I applaud you all for being such incredible role models for us to follow. Just think of all the children who have been saved from the perils of drug abuse a plague that continues to haunt our Nation because they attended a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program designed to teach drug and alcohol avoidance techniques taught by a Federal employee. And these are only two of the countless stories of citizen service that extend from the Federal community to neighborhoods across our Nation. Every day, Federal employees apply their varied skills to the unique needs and problems of their local communities. They refurbish homes, reclaim polluted rivers, and rehabilitate peoples' lives.
Federal employees are mentors, tutors, and envelope stuffers.
Volunteers from Federal agencies provide transportation to the sick and elderly, put out fires, teach computer skills, and save lives. President Clinton and Vice President Gore know how important it is to foster this spirit of volunteerism. Just last year, the President called on all Federal agencies to explore every possible avenue to expand community service opportunities for Federal employees. The President and Vice President asked OPM to coordinate these efforts in the Federal Government. So, last April, I issued guidance to all agencies, to help them promote the volunteer activities of our Nation s Federal employees.