Celebrating National Volunteer Week

April 17, 2012

Communities Draw Closer through Service

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week here in the United States, I want to send a message of appreciation to all of the wonderful, caring, dedicated volunteers who have participated in our programs across the globe in this past year.

Whether you were one of the thousands who joined us for the Martin Luther King Day of Service or one of the hundreds who traveled to an impoverished nation to assist a community in addressing its development priorities, I want you to know that all of us at Service For Peace sincerely appreciate your contributions and we hope you will always feel that you are a part of Service For Peace. 

When President Obama officially proclaimed that April 15-21 will be National Volunteer Week 2012, he stated that, “With every hour and every act, our lives are made richer, our communities are drawn closer, and our country is forged stronger by the dedication and generous spirit of volunteers.” In Service For Peace, we strongly echo and endorse that sentiment. Our organization is founded on the idea that the act of serving together for the sake of others builds understanding between people and strengthens a sense of community and of civic responsibility. It can also actually be a lot of fun! This week, in communities throughout the world, SFP will be promoting volunteerism within the context of community driven development. When volunteers see how their efforts contribute to a sustainable, long term approach to positive change, we believe they are far more likely to continue to volunteer throughout their lives.

Dr. Charles Phillips, International President, Service For Peace

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In honor of National Volunteer Week, I would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their work with and outside of Service For Peace. Whether you joined a Global PeaceMakers, volunteered at MLK Day of Service, are involved in an SFP campus club, spent your Alternative Break with us, or beyond--you have left an irreversible mark on the community you served. The experience has undoubtedly left a footprint in your life. Our truest pleasure is watching our understanding of "community" expand with every volunteer that picks up a shovel, learns words in a new language, lends a hand, or heals the heart of some one else. On behalf of Service For Peace, thank you for your years of service, thank you for walking through our doors, thank you for your friendship and wisdom, and thank you for your contribution you have made to making your global community a better place.

Janna Gullery, International Program Director,  Service For Peace

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“Some of the most inspiring people I have met are those that follow their hearts and commit themselves to changing the lives of others. This spirit exists in those folks that volunteer. A big thank you to all the volunteers!”

Phillip Mlanda, IT & Social Media Director, Service For Peace

 

“Thank you volunteers for being the hope, light, and change! Your service makes an impact everyday in not only the communities you serve, but also positively influence others to do the same.”

Harold Alexander Silva, Executive Director for Latin America and the Caribbean 

 

“Volunteerism doesn't need resources. It just needs the spirit, something that our Volunteers have in aburndace to overflowing levels! Thanks so much for that spirit. Together we can change the world for better!”

Eric Mogaka, Deputy Director, Service For Peace-Kenya

 

Volunteerism is the act of selflessly giving your life to something you believe free of pay. Thank you, to all of the volunteers who have added an intrinsic value to our projects and to the communities we work in and serve! There is no us without you.

Elaine Hurt, Country Director, Service For Peace-Kenya