Volunteer Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, volunteers are vital to our future as a caring and productive state and nation; and

WHEREAS, by volunteering, we discover that giving of oneself in service brings lasting benefits to both the giver and the recipient; and

WHEREAS, individuals and communities are at the center of discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference; volunteers range from children to older adults, to businesses and community organizations, all sharing in common the act of choosing to make a difference; and

WHEREAS, an entire community can inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world for the better; and

WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to inspire, recognize and encourage people to seek imaginative ways to engage in their communities; by working together, we have the ability to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals; and

WHEREAS, during this week, all across the nation, thousands of service projects will be performed and volunteers recognized for their commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, volunteers can connect with local community service opportunities throughout the year through hundreds of community service organizations; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s volunteer force of more than 63 million devoted citizens is a celebrated treasure, encouraging the people they help and motivating others to serve as well:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of April 21 through April 27, 2013, as

Volunteer Appreciation Week

in the state of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of April 2013.

                        

Robert Bentley, Governor