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Beshear Proclaims Volunteer Week in Kentucky

Governor lauds volunteers for contributions to society

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 14, 2009) — Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed April 19-25 as Volunteer Week in the commonwealth.

“Volunteerism, community service and neighbor-helping-neighbor are cornerstones of Kentucky culture, and every day, volunteers across Kentucky serve without compensation to meet vital needs that may otherwise fall through the cracks,” Beshear said.

From teaching children to read and making neighborhoods safer, to protecting vital natural resources and building affordable housing, volunteers enrich the lives of others and contribute real value to the state’s financial and social stock.

“Because government, by itself, cannot solve all social problems, volunteers are among our greatest treasures and are vital to our future as a caring, productive society,” Beshear said. “I’m pleased to proclaim Volunteer Week as a way to acknowledge Kentucky’s long tradition of neighborliness and to honor the thousands of Kentuckians who give money, time and talent daily to make a difference all across this state.”

A 2008 study by the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center reveals that 66 percent of Kentuckians volunteer. The estimated value of an hour of volunteer service is $19.51, according to The Independent Sector, a national advocacy group for volunteers and community service groups.

The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services administers Kentucky’s AmeriCorps national service program and supports state volunteerism.

Sometimes called the domestic Peace Corps, AmeriCorps engages members in intensive community service. Currently, 270 AmeriCorps members serve with 12 AmeriCorps programs responding to unmet needs in Kentucky communities.

KCCVS also sponsors the Volunteer Recognition Program, which provides certificates and citations of achievement and appreciation signed by the governor for volunteers with nonprofit organizations.

Founded in 1997, the program continues to gain popularity. In 2008, more than 3,000 certificates and citations were issued, a 57 percent increase from 2007.

Learn more about KCCVS online at www.volunteerKY.ky.gov