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Governor Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 15-21 as Volunteer Week in California

Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed April 15-21, 2007 as "Volunteer Week" in California, CaliforniaVolunteers announced today.

"During National Volunteer Week, California is proud to celebrate the individuals who give their time and talents to improve their communities," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Whether mentoring a child, cleaning up a beach or helping in numerous other capacities, volunteers strengthen our state and nation through their dedicated efforts."

National Volunteer Week was designated in 1974 to call attention to the tremendous contribution of volunteers. This year's theme, "Inspire By Example" reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help and also inspire those around them to serve.

Last fall, Maria Shriver and CaliforniaVolunteers launched a new innovative statewide Web portal, CaliforniaVolunteers.org, to connect Californians with volunteer opportunities in their communities.

"I'm so excited that through CaliforniaVolunteers.org, people can visit this Web site, find a volunteer opportunity that interests them and sign up to serve," said Maria Shriver, Honorary Chair of CaliforniaVolunteers. "It's so important for Californians to serve and strengthen our great state by connecting with their families, their neighbors and their communities."

"I extend my deepest gratitude to every Californian who invested in their communities through volunteering," remarked Karen Baker, executive director of CaliforniaVolunteers. "Through their service, they improved the lives of those around them, while enriching their own."

CaliforniaVolunteers manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering. Today, there are over 25,000 volunteer opportunities available on CaliforniaVolunteers.org involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest.

To view the full text of the proclamation, visit http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/proclamation/5950/