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Welcome to "Ask the White House" -- an online interactive forum where you can submit questions to Administration officials and friends of the White House. Visit the "Ask the White House" archives to read other discussions with White House officials.
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August 28, 2006
Desiree Sayle
Good afternoon. Its good to be back on Ask the White House. One year ago, our Nation witnessed one of the largest natural disasters in our history as our fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast were dealt a devastating blow by Hurricane Katrina. But in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the American people overwhelmed the region with a powerful volunteer mobilization and philanthropic outpouring. These acts of compassion and generosity provided an injection of hope in the midst of the dark days and continue to serve as a bright spot in the rebuilding of the region. When the President addressed the Nation from Jackson Square in New Orleans on the evening of September 15, 2005, he issued a call to service to all Americans: "Important work can be done by everyone, and everyone should find their role and do their part." He asked USA Freedom Corps to create an information clearinghouse, so that families anywhere in the country could find opportunities to help families in the affected region. The American people responded, and USA Freedom Corps worked aggressively to connect those who wanted to answer this call to opportunities in the affected region. President Bush continues to follow through with the Federal commitment to do what it takes to help residents of the Gulf Coast rebuild their lives in the wake of this disaster, with $110.6 billion in Federal aid going towards relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts. USA Freedom Corps, too, remains committed to doing everything we can to support the effort. Jonathan, from Portland, Oregon writes: Desiree Sayle Everyone can give back to their community, regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time, or have other commitments. USA Freedom Corps' website, www.volunteer.gov, lists many volunteer opportunities that you can search in your immediate area. Any time spent volunteering is better than no time at all.
I would also encourage you to visit www.firecorps.org. Fire Corps is a program to support fire departments by encouraging citizen advocates to serve in non-emergency roles. Through its partnerships with fire service organizations and local Citizen Corps Councils across the country, Fire Corps actively involves citizens in public education, training, and volunteer efforts focused on fire prevention and safety. This may be something you can help establish at your station. George, from Pennsylvania writes: Desiree Sayle In a report released this month, the Corporation for National and Community Service found that more than half a million Americans have journeyed to the Gulf Coast in the past year to volunteer in hurricane relief and recovery efforts. The figures compiled by the agency also reveal that tens of millions more people, while not traveling to the Gulf region, supported relief efforts in a variety of ways. But, the true transformation of a stronger and better Gulf Coast will require a sustained commitment over time. In the months ahead, volunteers will continue to play an integral role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the area.
USA Freedom Corps is a great resource to find out how you can help in the Gulf Coast region or from your own hometown. You can visit the Hurricane Relief and Recovery page here: http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/about_usafc/special/hurricane.asp#find_opp_hurricane. richard, from raleigh nc
writes: Desiree Sayle As we always say, everyone can do something. Professionals who want to volunteer their time can connect with organizations like the Medical Reserve Corps, who coordinate the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses and other health professionals. If youre a strong reader, perhaps you should consider volunteering your time as a tutor. All skill sets and interests can be matched with the right volunteer opportunity.
Thanks, Richard, for your question. Daniel, from Great Barrington, MA
writes: Desiree Sayle
For colleges and students who still want to plan a volunteer trip to the Gulf Coast, a great resource exists. A toolkit was developed to help university students, faculty and staff prepare for group trips to help rebuild the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast region. In addition to providing practical information, the toolkit is designed to help campus organizers think through important elements of the travel and work experience such as choosing the best sites and sponsoring organizations; orienting group members for the trip, including training and education; and providing opportunities for individual and group reflection. That toolkit can be found here: http://www.learnandserve.gov/pdf/lsa_urap_toolkit.pdf.
joshua, from milwaukee wisconsin writes: Desiree Sayle
And as I told George earlier, volunteers will continue to play an integral role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the Gulf Coast region in the months and years ahead. Lisa, from Wooster, Ohio
writes: Desiree Sayle
USA Freedom Corps has a website designed specifically for children and youth. If you go to www.volunteerkids.gov you can find neat ideas and volunteer service guidance. I would urge you to consider getting your childrens friends involved as well. Volunteering is always more fun when family or friends are participating as well. Sarah, from Norman, Oklahoma writes: Desiree Sayle The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for volunteers in the field. AmeriCorps members serve with more than 2,000 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based and community organizations. Since 1994, more than 400,000 men and women have provided needed assistance to millions of Americans across the nation through their AmeriCorps service. And, there are currently 2,027 Citizen Corps Councils in 56 states and territories, serving 72% of the total United States population.
Good luck with the debate team! Joel, from Superior, WI
writes: Desiree Sayle
Americans answered the call to service, but there is still a lot of work to do be done in the Gulf Coast region. When I entered "Wisconsin" into our Volunteer Network search engine and selected Hurricane Relief and Recovery from the drop down menu, several volunteer opportunities were posted. Find out how you can help meet Gulf Coast needs. Jeff, from Ely, Nevada
writes: Desiree Sayle
We have extensive web-based resources that can be found on our homepage at www.volunteer.gov, or under our Special Initiatives section. Paul, from Leesburg,Ga. writes: Desiree Sayle The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has robust guidelines on volunteer service, and I encourage you to review those at the following link: www.opm.gov/oca/compmemo/1998/CPM98-V2.asp. Thank you for your service!
Desiree Sayle In the months ahead, volunteers will continue to play an integral role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the area. I encourage Americans to visit our website, www.volunteer.gov, to find out how they too can make a difference. Thanks for your interest in volunteer service and USA Freedom Corps. I hope youll visit our website and find a volunteer opportunity for you, your family, and friends. |
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