PHOENIX – Governor Janet Napolitano is encouraging Arizonans of all ages and abilities to join together to build strong communities through thoughtful volunteer service, beginning with the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on January 19, 2009, and continuing throughout the year.

“The challenges of the difficult times we face today elevate the importance of social responsibility,” said Governor Napolitano. “Volunteering is a no-cost way to make a high impact difference.”

The benefit of volunteering is that everyone can do something, and even small contributions of time and effort can make a world of difference in the lives of others. Arizona businesses, schools, government agencies, community organizations, faith-based groups, and individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged to identify and address an important need in their community.

Work collaboratively with others to organize a large-scale volunteer opportunity to address an important need in your community. Then register your project at http://www.mlkday.gov and encourage potential volunteers to help with your project. Projects must be established and registered at http://www.mlkday.gov by January 9, 2009.

For additional assistance with registering your project, or to find out more please contact the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families – Division for Community and Youth Development at 602-542-3489.

For more information about the Office of the Governor, please visit http://www.azgovernor.gov.

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