What They’re Saying… About The Governor’s First-In-The-Nation Action To Create A Cabinet Position For Service And Volunteering

What They're Saying...
About The Governor's First-In-The-Nation Action To Create
A Cabinet Position For Service And Volunteering

Community Organizations:
Volunteer San Diego Executive Director Sue Carter - We're "Excited And Encouraged By The Executive Order Creating A Cabinet-Level Position For Volunteering": "As a hub of CaliforniaVolunteers, Volunteer San Diego is excited and encouraged by the Executive Order creating a Cabinet-level position for volunteering. From the thousands of volunteers mobilized in the fires to those that respond to critical needs all year round, volunteers are a vital force to change our community for the better. We look forward to continued partnership with the state to increase and enhance volunteerism." (Volunteer San Diego, Press Release, 2/26/08)

American Red Cross Bay Area CEO Harold Brooks - We Applaud "The State's Efforts To Encourage The People Of California To Give Back": "The American Red Cross Bay Area applauds the state's efforts to encourage the people of California to give back to their communities through voluntary service, together strengthening our communities through citizen involvement. We look forward to partnering with the new office in our ongoing efforts to help our community prepare for and respond to disaster." (American Red Cross Bay Area, "American Red Cross Bay Area Applauds State's Elevated Focus On Volunteerism," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Meet Each Need With Dignity (MEND) Executive Director Marianne Haver Hill - Action Will Increase "Collaboration And Participation Among Our Agencies For The Betterment Of Our Communities": "What good news it was to find out about Governor's Schwarzenegger's Executive Order to establish a cabinet-level Secretary of Service and Volunteering! Certainly, those of us in the non-profit community are eager to participate in the new plans for this office that will facilitate increased collaboration and participation among our agencies for the betterment of our communities and the State of California!...I want to commend and thank the Governor and First Lady for their efforts on behalf of the social sector in California." (MEND, Letter, 2/26/08)

Volunteer Florida CEO Wendy Spender - "I Think It's A Brilliant Move, We'll All Be Watching With Interest": "I think it's a brilliant move. California is going to be in a great position to benefit. We'll all be watching with interest." (Amanda Ripley, "Schwarzenegger's Radical Volunteering," Time, 2/26/08)

Orangewood Children's Foundation CEO Cal Winslow - "We Wholeheartedly Support This Move By The Governor": "We wholeheartedly support this move by the Governor. Volunteers are at the heart of our work with abused and neglected children. Human capital is as important to our success as financial gifts. Our volunteers touch the lives of countless foster care youth we serve while also inspiring our staff and Board of Directors." (Orangewood Children's Foundation, "Orangewood Aims to Increase Mentors Through Governor's Actions," Press Release, 2/26/08)

The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, President And CEO De De Hicks - "Bravo to the Governor!": "The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, applauds the efforts of the Governor in signing an Executive Order to establish a cabinet-level service and volunteering position and office to further promote volunteerism in California. The support of state government will serve to highlight and validate the need for volunteers and encourage those, who have been hesitant, to get out and help others in their own community...Bravo to the Governor!" (The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, Press Release, 2/26/08)

Girl Scouts Golden Valley Council CEO Connie Batti - We're "Encouraged By Governor Schwarzenegger's Commitment To Strengthen California's Volunteer Force": "Our goal is to create a culture of volunteerism to increase participation. That is why we are so encouraged by Governor Schwarzenegger's commitment to strengthen California's volunteer force." (Girl Scouts Golden Valley Council, "Volunteers get a seat at the table," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Unity Shoppe - We "Support Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order": "Unity Shoppe supports Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order establishing a Secretary of Service and Volunteering position for the state of California. America was founded on the premise of helping others and assisting the less fortunate. The number of charities has grown throughout the years and it is time to study and formalize the process of matching volunteer resources with agencies that can do the best job." (Unity Shoppe, "Unity Shoppe Supports Governor Schwarzenegger's Establishment of Secretary of Service and Volunteering," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Elected Officials:
Fresno City Councilmember Henry T. Perea - "This New Position Is A Fantastic Way To Offer A Support System To Everyone In California Who Wants To Become Involved": "I'm completely behind the Governors decision to make this a priority. Volunteers and other community based efforts are a backbone of American society and I applaud and encourage all those citizens who give their free time to help others. This new position is a fantastic way to offer a support system to everyone in California who wants to become involved." (Office of Councilmember Henry T. Perea, "Perea Encourages Fresno to Volunteer," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis P. Zine - Action From The Governor "Is Both Fiscally Prudent And Makes Good Common Sense": "As a public servant and an active volunteer, we depend on civic-minded people to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities. In this time of fiscal austerity, I applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for mobilizing volunteer recruitment efforts. It is both fiscally prudent and makes good common sense." (Office of Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, "Councilman Zine Applauds Governor Schwarzenegger's Effort To Promote Volunteerism," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Sanger Mayor Michael Montelongo - The "Governor's Actions Will Help Increase Volunteer Commitment Throughout The State": "Governor Schwarzenegger's actions will help increase volunteer commitment throughout the state. Volunteerism is an important aspect in every community." (Office of Mayor Michael Montelongo, "Mayor Montelongo Supports The Governor's Actions To Elevate Volunteerism In California," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Visalia Mayor Jesus Gamboa - "The Need Is Great, And Cities Can't Do It Alone": "We're only as good as the people around us, and that includes volunteers. Visalia has a strong history of using volunteers on various committees, planning groups, etc. The need is great, and cities can't do it alone. It takes everyone working together." (Office of Mayor Jesus Gamboa, "Volunteer Opportunities Abound In Visalia," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Clovis City Councilmember Nathan Magsig - "I Applaud The Governor For Recognizing The Importance Of Volunteers In The State Of California": "I applaud the Governor for recognizing the importance of volunteers in the state of California. All Californians should support the Governor in his efforts to utilize volunteers in activities from everyday situations to disaster relief...I fully support all efforts that will engage California citizens to work together to keep this state the great place that we all know it is." (Office of Councilmember Nathan Magsig, "Clovis Councilman Nathan Magsig Comments on the Governor's New Service and Volunteer Position," Press Release, 2/26/08)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich - Governor's Action "Enhances Our Effort To Develop A Dynamic Volunteer Force": "Volunteers are a vital resource for our State and our local communities. Their dedication and hard work improves the delivery of services and saves taxpayers million of dollars every year. Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to create a cabinet-level Secretary position for Service and Volunteering enhances our effort to develop a dynamic volunteer force in helping the state and our counties meet the needs of Californians." (Office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, "Antonovich Applauds Governor's Volunteerism Initiative," Press Release, 2/26/08)