Governor David A. Paterson today encouraged all New Yorkers to explore volunteer service opportunities with a community-based organization to help meet critical local needs. Increasing New Yorkers’ participation in community service and volunteerism is an integral part of Governor Paterson’s statewide and national agenda.

Because of their shared interest in this issue, Governor Paterson appointed First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson to serve as Honorary Chair of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service. In this role, First Lady Paterson will lead the Commission in its efforts to engage every New Yorker across the State in volunteerism and community service. Former First Ladies Silda Wall Spitzer and Libby Pataki served as the Commission’s Chair and Honorary Chair, respectively, during their husbands’ administrations.

Established in 1993, the NYS Commission is a Governor-appointed statewide organization working to develop, support and promote civic responsibility by creating high quality opportunities for New York citizens to serve and volunteer in their communities. Located within the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the Commission also provides funding for AmeriCorps programs that support community-based and faith-based organizations, local governments and educational institutions by providing results-driven service to address community identified needs.

“Volunteerism and community service are the foundations of our communities and improve the lives of every New Yorker. All of us – no matter our age or background – have something to contribute to the well-being of our neighbors and our State,” said Governor Paterson. “I want to commend the Commission for its continued efforts to promote civic responsibility and volunteerism opportunities throughout the State.”

“Both Michelle and I share a commitment to encourage our fellow New Yorkers to help one another in good times and in bad. I know that in her role as Honorary Chair Michelle will work hard to ensure that volunteer opportunities are readily available to all New Yorkers.”

The First Lady has a long-standing commitment to public and community service, including assisting victims of domestic violence. She spent three years as an on-call volunteer at the St Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital where she counseled injured domestic violence victims in the emergency room about the services provided by hospitals and the State government. Currently, First Lady Paterson is working with organizations and schools to help raise community awareness of childhood obesity and its consequences.

First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson said: “I want to thank Governor Paterson for the opportunity to facilitate New York’s involvement in volunteer and community service programs. I am deeply passionate about finding ways for all of us to help one another and look forward to working with the Commission to continue to educate New Yorkers about opportunities to engage in meaningful service.”

Mark Walter, Executive Director of the Commission said: “Many people recognize unmet needs in their communities and want to get involved to help meet those needs but don’t know how or where to participate. The biggest challenge for people is they don’t know the process to volunteer or they simply aren’t asked. By working with local and regional volunteer programs, the Commission plans to make service opportunities more visible and accessible to all New Yorkers. We are thrilled that the First Lady has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair and we look forward to working with her to continue to make a difference in this state.”

In addition to Honorary Chair Michelle Paige Paterson, Theresa Bischoff, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, serves as Vice Chair and Gay Molnar, Director of Development for the Aquarium of Niagara, serves as Secretary. The Commission Board also includes a bipartisan mix of members from the State Senate and Assembly, the private and public sectors, and individuals representative of core philanthropic initiatives that have experience mobilizing volunteer resources. This Governor and First Lady are currently in the process of appointing additional Commission members.

In the 2007-2008 program year alone, 245 participating NYS AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve programs received grants totaling more than $66.5 million in federal funds from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Corporation for National & Community Service is an independent federal agency. It is the nation’s largest provider of grants supporting service and volunteerism, as well as a provider of training and technical assistance to volunteer organizations. It was established in 1993 when President Clinton signed into law the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 as a way to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. It was introduced to New York State under Governor Mario Cuomo. The Corporation’s three major programs are AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn & Serve America, which serve the 1.5 million individuals who volunteer each year.