Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued a proclamation today announcing April 15-21 as National Volunteer Week, an event dedicated to demonstrating to the state and to the nation that by working together, we have the ability to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.
National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals, organizations, businesses and their respective communities to be at the center of social change by discovering and actively demonstrating the collective power necessary to foster positive transformation. President Obama issued a national proclamation for the event earlier this week.
The West Virginia Business Volunteer Council is also encouraging all businesses throughout the state to get involved in their communities through the development or enhancement of an employee volunteer program.
“West Virginia has a wealth of individuals and businesses that tirelessly devote their time and effort to making our communities better,” said Mary Williams, chair of the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council. “This week is a great opportunity for businesses to encourage their employees to make a difference. It’s also a great opportunity for us to recognize the many businesses, individuals and organizations that support volunteerism.”
Sponsored by Points of Light—National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each subsequent year, with literally thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. With the third year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund and the resonant call to serve from the President, this year will be even more energizing and inspiring.
For more information on National Volunteer Week, visit www.handsonnetwork.org or www.volunteerwv.org. For more information about Volunteer West Virginia or the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council, contact (304) 558-0111 or visit www.volunteerwv.org.
