CHARLIE CRIST

GOVERNOR

AmeriCorps Week

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 1,675 in Florida, 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 Florida Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service; and

WHEREAS AmeriCorps has strengthened America's independent sector by investing more than $5 billion dollars to support the efforts of tens of thousands of nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based community groups nationwide; and

WHEREAS AmeriCorps members last year recruited and supervised more than 1.7 million community volunteers, demonstrating AmeriCorps value as a powerful catalyst and force multiplier; and

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week (May 11-18, 2008) is an opportune time for the people of Florida to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact on the State of Florida and the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing May 11-18, 2008 as AmeriCorps Week.

Governor Charlie Crist

THE CAPITOL

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

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