interns. The USA Freedom Corps interns, Logan, Andrea and Brad, coordinated this
service project for over 30 White House interns. They worked with KABOOM!, Home
Depot, the DC Housing Authority, National Capitol Police Fund, members of the
Sursum Corda community in Northwest, Washington, DC, and members of AmeriCorps
*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). This build was the last of five that
AmeriCorps *NCCC held nationwide to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. Members
of the White House staff are also active volunteers. In addition to their
regular volunteer service staff recently participated in a playground build and
have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
Lauren, from New Orleans writes:
I recently read Karen Hughes book, Ten Minutes From Normal, about her struggle
of dividing her time between her family and her service to the government. As a
woman, do you face a similar struggle and who do you deal with it?
Desiree Sayle
The demands on my time are considerably less then Karen Hughes, but it can still
be a struggle at times. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband who is my
partner in raising our girls - also, I am very close to my family so everyone
pitches in. President Bush strongly believes that family comes first, and I have
a terrific group of people that I work with at USA Freedom Corps that support me
in this position, making it possible to juggle work and home a little more
gracefully.
Melissa, from San Diego writes:
I know that some volunteer programs, for example, AmeriCore, have received
criticism because they offer a monetary supplement to volunteers and there are
many who feel volunteers should receive no money. What is your view on this and
how do you justify volunteering for money?
Desiree Sayle
The majority of AmeriCorps members and all PeaceCorps volunteers work full-time
in their service. In return, there are given modest living allowances or
accommodation and/or education awards. These volunteers are not participating
for the money. Instead, they are participating for the personal satisfaction
they receive from helping others. The monetary support allows individuals of
more diverse backgrounds to participate in full-time national service. The
President appreciates who dedicated themselves in this way to help others.
Michael, from New York writes:
What community service have you participated in that has been most influential
in your life and why?
Desiree Sayle
Michael, thanks for the question. I have been a lifelong volunteer so it’s hard
to choose. I think that every volunteer experience has taught me a great deal,
but I would have to say that my first volunteer experience as a Girl Scout was
probably the most influential. Girl Scouts gave me a sense of belonging in the
small military town of Jacksonville, North Carolina. I learned about teamwork,
setting and achieving goals, appreciating the outdoors, and I learned the
importance of lifelong volunteer service.
Eric, from Ft Lauderdale writes:
Two questions.
1. What are the opportunities to volunteer in a National Park? I will be in
Yellowstone for over a month beginning next week.
2. Do you have to have specific skills or do they fit you based on need and
your interests?
3. I am particularly interested in "Learn and Serve America." Is that still
operational?
Desiree Sayle
Eric – I’m glad to learn about your interest in summer service. USA Freedom
Corps launched A Call to Summer Service to highlight the many ways Americans can
give back to their communities over the summer months. To find volunteer
opportunities specific to Yellowstone or service in the National Parks visit the
website for Take Pride in America at
http://www.takepride.gov. Or visit our website at
http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov for other volunteer opportunities this
summer. There are volunteer opportunities for people of all skill levels.
Thanks also for your question about Learn and Serve America which is a very
successful program. More than 1.8 million American students are engaged in
service through Learn and Serve America. For more information, about this
program visit
http://www.learnandserve.org.
Tom, from Denver writes:
How do you become a Freedomcorps greeter? I have never volunteered, but I would
volunteer if that meant I could meet the President. Tom
Desiree Sayle
Tom, when the President travels across America he is pleased to meet outstanding
volunteers in the communities that he visits. We work with our federal partners
and other organizations to find outstanding volunteers whose service is worthy
of being recognized by the President. Today, we are thrilled to announce that
the President met with his 300th USA Freedom Corps Greeter, Eric Rasmussen of
Detroit, Michigan. I encourage you to get involved in volunteer service, there
are many rewards.
Tim, from Charlotte writes:
What kind of volunteer jobs are there with Homeland Security? I don't have a lot
of time to offer, maybe 50 hours per week max, but I that is the direction I am
interested in. Regards
Desiree Sayle
Tim, thanks for the interesting question. I was privileged yesterday to be able
to travel with the President to Glenville, Illinois, where he delivered remarks
on Homeland Security. During his speech he mentioned one of USA Freedom Corps
key components, Citizen Corps, which is administered by the Department of
Homeland Security. Citizen Corps is a grassroots effort designed to engage all
Americans in Homeland Security. Since its launch in January 2002, Citizen Corps
has grown phenomenally and local Citizen Corps Councils now serve 50 percent of
the US population. Citizen Corps encourages its members to learn how to prepare
themselves and their families and friends in the event of a terrorist attack or
natural disaster, gives them access to first aid and emergency training, and
encourages them to volunteer with local first responders. I encourage you to
contact your local Citizen Corps Coalition of Charlotte Mecklenburg at
704-336-7616. Or to learn more about Citizen Corps and their partners and
affiliates, visit
http://www.citizencorps.gov.
Ross, from East Bay writes:
I've never understood the difference between Freedom Corps and Citizen Corps and
AmeriCorps and PeaceCorps. Why not just make it all one volunteer group? To me
it is just too confusing.
Desiree Sayle
Ross, Great question, while the names sound the same, they all have very
different purposes. Citizen Corps promotes Homeland Security volunteer
opportunities, AmeriCorps promotes domestic service opportunities, and Peace
Corps promotes international volunteer service opportunities. USA Freedom Corps,
an office within the White House, works to coordinate and strengthen these three
and other federal service organizations as well as promote volunteer service as
a whole.
Desiree, from Worcester, MA writes:
Hello Desiree, It's seldom I communicate with someone else who has the same name
What has been your most satisfying and rewarding experience in your position as
Director ?
Thanks and Regards,
Desiree
Desiree Sayle
Hi Desiree, it’s not often I communicate with someone else named Desiree either.
Thanks for participating in Ask the White House today. My most satisfying and
rewarding experience has been to have the opportunity to promote volunteer
service – something I believe in strongly. I am fortunate to work for a
President who is committed to volunteer service and who has shown such great
leadership. Have a great weekend.
Desiree T. Sayle
Thank you so much for participating today . I wish I had more time to answer
all of your great questions. Remember, it's not too late to find a summer
service opportunity. Visit our website at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov. Thank you again for your interest in the
President's volunteer service initiative.
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