President Bush Honors America's
Volunteers at the White House

On April 29th, USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano 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.

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Remarks: President Bush Discusses National Volunteer Week
White House Fact Sheet: National Volunteer Week
President Hosts Peace Corps Volunteers

Relief and Recovery:
Tropical Cyclone Nargis

On Friday, May 2, Cyclone Nargis hit southwestern Burma with winds exceeding 190 km per hour (118 mph). Media reports show that an estimated 24 million people live in the affected areas, which includes the heavily-populated city of Yangon.

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May is Military Appreciation Month

On May 6, USA Freedom Corps welcomed over 1,300 military spouses to the White House South Lawn for a celebration of the extraordinary volunteer service performed by military spouses every day. Six outstanding volunteers were honored by President Bush with the President’s Volunteer Service Award and attendees were treated to concert by country star Phil Vassar.

Remarks: President Bush Commemorates Military Spouse Day
Presidential Proclamation: Military Spouse Day, 2008

President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation Launches NEW Youth Service Toolkit

Research indicates that young people have a lot to gain from volunteering–including increased academic achievement, increased civic engagement, and a reduction of risky behaviors. On April 28, USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation for National and Community Service and the President’s Council launched a new toolkit designed to help engage more youth in volunteer service.

Visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/yes

AmeriCorps Week is Coming -
May 11-18, 2008

AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. Events are happening across the country and include statewide AmeriCorps gatherings, award ceremonies, “AmeriCorps for a Day” events with local VIPs, community service projects, recruitment fairs, and more. The week will open with a large event near Denver, and close with a major environmental project and volunteer fair near Miami.

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Visit www.americorpsweek.gov