Governor Granholm to Present Presidential Volunteer Service Award in Support of President Obama's United We Serve Initiative

Public Relations Director

(517) 335-7875 - office

greenefarmerc@michigan.gov

Escanaba , Michigan - Today, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is supporting United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama and supported by her cabinet to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. 

"We are thankful to our volunteers for their efforts during this pivotal time in our state's history," Granholm said.  "It is because of their continued commitment and dedication to helping others that essential needs in many of our communities continue to be met on a daily basis. I am pleased to support United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service."

During her visit to Escanaba to honor the Veteran of the Year and host the Governor's Luncheon at the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Governor Granholm also presented a President's Volunteer Service Award to Laci Mitchell, an 11-year old local volunteer.  Mitchell has actively volunteered with Shriners' International, the U.P. Hereford Breeding Association, and the Upper Peninsula State Fair. 

"Extraordinary young people like Laci Mitchell deserve our heartfelt thanks for giving of themselves to ensure the continued wellbeing of families across the County," said Governor Granholm.  "It is an honor to recognize Laci for her commitment at such an early age to 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 Volunteer 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 Organizations and more than 28,000 Certifying Organizations to 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.

The 82nd Upper Peninsula State Fair is a state fair that provides industrial exhibits, demonstrations and competition aimed at the advancement of livestock, horticulture and agriculture.  The Fair places special emphasis on educational activities and youth development programs.