Americans are responding to the evil and horror of the terrorist attacks of September 11 with a renewed commitment to doing good. In communities around the country people are serving others in countless ways, from helping their local fire department, to volunteering with the local Red Cross, to joining a neighborhood or community watch program.

To capture the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities, we launched the USA Freedom Corps initiative earlier this year. As part of that initiative, we created Citizen Corps to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation.

Our local mayors, council members, and county commissioners know best what risks their communities face. They also know how best to use the talents and the time of their citizens to prevent, prepare for, and respond to those risks. Because every community is different, we are asking cities and counties across the country to create Citizen Corps Councils of their own design, bringing together first responders, volunteer organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community-serving institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.

Some Citizen Corps Councils will feature local activities that reflect new and existing national programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams, Volunteers in Police Service, and the Medical Reserve Corps. Some will include local programs that involve partnerships with law enforcement agencies, hospitals, first responders, and schools.

What all Citizen Corps Councils will have in common is that our local leaders will be working to expand opportunities for their community members to engage in volunteer service that will support emergency preparation, prevention, and response. This guide offers a suggested framework for community activity that will allow local government leaders to begin their own Citizen Corps Council and activities.

Together, we can protect our communities and make them places where responsibility and service are reflected in the good we do for others.

Thank you for your service,

George W. Bush