
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 42USC12661]

 
                 TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
 
               CHAPTER 129--NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
 
                SUBCHAPTER II--POINTS OF LIGHT FOUNDATION
 
Sec. 12661. Findings and purpose


(a) Findings

    Congress finds that--
        (1) community service and service to others is an integral part 
    of American tradition;
        (2) existing volunteers and volunteer programs should be praised 
    for their efforts in helping and serving others;
        (3) the definition of a successful life includes service to 
    others;
        (4) individuals should be encouraged to volunteer their time and 
    energies in community service efforts;
        (5) if asked to volunteer or participate in community service, 
    most Americans will do so;
        (6) institutions should be encouraged to volunteer their 
    resources and energies and should encourage volunteer and community 
    service among their members, employees, affiliates; and
        (7) volunteer and community service programs are intended to 
    complement and not replace governmental responsibilities.

(b) Purpose

    It is the purpose of this subchapter--
        (1) to encourage every American and every American institution 
    to help solve our most critical social problems by volunteering 
    their time, energies and services through community service projects 
    and initiatives;
        (2) to identify successful and promising community service 
    projects and initiatives, and to disseminate information concerning 
    such projects and initiatives to other communities in order to 
    promote their adoption nationwide; and
        (3) to discover and encourage new leaders and develop 
    individuals and institutions that serve as strong examples of a 
    commitment to serving others and to convince all Americans that a 
    successful life includes serving others.

(Pub. L. 101-610, title III, Sec. 302, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3180.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 12662, 12663, 12664 of this 
title.
