President's Council on Service and Civic Participation
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The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation was created by U.S. President George W. Bush in January 2003 by executive order. Its mission is to encourage volunteerism and to recognize the contributions Americans make through service and civic participation.
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In January 2002, President George W. Bush called upon all Americans to give two years or 4,000 hours of their lives to service. The Council was created to further this goal, encouraging Americans of all ages and backgrounds to become more engaged in civic activities. Council members provide leadership, serving as "Ambassadors of Service" for the President's vision of fostering a culture of citizenship and volunteer service in the United States.
The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media. The current council (2006) is made up of the following individuals:
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The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award to recognize outstanding volunteers. Since 2003, more than 700,000 people have won the award.
The President's Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Established by executive order by George W. Bush, the award was established to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award can be granted to individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States. Depending on the amount of service hours completed, individuals can receive the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and/or the President's Call to Service Award. The Call to Service Award is the most prestigious, and it has been awarded to few Americans to recognize over 4,000 hours of extraordinary service including notable honorees such as S. Truett Cathy, Mark Carman, Zach Bonner. Awardees may receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion, and/or a congratulatory letter from the President depending on the award earned.
President Bush amended the executive order in January 2007 to extend the Council through November 2008.
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