California Volunteer Matching Network

National Volunteer Week 2008

This year, National Volunteer Week is celebrated April 27-May 1. The week is designed to engage individuals in service, inspire our state and nation to join a movement for change and recognize deserving volunteers. It’s about showing that we meet our challenges not as isolated individuals but as members of a true community with all of us working together. National Volunteer Week encourages individuals and communities to be at the center of social change discovering their power to make a difference.

Governor Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 27-May 1, 2008 as Volunteer Week in California

Sacramento – Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed April 27 – May 3 as “Volunteer Week” in California, CaliforniaVolunteers announced today.

“California depends on its volunteers who willingly work to improve the state we call home, and I deeply appreciate all those who selflessly commit themselves to bettering the lives of others,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

National Volunteer Week was designated in 1974 to call attention to the tremendous contribution of volunteers. This year’s theme, "Volunteer to Change the World" reflects the power volunteers have to make positive and lasting impacts in their communities.

During National Volunteer Week, the Governor’s new Secretary of Service and Volunteering, Karen Baker, will hold roundtable discussions with over 100 leaders in the nonprofit sector in Southern California to discuss barriers to volunteering and service and how the state can play a role in addressing them.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to every Californian who gives a small measure of themselves to improve the world around them,” remarked Karen Baker, secretary of Service and Volunteering. “I encourage more Californians to find ways they can make a difference at CaliforniaVolunteers.org.”

PROCLAMATION
by the
Governor of the State of California

Gandhi wrote,"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Volunteers do just this. Whether they are tutoring at elementary schools, walking dogs at animal shelters or assisting families affected by natural disasters, volunteers take on many necessary roles, and their spirit of generosity is a tremendous force of good in our state.

I have seen firsthand the fantastic work done by volunteers in our Golden State. In response to these extraordinary efforts, I established the nation’s first Cabinet-level position for Service and Volunteering this past February. The importance of service should be encouraged by the highest levels of government, and this action will improve the coordination of volunteer activities – especially during emergencies – while enhancing our state’s strong legacy of service.

California depends on its volunteers who willingly work to improve the state we call home, and I deeply appreciate all those who selflessly commit themselves to bettering the lives of others. I also urge everyone to visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org and see how you can give some of your time and talents to make a positive impact and serve those in need. Together, we can make a difference.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 27-May 3, 2008, as"Volunteer Week."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 22nd day of April 2008.


ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State

National Volunteer Week Events

Secretary Karen Baker Listening Tour Stops

When: April 30, 10:00-11:30am

Where: Volunteer Center of South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach
1230 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, Ca. 90501

When:April 30, 3:00-4:30pm

Where: Assistance League
1370 N. St. Andrews Place, Hollywood, CA 90028

Volunteer Center of Riverside County

What: The Volunteer Center of Riverside County is hosting a dinner during national volunteer week for the County's outstanding volunteers. The theme is a "Night with the Stars."

When: May 1, 2008

Where: Moreno Valley Recreation and Conference Center

Volunteer Center of Fresno County

What: Each year for the past 40 years, the Volunteer Center of Fresno County has invited our community partners to submit volunteers who have performed above and beyond at their agencies. Nine awards will be given this year.

When: April 30, 2008

Where: Grand Ballroom at the Trade Center in Fresno

NOTE: Volunteers will be recognized at the Fresno Grizzlies
game to be played on May 2, 2008

Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin

What: Marin Human Race

When: May 10, 2008

Where: San Rafael, CA 94903

NOTE: To find more information or sign up as a volunteer please visit the Marin Human Race website.

Community Services Planning Council

What: The People Helping People Awards, presented by the Community Services Planning Council, recognize businesses, corporate leaders, organizations and individuals for exemplary community service.

When: April 24, 2008