 National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C. Vol. 33, No. 23 * December 10, 2001 Previous story | Table of Contents | Next story Volunteerism is the spirit of America
The months following the unprecedented events of Sept. 11 have come to show that the true spirit of America lies in its everyday heroes — volunteers. As President George W. Bush recently stated, “The spirit of volunteerism is the spirit of America.” Now is the chance to salute your local heroes. The deadline is fast approaching to enter your submission to NACo’s third annual Acts of Caring Awards, a program that pays tribute to our nation’s volunteers. Following the receipt of applications from citizen volunteer groups across the nation and a review by our judges, the Acts of Caring Awards will culminate with a ceremony on Capitol Hill in April during National County Government Week. The year 2001 is sure to go down in history as a banner year for volunteer efforts in America. Our nation’s volunteers pulled together like never before to work tirelessly and selflessly, whether it was to assist rescue efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C., or to aid those closer to home. “Residents from every county have come together to help all those affected by these recent, devastating events,” said NACo Executive Director Larry Naake. “As has been noted countless times, there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” NACo has long recognized the importance of volunteerism and the long-standing commitment county governments have had in working with local volunteers to improve our communities. To download an application for this year’s awards and to learn about the 2001 Acts of Caring award winners, visit www.naco.org/programs/special/millenn/services/acts.cfm Read about Shelby County, Tennessee’s Fans for Seniors, which was given the Legacy Award for Excellence and Innovation for most fully embodying the spirit of volunteerism by addressing a unique need. Washington State’s Clark County Youth Commission, which was presented the Youth Service Award for best identifying a critical need in the youth community and addressing it, in part, by engaging young people in service is also highlighted. This year, the inaugural Youth Literacy Mentoring Award will be presented to the program that best addresses a community need for mentoring young people to achieve traditional and technological literacy. We encourage you to participate in the 2002 Acts of Caring Awards and submit your county-sponsored volunteer program for recognition. As always, NACo salutes all of you who do so much to keep the spirit of volunteerism — the true spirit of America — alive through all counties in our nation. (All applications must be received by January 18, 2002, in order to be considered. Please call (202) 942-4222 to receive additional information or to answer any questions.) |