USA Freedom Corps is proud to commemorate International Volunteer Day with the millions of volunteers around the world. We salute America’s volunteers who have selflessly given of their time in service to others.

“I salute America’s international volunteers,” said Alison Young, Special Assistant to the President and Acting Director of USA Freedom Corps. “In doing so, they extend America’s great compassion and set a wonderful example for us all.”

On September 8, 2008, President Bush called on Congress to make Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) permanent. This initiative enables skilled Americans to serve as volunteers around the globe in short, flexible assignments. This year alone, over 43,000 Americans have volunteered through VfP. Now entering its fifth year, VfP has played an integral role in the deployment of 116,000 talented Americans to lend their skills in areas ranging from medical assistance to bringing new technologies to developing countries.

Peace Corps has reached a 37-year high in volunteers. This year, there were more than 8,000 volunteers serving in 74 countries, 13 of which are either new or reopened countries. In September 2007, the Peace Corps launched a program to recruit more Baby Boomers (those over the age of 50) into its volunteer ranks. Since then, applications from Baby Boomers have risen by 70%.

International volunteers demonstrate their compassion on a daily basis in communities around the world. Today, on International Volunteer Day, USA Freedom Corps honors their service and encourage others to seek opportunities to serve at home and abroad. To find an opportunity, please visit www.volunteer.gov.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities and across the globe through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to help Americans answer his Call to Service. Visit www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity and to find more information about volunteer service programs.

Since 1961, more than 195,000 Volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment. To learn more about Peace Corps, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov.

Volunteers for Prosperity was established by Executive Order in September 2003. VfP works with leading U.S. non-profits and companies to deploy highly skilled American professionals in volunteer opportunities that support the global health and prosperity goals of the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov.

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