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THE WHITE HOUSE <br /> <br /> WASHINGTON <br /> <br />April 4, 2002 <br /> <br />Dear Fellow Americans: <br /> <br />Americans are responding to the evil and horror of the terrorist attacks of September 11 with a renewed <br />commitment to doing good. In communities around the country people are serving others in countless <br />ways, from helping their local fire department, to volunteering with the local Red Cross, to joining a <br />neighborhood or community watch program. <br /> <br />To capture the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities, we launched the USA <br />Freedom Corps initiative earlier this year. As part of that initiative, we created Citizen Corps to help <br />coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to <br />respond to any emergency situation. <br /> <br />Our local mayors, council members, and county commissioners know best what risks their communities <br />face. They also know how best to use the talents and the time of their citizens to prevent, prepare for, and <br />respond to those risks. Because every community is different, we are asking cities and counties across the <br />country to create Citizen Corps Councils of their own design, bringing together first responders, volunteer <br />organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community-serving institutions, such as schools, hospitals, <br />and houses of worship. <br /> <br />Some Citizen Corps Councils will feature local activities that reflect new and existing national programs <br />such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams, Terrorism Information Protection <br />System, Volunteers in Police Service, and the Medical Reserve Corps. Some will include local programs <br />that involve partnerships with law enforcement agencies, hospitals, first responders, and schools. <br /> <br />What all Citizen Corps Councils will have in common is that our local leaders will be working to expand <br />opportunities for their community members to engage in volunteer service that will support emergency <br />preparation, prevention, and response. This guide offers a suggested framework for community activity <br />that will allow local government leaders to begin their own Citizen Corps Council and activities. <br /> <br />Together, we can protect our communities and make them places where responsibility and service are <br />reflected in the good we do for others. <br /> <br />Thank you for your service, <br /> <br /> <br />