On April 15, Gov. Bev Perdue signed the proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. Representatives from various nonprofit organizations along with N.C. AmeriCorps members joined the Governor for the signing of the proclamation. Gov. Perdue thanked everyone for their service and participation in volunteerism.
National Volunteer Week is a signature event sponsored by the Points of Light Institute and the Hands On Network. This year’s theme is “Celebrating People in Action,” honoring ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the nation.
The N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service administers the AmeriCorps programs across the state to support community service and volunteer programs. Starting April 18, 14 statewide AmeriCorps programs representing more than 500 members and volunteers will participate in various community service projects. AmeriCorps members and volunteers will provide literacy services for children, assist in job preparation activities, feed the homeless and participate in other activities that address critical needs in the community.
For National Volunteer Week, N.C. state employees have the opportunity to give back to their communities and the people of our state by engaging and supporting community service. The state recognizes the need of volunteers to improve the quality of life for its citizens and encourages its approximately 90,000 employees to participate in service activities. The Commission encourages all state employees to use their 24 hours of community service leave each year.
Visit www.osp.state.nc.us/manuals/commserv.html for more information about community service benefits for North Carolina state employees.