April 19, 2026
WHEREAS, each year, more than two million Michiganders spend time volunteering, and more than 8,000 individuals meet community needs through national service; and,
WHEREAS, for 189 years, Michigan has been a state of innovative, giving, and caring people; these volunteers help secure and improve our communities and quality of life; and,
WHEREAS, volunteers are the lifeblood of our schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, and faith-based and community groups. From mentoring at-risk youth and caring for older adults to supporting veterans and military families and rebuilding after disasters, these everyday heroes make a real and lasting impact on the lives of people across our state; and,
WHEREAS, volunteer and service opportunities are accessible through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs, the Michigan Volunteer Registry, local schools, college campuses, volunteer centers, mentoring organizations, and various nonprofits; and,
WHEREAS, today, we need volunteers more than ever. Service opportunities tap the energy and ingenuity of our greatest resource – people – to improve our communities; and,
WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Community Service Commission at michigan.gov/volunteer and the Michigan Volunteer Registry at mivolutneerregistry.org to raise awareness of and celebrate the impact and importance of volunteers in Michigan and throughout the nation; we encourage citizens in the Great Lakes State to dedicate some time to their community or to volunteer with their favorite organization
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim, April 19 - 25, 2026, as Volunteer Week in Michigan.
