Title
Proclamation for April 4th, 2016: National Service Recognition Day
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
National Service Recognition Day
April 4, 2016
WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and central to how we meet our challenges; and
WHEREAS, the nation’s mayors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to meet city needs; and
WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants address the most pressing challenges facing our cities and counties, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to providing support for healthy futures, especially for seniors, and maintaining good stewardship of our environments; and
WHEREAS, national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing education, career skills, and leadership abilities for those who serve; and
WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants serve in more than 60,000 locations across the country, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our economic and social well-being; and
WHEREAS, 140 Senior Corps participants serve at 23 nonprofits in Ann Arbor through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); 20 serve at 9 sites through the Foster Grandparents Program (FGP), and 8 AmeriCorps VISTA members serve youth through Community Action Network (CAN); and
WHEREAS, national service participants increase the impact of the organizations they serve with, both through their direct service and by recruiting and managing millions of additional volunteers; and
WHEREAS, national service represents a unique public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and
WHEREAS, national service participants demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, a commitment that remains with them in their future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service shares a priority with mayors nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives, and strengthen communities.
THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan do hereby proclaim April 4, 2016, as National Service Recognition Day, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our city; to thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their communities.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 4th day of April, 2016
______________________
Christopher Taylor, Mayor