December 2, 2005

Honoring Americans who make a difference by volunteering

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a Presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages, who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer service. The program recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard—measured by the number of hours served over a 12-month period.

In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help their neighbors, communities and Nation through service.

He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours—or two years—to service over the course of their lives. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans answer his call to service and help foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility.

In 2003, President Bush created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to find ways to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our Nation.

Chaired by two-time Superbowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. senators Robert Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, nonprofit, and volunteer service organizations, as well as community volunteers.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. This type of recognition is also designed to set a standard for every American—to encourage a sustained commitment to helping others and a lifelong habit of service.