Published on April 23, 2025
This presidential proclamation designates April 20-26, 2025, as National Volunteer Week, celebrating American volunteerism and calling on citizens to engage in service projects. The proclamation emphasizes volunteerism as central to American identity and praises individuals who contribute their time and resources to various community organizations.
While appearing to celebrate volunteerism, this proclamation could be interpreted as a strategic move to shift responsibility for social services from government to private citizens, potentially justifying future cuts to public programs. The emphasis on religious organizations and "American way of life" rhetoric suggests a possible agenda to promote specific ideological views while positioning voluntary service as a replacement for structured governmental support systems.
Though the proclamation's surface-level celebration of volunteerism is commendable, its timing and language warrant careful consideration of how it might be used to reshape public policy and social service delivery. The public should remain aware of how such ceremonial proclamations can serve as groundwork for larger policy shifts regarding the role of government in providing social services.
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 thistwenty-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