Mayor and County 2016 Proclamation

WHEREAS, service to others is a hallmark of American character, and central to how we meet our challenges; and,

WHEREAS, the nation's counties and cities increasingly turn to national sen1ice and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs; and,

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps , Senior Corps, and the Social Innovation Fund address the most pressing challenges facing Illinois and the nation, from educating students for jobs of the 2 1st century and supporting veterans and military families, to pre serving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters; and,

WHEREAS, national service in Illinois expands economic opportunity by creating sustainable, resilient communities. and providing education, career skills, and leadership abilities for those who serve; and,

WHEREAS, national service participants serve in more than 70,000 locations across the country, including 2,200 in Illinois, bolstering the civic, neighborhood , and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our economic and social well-being; and,

WHEREAS, more than 14,000 national service participants of all ages and backgrounds serve in Illinois, pro viding vital support to residents and recruiting many additional volunteers. increasing the impact of the organizations they serve, to improve the quality of life in our state; and,

WHEREAS, national service represents a unique public -private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages nonfederal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars including more than $38 million in Illinois; and,

WHEREAS, AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to sen1ice, a commitment that remains with them in their future endeavors; and,

WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service and The Serve Illinois Commission share a priority with mayors nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives, and strengthen communities; and is joining with the National League of Cities, City of Service, and mayors and county officials across the country to recognize the impact (l service on the Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service on April 5, 2016;

THEREFORE, I. Bruce Rauner. Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 5, 2016, as MAYOR AND COUNTY RECOGNITION DAY FOR NATIONAL SERVICE, and encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our State; thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their communities.

• Learn more about Mayor and County Recognition Day
• View the original proclamation [PDF, 131KB]
• Read other proclamations