WHEREAS the AmeriCorps National Service Program has proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in meeting a wide range of community needs and promote the ethic of service and volunteering since its creation in 1994; and

WHEREAS, each year AmeriCorps, including AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC, provides opportunities for 75,000 citizens across the nation, including approximately 132 Americorps Members currently serving in Nevada, to give back in an intensive way to our communities, our State, and our Country; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps was designed to give a key role to states in deciding where resources should be directed to meet state and local needs through the work of Governor-appointed state service commissions, including the Nevada Volunteers; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps’ Nevada Volunteers has strengthened Nevada’s independent sector through AmeriCorps Programs, and the work of all Nevada Volunteers, has leveraged State funding to provide $16 of community services for every dollar to support the efforts of nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based community groups; and

WHEREAS, more than 540,000 men and women across the nation, including 2,047 Americorps Members from Nevada, have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to "get things done for America" by becoming AmeriCorps members since 1994; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have earned more than $1.4 billion in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to use to further their own educational advancement at colleges and universities—including more than $4,718,359 Education Award Dollars earned that have been awarded to residents of Nevada; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is an opportune time for the people of Nevada to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact; thank all of AmeriCorps' community partners in Nevada who make the program possible; and bring more Americans into service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim May 11-18, 2008, as

AMERICORPS WEEK IN NEVADA

JIM GIBBONS

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