National Volunteer Week
April 27 – May 3, 2008

A service of the Points of Light & Hands On Network and again sponsored by Target, the 2008 National Volunteer Week is fast approaching. From April 27 to May 3, this special week offers opportunities to thank some of America’s most valuable assets — our volunteers — and to recognize the myriad of ways they improve our communities.

National Volunteer Week reflects the power that volunteers have to “inspire by example” — volunteers both encourage those they help and motivate others to serve! Find out how you, too, can participate in the week’s many offerings.

This year's theme is "Volunteer to Change the World". Click here to download the 2008 National Volunteer Week resource guide, which will provide resources on how to plan and publicize recognition activities on local, state or national levels.

Discover how simple it is to nominate volunteers for awards, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Your organization can also become certified to present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to deserving volunteers during National Volunteer Week, as well as throughout the year. This top volunteering award is sponsored by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

And lastly, you can celebrate volunteers by joining them. With the Foundation’s help, you can easily find opportunities in your area to lend a helping hand. You’ll be glad you did!

National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. And every year since that time, each U.S. President, along with many governors, mayors and other elected officials, has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.

For additional information about National Volunteer Week, please contact John Jowers at (404) 979-2941 or jjowers@handsonnetwork.org.