WHEREAS, since its creation in 1994, the AmeriCorps national service program has promoted and demonstrated the importance of service and volunteering, and has proven to be a highly effective way of engaging citizens of all ages and backgrounds by meeting a wide range of community needs; and, WHEREAS, each year, AmeriCorps provides opportunities to give back for more than 75,000 members across the nation, including the estimated 1,600 from Michigan; in 2010, AmeriCorps members recruited and supervised more than 2 million community volunteers; and, WHEREAS, in return for their commitment and service, AmeriCorps members have earned nearly $1.6 billion in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to pursue educational advancement opportunities at colleges and universities, and well deserved, more than $58.3 million of these awards have been earned by residents of Michigan; and, WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Community Service Commission to recognize the many contributions of AmeriCorps members, and we thank them for their dedication and service to communities in our state and nation; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14 through May 21, 2011 as AmeriCorps Week in Michigan.

available at http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,1607,7-277-58031-256255--,00.html