Public Relations Director

(517) 335-7875 - office
greenefarmerc@michigan.gov

Today, Michigan Community Service Commissioner (MCSC) Rob Collier is supporting United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama and supported by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, her cabinet and the MCSC to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. 

"In these tough economic times, we need more volunteers than ever," said Rob Collier, President and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations and a MCSC Commissioner.  " Michigan's nonprofit organizations are facing increased demands for services, and volunteers of all ages can help fill this growing need.  I am pleased to participate in United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service. "

Collier visited Muskegon to celebrate the accomplishments of the Youth Volunteer Corps.  Collier presented 29 President's Volunteer Service Awards to area youth for their volunteer efforts in such activities as assisting area seniors, engaging in community renewal projects, participating in mentoring programs for younger children, prepackaging food for senior deliveries, and assisting at a camp for disabled participants.

"Extraordinary young people deserve our heartfelt thanks for giving of themselves to ensure the continued well-being of families across our communities," said MCSC Commissioner Collier.  "It is an honor to recognize them for their commitment to the greater good and making a difference in the lives of Michigan's citizens."

United We Serve kicked off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The initiative focuses on five key areas:  education, health, energy and the environment; community renewal and safety and security.  It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.  In Michigan, the Michigan Community Service Commission - which is chaired by First Gentleman Mulhern - leads the effort. 

"This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation," said President Obama. "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."

For individuals or organizations interested in joining the United We Serve effort, the Corporation created www.serve.gov, a website that allows visitors to recruit volunteers by posting their organization's projects or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors.  For local and state volunteering opportunities and additional information on the Presidential Service Award program, individuals are also encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/volunteer.  Individuals who contribute at least 100 hours of service during the summer will be eligible to receive a President's Volunteer Service Award.  Additional information on this opportunity is available through  www.michigan.gov/volunteer .

BACKGROUND

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.  To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizationsand more than 28,000 Certifying Organizationsto bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2009-2010, the MCSC is granting more than $7.7 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 19 AmeriCorps programs and 20 Learn and Serve programs.  The Governor's Service Awards, VIG and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.

Volunteer Muskegon recognizes, advocates, and supports volunteering. They match volunteers with service opportunities to enhance the quality of life in the community.