A Time To Say "Thanks"
National Volunteer Week (April 17-23, 2005)
By Toyja Somerville

National Volunteer Week is approaching! As you know, this annual weeklong event is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets - our volunteers - and alerting the public to all that they do to improve our communities.

This year's theme is "Inspire By Example" because it reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help, as well as to inspire others to serve!

National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.

How are you planning to honor your volunteers?
Each year the Foundation produces a toolkit with valuable event planning information, media outreach tips and template materials for easy tailoring. This toolkit will help you celebrate the accomplishments of your volunteers and publicize their importance even if you're not planning an event.

How can you make the most of the nation's spotlight on volunteering?
During National Volunteer Week, thousands of volunteers around the country will be honored with local organizational awards for their community service. Many of these organizations will use a national volunteer award, such as the President's Volunteer Service Award, to fully leverage the nation's focus on volunteering.

This Award is the most prestigious volunteer award currently associated with the White House and is the ideal vehicle to recognize those who have made a sustained commitment to service. (The Award is non-competitive and, depending on their total hours of service, all Americans can receive it.) Thousands of organizations - nonprofits, community groups, schools, businesses and government agencies - have given this Award to their volunteers and they are thrilled with the results.

According to a recent survey of participating organizations, more than 90 percent reported that volunteers appreciate being recognized for their service with the President's Volunteer Service Award; 92 percent believe it encourages more volunteering. Also, nearly 95 percent of survey respondents would recommend the Award to other organizations.

Take this opportunity during National Volunteer Week (and beyond) and bestow presidential and national recognition on your most prized volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Award recipients receive a signed letter from the President of the United States, a personalized certificate, and an official lapel pin. Several recipients have been invited to serve as "Presidential Greeters" when the President visited their communities.

Visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307 to learn how you can give the Award to your volunteers.

For National Volunteer Week themed recognition gifts, visit our online library and bookstore.