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By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Virginia Volunteer Week

WHEREAS, throughout Virginia’s history, citizens have actively volunteered their time, talent, and energy to improve our communities and make our Commonwealth a beacon of service and a better place to live, work, and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, countless Virginians enhance the quality of life of others by volunteering with service organizations, in schools, places of worship, hospitals, youth groups, and with other organizations that benefit and uplift our communities; and

WHEREAS, volunteer service is essential to address the needs of Virginians, and the spirit of volunteerism grows stronger in the face of even the most challenging situations; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI), part of the State Service Plan, reveals that 42% of engaged Virginians contribute to their communities due to their skills, experience, spirituality, personal experiences of being helped, or the fulfillment they derive from helping others; and

WHEREAS, Virginians rank health and wellbeing, education, housing, public safety, and economic security as the top five priorities in their communities, with many volunteering with youth or educational organizations, food pantries, houses of worship, and health organizations; and

WHEREAS, National Volunteer Week, enacted in 1974 by President Nixon, celebrates a fifty-year legacy this year of designating a special time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to volunteer during this week and year-round as a reminder that giving back to the community fosters love and service to others, therefore strengthening the Spirit of Virginia; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 20-26, 2025, as VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.