Encouraging Volunteerism

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
   

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 293, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.
   

I would like to thank my colleague from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) for introducing this legislation and bringing it to the floor here today.
   

As we have heard, National Volunteer Week has been celebrated since 1974, when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing this annual celebration of volunteerism.
   

As we now celebrate another National Volunteer Week, we are reminded that community service takes place through efforts both large and small throughout our great country. This year's Volunteer Week theme is Inspire by Example, and countless individuals of all backgrounds and ages inspire others every day through their efforts to address the common concerns of our neighborhoods, communities, Nation, and world. And I know personally that it was the example of my parents, Babs and Dutch Platts, volunteering in our community as a Sunday school teacher, a Little League coach, running the school candy sales; their example of volunteerism for me and my four siblings helped to inspire my interest in public service and pursuit of this very position I now hold.
   

Our country has seen the inspiring example of our citizens' willingness to serve others in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and rebuilding efforts along the gulf coast, and in response to countless other tragedies, large and small, that touch lives every day.
   

Community service isn't just about responding to disaster. It is also about lifting a hand to help a neighbor, teaching a child to read, restoring a neglected park, and numerous other acts of good will that reaffirm our common humanity. As cochair of the National Service Caucus here in the House with Representatives Chris Shays, Doris Matsui and David Price, I am particularly interested in seeing the spirit of volunteerism celebrated and extended to as many Americans as possible.
   

As this resolution says, more than a quarter of this country's population volunteered in some capacity from September of 2005 to September of 2006 at an estimated value or benefit to our country of $280 billion. I certainly hope these numbers continue to grow.
   

I also want to express my thanks to the thousands of organizations and their leaders across the country that capture the spirit of our volunteers and bring that spirit to bear in a concentrated way to relieve suffering, provide opportunities to the needy, to clean up our communities, and bring hope to millions. These organizations and the public and private partners that support them provide needed infrastructure to support the energy of our community service providers.
   

As this resolution states, National Volunteer Week will continue to raise awareness of the role that volunteers play in local, national and international communities, and their commitment to improving lives, strengthening communities and fostering civic engagement.
   

Again, I thank my colleague, Ms. Shea-Porter, and urge my colleagues to support National Volunteer Week and to support House Resolution 293.
   

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.