Gov. Rounds Proclaims Community Service Period

Press Release

Gov. Rounds Proclaims Community Service Period

June 22 - Sept. 11, 2009

Gov. Mike Rounds has declared June 22, 2009, through Sept. 11, 2009, as a period when South Dakotans should attempt to increase their community service efforts.

The proclamation comes at the invitation of President Obama, who has announced a national service initiative called "United We Stand." The initiative is aimed at aiding efforts to help the nation recover from a challenging economic time.

"South Dakota was built on dedicated community service, and community service continues to be a strong part of the fabric and fiber of South Dakotans," the Governor said.

During his term in office, Gov. Rounds has promoted a commitment to community service in state government by encouraging state employees to give back to their communities. In response, South Dakota state employees have contributed hundreds of thousand of dollars, food, and clothing to charities throughout the state in recent years.

The Governor encourages South Dakotans to continue their current community support, but also to look for new opportunities to give in this difficult economic period.

"South Dakotans are very generous by nature, but the tough economic times have stressed families and communities in new ways ‑‑ making community service even more important," Gov. Rounds said.

United We Serve will conclude on Sept. 11, 2009, with a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Communities seeking more information about the initiative or wishing to register their projects may visit http://www.serve.gov/

Executive Proclamation
State of South Dakota
Office of the Governor

Whereas, The state of South Dakota was built through the generosity and giving of so many during our earliest days; and,

Whereas, Community service remains a strong part of the fabric of South Dakotans; and,

Whereas, Lifelong participation in community service contributes to the development of our citizens; and,

Whereas, Community service is an important part of the safety net for those experiencing a need; and,

Whereas, The nation is facing an economic crisis which also has impacted South Dakota; and,

Whereas, We all can help our nation recover from these challenging times by giving back to our communities in a meaningful way; and,

Now, Therefore, I, M. Michael Rounds, Governor of the state of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim June 22, 2009, through September 11, 2009, as a period of time when all South Dakotans should:

GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY

Source