"There are people in your communities, when they hear that over 3,300 homes have been destroyed, they want to do something about it. They want to help a neighbor in need. And so for all the great citizens of this wonderful state who have heard the call to love a neighbor just like you would like to be loved yourself, who, when they see somebody who hurts, are willing to put their arm around a neighbor in need, I want to thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts."

President George W. Bush on November 4, 2003
at Gillespie Airfield in El Cajon, California
thanking firefighters and volunteers

• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCES CITIZEN CORPS GRANTS.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced $35 million in direct grants to states for Citizen Corps, a part of USA Freedom Corps. The funds will be used to support Citizen Corps Councils with planning, outreach, and management of Citizen Corps programs and activities. These grants will provide the necessary resources for states and local communities to form and sustain a Citizen Corps Council and develop and implement a plan for their community to engage all citizens in homeland security, community preparedness, and family safety....
  click here to read the full article
   
• NEW YORK CITY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES CERT PILOT PROGRAM.  New York City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) pilot program was recently announced. CERT - part of Citizen Corps - helps individuals take a more active role in emergency response and preparedness. CERT members are trained in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations so they can assist emergency personnel when needed in emergencies affecting their immediate communities….
  click here to read the full article

• SUPPORT OUR VETERANS, our troops, and their families.  Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11, 2003, and while thousands of men and women continue to serve in our armed forces around the world, we also need to remember those who have fought for our freedom in the past. Many Americans are looking for ways to support our military, their families and veterans….
  click here to take action now!

• VA LAUNCHES ‘KIDS PAGE’ ON INTERNET.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced the launch of VA Kids, a new Web page designed to help young people understand what it means to be a veteran. The mission of the USA Freedom Corps is to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility for decades to come. Americans need to understand and embrace our history in order to be engaged, effective citizens. Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2003, is a chance to educate citizens, especially our youth, in the importance and impact of those who fought for our nation….
  click here to read the full article

To view Freedom Corps initiatives designed to remind Americans about our great history....
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• PRESIDENT BUSH RECOGNIZES SAN DIEGO WOMAN FOR DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEER SERVICE.  On Tuesday, November 4, 2003, President Bush visited fire-ravaged Southern California and met Suellen Mayberry, who is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross. Most recently she helped establish emergency shelters for individuals and families forced to evacuate their homes due to the California wildfires….
  click here to read full article

FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES NOW

Americans of all ages are serving others in countless ways, by mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or donating food and clothing to those who need them. No matter where you live or what interests you, you can find ways to volunteer in your community or overseas.

To find a volunteer opportunity, please click here.

THANK YOU

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteer service. When you help your neighbors, you help your Nation. You can make a difference.

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The mission of the USA Freedom Corps is to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility.

www.usafreedomcorps.gov
1-877-USA-CORPS

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