National Volunteer Week, 2025

President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 20-26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week.

The proclamation praises the vital role of volunteers in American communities, highlighting their selfless service in various sectors such as soup kitchens, schools, and hospitals.

It encourages all Americans to participate in volunteer activities and to integrate service into their daily lives.

Arguments For

  • Intended Benefits: Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of volunteers fosters a sense of community and encourages further participation in volunteer activities. The proclamation promotes civic engagement and highlights the importance of selfless service.

  • Evidence Cited: The proclamation indirectly cites the widespread existence and positive impact of volunteerism across various sectors like soup kitchens, shelters, schools, hospitals, and religious organizations.

  • Implementation Methods: The proclamation calls upon all Americans to observe National Volunteer Week by volunteering and committing to service.

  • Legal/Historical Basis: The President's authority to issue proclamations is based on the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

Arguments Against

  • Potential Impacts: The proclamation's impact is largely symbolic and may not directly lead to a measurable increase in volunteerism.

  • Implementation Challenges: Measuring the effectiveness of the proclamation in encouraging volunteerism is difficult. It relies on voluntary participation and does not include any concrete initiatives.

  • Alternative Approaches: More effective strategies to promote volunteerism might include government-funded initiatives or partnerships with non-profits to expand volunteer opportunities and provide incentives.

  • Unintended Effects: The proclamation could potentially be seen as a political gesture, diminishing its impact on civic engagement.

Presidential Actions

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, countless volunteers strengthen and enrich communities across the country through their selfless service. This National Volunteer Week, we offer our gratitude to every individual who generously volunteers their time, talent, and resources to influence and impact the lives of their neighbors, their communities, and the Nation as a whole.

Volunteerism is central to the American way of life, exemplifying the spirit that makes America great. In soup kitchens, shelters, schools, hospitals, and religious organizations across the country, volunteers encompass a spirit of kindness and compassion to help those in need. These exemplary citizens are role models for their communities and inspire us all with their commitment to selfless service.

During National Volunteer Week, we pay tribute to every American who gives their time and talents in service to our Nation. We celebrate their selfless spirit — the driving force that inspires them to uplift others and serve a purpose greater than their own. In times of need, the American people emerge stronger than ever.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 20 through April 26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

Donald J. Trump

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