Issue 176 - Week of July 7, 2008
Special Initiative Focus:
This Land is Your Land
 On July 7, 2008, USA Freedom Corps launched a new public-private partnership, This Land is Your Land, with the American Recreation Coalition, the Task Force on New Americans and the National Park Service. The partnership is aimed at engaging new Americans in volunteer and recreation opportunities, particularly in America's National Parks. During the event held on Ellis Island, twenty individuals took the Oath of Allegiance to become naturalized American citizens. Upon naturalization, new citizens are granted the right to ownership of these federally managed lands and the shared responsibility to preserve these national treasures for generations to come.
The initiative encourages more civic engagement among America's newest citizens and fosters a greater sense of ownership in our public lands. In an effort to encourage new Americans to visit tin the National Parks, Secretary Kempthorne announced on July 4, 2008, that citizens naturalized between July 4 and National Public Lands Day (September 27, 2008), will receive free entrance to the National Park of their choosing during the weekend of September 27 - 28, 2008.
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Community Service 2008
 On July 2, 2008, to commemorate the start of Community Service 2008 (CS08), several CS08 partners rang the opening bell at NASDAQ. CS08, which runs from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008, unites the 85 Financial Services Roundtable member companies, USA Freedom Corps and 11 nonprofit partners in an effort to improve communities. This year's focus is on financial education and increasing the visibility of financial education programs within communities. Already, over 27,000 volunteers are participating in over 700 community service projects.
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Become a Peace Corps Volunteer
 Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer means 27 months of hard work. It takes determination, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. And while applying to the Peace Corps is easier than being a Volunteer, the qualities that make a good Volunteer will also come in handy during the application process. Yes, applying to become a Volunteer takes some time, preparation, and effort. But as with volunteering, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
Get started at PeaceCorps.gov |
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Help the Survivors of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Americans can learn more about volunteer opportunities in their community or hurricane-related opportunities in the Gulf Coast by visiting or calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
President Bush Recognizes Fort Myers Youth for Dedication to Volunteer Service
President George W. Bush presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Josh Kelchner upon arrival in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday, June 20, 2008. Kelchner, 18, is a volunteer with Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida, the Children's Home Society of Florida, and McGregor Baptist Church.
In Other News
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