"The tragedy at Red Lake was accompanied by acts of heroism and selflessness. A security guard named Derrick Brun saved the lives of countless students when he rose from his desk to confront the young gunman. Although he was unarmed, Derrick ignored the pleas of a colleague to run for his life. By engaging the assailant, he bought vital time for a fellow security guard to rush a group of students to safety. Derrick's bravery cost him his life, and all Americans honor him."

President George W. Bush
Speaking of AmeriCorps Alumni Derrick Brun
Radio Address, March 26, 2005

Either directly or indirectly, volunteers touch everyone’s lives. Whether providing relief services to hurricane victims, care for the elderly, mentoring to children, services to faith-based organizations, or general services to communities, volunteers are vital to our quality of life. That’s why The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) is bringing together the hundreds of National Service Members from the AmeriCorps*NCCC, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America programs, from close to 50 Florida counties, for the Florida AmeriCorps and National Service Conference.

The conference, to be held May 20-21 at the Rosen Centre Hotel located at 9840 International Drive in Orlando, is the first time Florida’s National Service Members have had the opportunity to gather, learn more about volunteering, and share their experiences. The participants will also gain inspiration from nationally renowned experts in volunteerism and community service, including Katie Loovis, Associate Director of Public Liaison for USA Freedom Corps.

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• NATIONAL SERVICE CHIEF OUTLINES STEPS TO ENGAGE BABY BOOMERS IN MEETING CRITICAL NEEDS.  Encouraging volunteering and other forms of civic engagement among baby boomers holds the key to addressing a wide range of looming social issues, David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, said today at a meeting of the Policy Committee for the White House Conference on Aging. But “making fullest use” of the unique qualities of the 77 million baby boomers will take a big commitment from nonprofit groups, business, and government, he added....
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• PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR TRAVELS TO UGANDA WITH GLOBAL AIDS COORDINATOR.  On a joint mission this week, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez and Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Randall Tobias will visit Uganda government officials and Peace Corps volunteers working to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS....
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• AMERICORPS ALUMNI SALUTED FOR BRAVERY IN RED LAKE TRAGEDY.
  The national service community mourns the death of former AmeriCorps member Derrick Brun, 28, who served from 1995-97 at with Partners in Service to America at the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota. The unarmed security guard, 28, confronted gunman Jeff Weise when he entered the Red Lake Senior High School on March 24, giving another security guard time to lead students to safety....
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• WASHINGTON, D.C. RESIDENT EILEEN BLUMENTHAL HONORED WITH PEACE CORPS' LILLIAN CARTER AWARD.  Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez was pleased to announce on May 18th that Eileen P. Blumenthal is the recipient of the Peace Corps' 2005 Lillian Carter Award. At a ceremony at the Carter Center in Atlanta attended by Peace Corps Deputy Director Jody Olsen, Blumenthal was honored and presented with the award by former President Jimmy Carter and Jason Carter, son and grandson respectively of Lillian Carter, the senior volunteer who inspired this award....
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• PEACE CORPS HONORS AMERICANS SERVING IN SILVER & GOLDEN YEARS.  Today, and throughout Older Americans Month, the Peace Corps recognizes the contributions of all older Americans who have decided to delay retirement so they can better the lives of others. "Senior Americans have come to the Peace Corps because they have extraordinary potential to give," said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. "They are business and community leaders who are ready for a new challenge. From retired teachers to former military officers, they are proving they are part of the greatest generation, willing to roll up their sleeves and make the world a better place for everyone...."
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VISIT WWW.USAFREEDOMCORPSKIDS.GOV

Visit the new USA Freedom Corps Kids website, designed to show elementary and middle school students how they can start making a difference by volunteering. www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov also includes resources, ideas, and information to help parents and teachers engage America’s youth in their communities.

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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