As Governor, I have encouraged Californians to give back to their fellow residents and make a positive impact on their communities. AmeriCorps is a unique program that provides opportunities for Americans to do just this. By committing to a year of intense service work with nonprofit and community organizations, volunteers are able to better our country and reach out to others. During these challenging economic times, more people than ever are in need of assistance, and AmeriCorps proudly lends a hand to many across our state and nation.

AmeriCorps offers benefits to both California and those who serve. AmeriCorps members earn an education award to help them pay for college or pay off existing loans. In return, our state is enriched through the selfless dedication of AmeriCorps volunteers, who perform a wide range of tasks, including mentoring and tutoring youth, restoring environmental habitats, building trails, improving access to health care and connecting families to vital resources. Additionally, many of these devoted individuals find their year of service so rewarding, they continue to seek other ways to give back, whether as volunteers, public servants, teachers or nonprofit leaders.

This week, we extend our appreciation to those who have served with AmeriCorps for their fantastic contributions to our Golden State. To learn more about AmeriCorps and other ways to volunteer in your area, please visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 9-16, 2009, as “AmeriCorps Week.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 14th day of May 2009.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State

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