EPA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (April 27 – May 3) honors Americans who serve others in their communities through volunteerism and encourages all citizens to get involved in volunteer service. This year's theme is "Volunteer to Change the World." "America has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. And now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to helping others and bringing us closer together," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "I encourage you to volunteer this week – and every week – to help make your communities and our environment a better place."

Throughout the year, EPA honors individuals who are answering the call to volunteer service, environmental education and pollution prevention with the President's Volunteer Service Award. In a recent ceremony at the White House, Administrator Johnson, along with President and Mrs. Bush, presented awards to students from across the United States who are making a difference in our environment. "Environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These outstanding students have made protecting our planet an everyday commitment, and proven that together we can create a cleaner, healthier world."

EPA's Web site, www.epa.gov, is hosting several online features to mark National Volunteer Week including a Green Scene video and podcast. In addition, the EPA home page will highlight a history of National Volunteer Week with a link to the Agency's 2007 Volunteer Report. In other volunteer events, Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Marcus Peacock, today gave remarks and joined volunteers from EPA to help beautify and clean up the Anacostia Park along the riverbanks of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Home and Garden Television (HGTV) was on site to film the activities. For information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/ or http://www.volunteer.gov/