Art Linkletter Speaks out on Volunteering in America!

Art Linkletter, member of the President’s Council on Service & Civic Participation talks about National Volunteerism Week and a new report just released on Volunteering in America. On Monday, April 16, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers the Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America programs, released “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings in Civic Life” report which takes an in-depth look at volunteering at the national, regional and state level. Other significant topics covered in the report include an overview of who volunteers, how much time they volunteer, what they do, and what groups they volunteer. This report also introduces the first ever state ranking on community life through the Civic Life Index, which is based on such factors as voting rates, attendance at public meetings, and the prevalence of civic associations. Among key findings, the study reveals that: * In 2006, 61.2 million volunteers dedicated 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service, as found in the 2nd annual “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings in Civic Life” Report released by The Corporation for National and Community Service. * The report finds that while the number of people volunteering decreased between 2005 and 2006, it is thought to be a result of the fact that 1 out of 3 volunteers drop out of volunteering each year. * Top 5 Volunteer States: Utah, Nebraska, Minnesota, Alaska, Kansas * Bottom 5 Volunteer States: Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Nevada * 31.2 percent of people in the nation are engaged in civic life by volunteering, working with their neighbors or attending public meetings * Americans donate almost $150 billion through volunteering time and hours annually compared to $250 billion through donations and giving More about Art Linkletter: Art Linkletter has been in show business for more than 60 years and has co-produced and acted in numerous dramatic shows and motion pictures. His best-known shows established records for longevity. In addition, Mr. Linkletter has extensive involvement in the health field where he is currently serving as National Chairman for United Seniors Association (USA) – an organization that works to expand retirement, investment, economic, and health freedoms for senior Americans and their families. Mr. Linkletter is also Chairman of the Executive Committee of the world-renowned UCLA Center on Aging, Chairman of the Board for the J. Douglas French Research Foundation for Alzheimer’s, Founding Board member of Kaiser Hospitals, and former Commissioner of the Presidential Commission for Health & Recreation. Mr. Linkletter has received numerous national honors, including the National Humanity Medal, from President George W. Bush. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=32293