Governor Announces Cabinet-Level Office for Volunteerism

It may not comes as a news flash for some--as it was reported in a few outlets yesterday--but I was excited to hear about this announcement and the fact that it was done here in town at Cal State Northridge. The Governor's line "help me create a California of the heart" reminded me of the writings of Bill Shore and his volunteer manifesto, Revolution of the Heart.

LA Times coverage by Amanda Covarrubias

Speaking in a crowded hall at Cal State Northridge, he said he hoped the change would inspire other states to establish similar offices around the country. He gave his wife, Maria Shriver, credit for pushing the idea to give the commission, called California Volunteers, greater prominence and responsibility. Shriver is honorary chairwoman of California Volunteers. "We should have volunteers in every California county," Schwarzenegger said. "We need to harness the great energy that we have out there, all those volunteers who give their time and resources.

SF Chronicle coverage by Demian Bulwa

Schwarzenegger created a secretary of service and volunteering during a combination news conference and pep rally at Cal State Northridge, where a brass band played and volunteers held signs reading, "We serve."

The position will be filled by Karen Baker, 46, of Sacramento, who will continue to direct the state's California Volunteers program as she has since 2005. ... "I want to move civic engagement to the highest level of our state government, where it belongs," Schwarzenegger said.

Sacramento Bee coverage by Andy Furillo

"By elevating the state's volunteer profile, we will make it easier for people to go and get involved with this whole thing," Schwarzenegger told a raucous crowd at California State University, Northridge.