As our nation ushered in a new era on January 20, Serve Rhode Island and the Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island have launched an ambitious endeavor to recruit 20,000 new volunteers. Call To Service 2009 challenges Rhode Islanders to make a significant commitment to serve their communities through volunteerism.

The Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island will be recruiting people to become members of the Serve Rhode Island Volunteer Corps, asking them to pledge two volunteer hours each month in 2009. This will provide a critical resource for the hundreds of non-profit organizations that are struggling under the load of increased demand for their services while coping with budget cuts and decreased funding.

According to the Volunteering in America 2008 report, Rhode Island ranks 41st in the nation for overall volunteer rate. "This is simply not acceptable," said Volunteer Center director Janice Pothier Pac, "We are making it easier than ever to volunteer, and we know Rhode Islanders will step up and accept the challenge."

To join the Serve Rhode Island Volunteer Corps, simply register here on our site and check off the box that asks you to pledge. Already registered? You can log into your own account and check off the box as well.

Stand up and be counted! Join us today and make a difference in Rhode Island.