WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and throughout our history citizens have met challenges great and small by volunteering in their communities; and

WHEREAS, volunteering and national service are needed more than ever as more Americans are facing hardships during this current economic downturn; and

WHEREAS, each year AmeriCorps, including AmeriCorps VISTA, provides opportunities for over 1,000 individuals from all backgrounds in New Jersey to give back in a significant way to their communities, their state, and their country; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members last year recruited and coordinated more than 123,000 community volunteers in New Jersey, proving again the value of AmeriCorps as a powerful catalyst for volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week, designated as May 9-16, 2009, is an opportune time for the people of New Jersey to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni for their powerful impact, thank all of AmeriCorps' community partners in New Jersey who make the program possible and bring more Americans into service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim

MAY 9 THROUGH 16, 2009
AS
AMERICORPS WEEK

in New Jersey, joining with all New Jersey citizens in thanking AmeriCorps members and alumni for their service; and further, do urge all our residents to follow the AmeriCorps example and find appropriate ways to give back to their communities.

GIVEN, under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey, this ninth day of May in the year two thousand nine, the two hundred thirty-third year of the Independence of the United States.

Governor Jon S. Corzine

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