WHEREAS, North Carolina has a strong history of improving lives, strengthening communities, and making our state a better place through volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, during National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the impact of volunteer service and come together to tackle community needs and foster a culture of civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, volunteer service is needed now more than ever as communities diligently work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and natural disasters such as recent floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes; and
WHEREAS, volunteers have dedicated countless hours to meeting the critical needs of North Carolinians and helping individuals survive and recover from natural disasters; and
WHEREAS, state employees, led by the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, will work to enhance quality of life for North Carolinians through volunteer and community service; and
WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week was enacted in 1974 by President Richard Nixon to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism, urging all Americans to seek opportunities to provide service to their community; and
WHEREAS, the federal agency AmeriCorps engages millions of people each year in service nationwide through programs and volunteer generation grants; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina residents are encouraged to learn about local volunteer opportunities, volunteer centers around the state, and volunteer recognition at VolunteerNC.org; and
WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week should serve as a catalyst for residents to Serve our State today; to commit to volunteer by signing up now for a volunteer slot with a food bank, vaccine distribution event, disaster recovery workday, and more; to promote volunteerism in our families and communities through an invitation to serve together; and to be All In for NC when it is needed most by learning about urgent volunteer needs at allin.nc.gov;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 18 – 24, 2021, as “NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.