National Volunteer Week 2009, commemorated April 19-26, was an amazing week that truly demonstrated the meaning behind the theme of this signature week: Celebrating People in Action. Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Action Centers across the country held events and activities to honor dedicated volunteers and bring national attention to civic engagement.

The day after President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, Points of Light Institute celebrated National Volunteer Week with two momentous events: The Extra Mile Induction Ceremony and the National Volunteer Week Reception. Points of Light inducted eight "service greats" into the Extra Mile Volunteer Pathway. Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics, keynoted the ceremony, helping attendees see this special monument and these change agents as examples that beckon us to believe that anything is possible.

Later that evening, more than 300 national leaders, members of Congress and corporate, civic and community leaders who paid tribute to Senators Kennedy and Hatch at the National Volunteer Week Reception. Grammy Award-winning artist Usher Raymond IV, a strong supporter of service and volunteerism for youth, also attended the reception, which was sponsored by Chevron, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, GE, The Home Depot, SAP, Textron, Inc. Service projects occurred at our HandsOn affiliates across the country this week as well, including a 5,000 person Hands On New York Day (sponsored by HSBC) to restore green spaces and parks. With this new bi-partisan legislation inspiring a nation of people with a renewed call to service, we are excited to work together to fulfill the promise and hope of the historical 2009 National Volunteer Week!