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USA Freedom Corps: A President's Call to Service

President's Council on Service and Civic Participation

USA Freedom Corps
Americans of all ages serve others in countless ways, by mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or donating food and clothing to those who need them. During his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called upon every American to get involved in strengthening America's communities and sharing America's compassion around the world. He called on each of us to make a lifetime commitment of at least two years to the service of others, and he created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans to answer his call.

As a Coordinating Council housed at the White House and chaired by the President, the USA Freedom Corps is working to strengthen our culture of service and help find opportunities for every American to start volunteering. To accomplish this, they are bringing together the resources of the federal government with the non-profit, business, educational, faith-based and other sectors to begin that process and to measure our results. More information on the USA Freedom Corps, its policies and programs including President Bush's remarks and Radio addresses on service, is online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.


usafreedomcorps.gov

Through www.usafreedomcorps.gov, individuals can find ways to get involved in their communities, keep an online record of volunteer activities, find spotlights on individuals, organizations that are making a difference, or find awards or scholarships that support community involvement. Businesses can find resources to help them reach out to their employees and customers to stimulate involvement in community activities. Community organizations can use the web site to reach out to potential volunteers. And educators can find resources for incorporating service in their classroom and afterschool activities.
USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network

The USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network is the most comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities ever offered. For the first time in history, Americans can enter geographic information about where they want to get involved, such as state or zip code, and areas of interest ranging from education to the environment, to access volunteer opportunities offered by more than 50,000 organizations across the country and around the world. This search function and a variety of resources are online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
During his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called upon every American to get involved in strengthening America's communities and sharing America's compassion around the world. He called on each of us to commit at least two years of our lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—to the service of others. He included all Americans because everyone can do something, and he created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans to answer his call. President George W. Bush talks with students at the South End Community Center in Bridgeport, Conn., Tuesday, April, 9, 2002. Americorps volunteers come to the community center to mentor students. "We need to encourage programs to expand, to give people an outlet, a chance to participate," said the President during his remarks at the city's Klein Auditorium where he oulined how people could join the ranks of thousands who are already serving in one America's Freedom Corps groups. President George W. Bush works on a Habitat For Humanity house in Tampa, Fl., Tuesday, June 5, 2002. President George W. Bush talks with local police, fire, health and government officials during a roundtable meeting at the Center for Community Safety at Winston-Salem State University, Wednesday, Jan 30, 2002. President George W. Bush and Laura Bush help volunteers pack food during their visit to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Dec. 19. "More Americans need to volunteer. There are ways to do so. The USAFreedomCorps.gov on the web page is the place to look," said the President in his remarks. "You can call 1-877-USA-CORPS and find out ways that you can help. If you are interested in being a part of feeding those who hunger, this is a great place to come to."
President George W. Bush celebrates the 6-month anniversary of USA Freedom Corps by unveiling a new public service announcement in the East Room July 30. "The USA Freedom Corps is matching potential volunteers with local charities," said the President. "We're promoting service to prepare for crises at home, to strengthen our communities, to help people in need, and to extend American compassion throughout the world." President George W. Bush meets with youth volunteers on the South Lawn of the White House. After helping build a house for Habitat for Humanity, President Bush meets some of his Waco neighbors. President George W. Bush takes a working tour of The Adirondack Park near Wilmington, NY, Monday, April 22. "We had a great time in the Park, and I want to thank you all very much for giving me the opportunity to hammer and stack, place gravel -- (laughter) -- in a beautiful part of the world. This is quite a sight for a fellow from Texas," said the President in his remarks about Earth Day at Whiteface Mountain Lodge. "We have a duty in our country to make sure our land is preserved, our air is clean, our water is pure, our parks are accessible and open and well- preserved." President Bush and Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Martinez, right, talk with new friends during a break from their house-building efforts at the Waco, Texas, location of Habitat for Humanity's "World Leaders Build" construction drive August 8, 2001.