A new initiative to mobilize 6.4 million additional volunteers over the next two years, representing a 10 percent increase in volunteerism nationwide, was launched by a national alliance of 29 corporate CEOs and civic leaders led by the Hands On Network, a network of local nonprofit organizations. The initiative will also promote the training and mobilization of 100,000 volunteer leaders—with 10,000 of those leaders focused on long-term Hurricane Katrina relief and re-building.

Co-chaired by Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO of The Home Depot and Michelle Nunn, CEO of Hands On Network, the effort will focus on increasing volunteerism in the corporate workforce and mobilizing volunteer leaders as a means to address some of the nation's most pressing community problems, and to enable companies to apply their core competencies to the complex logistics of volunteerism and community impact.

To kick off the Hands On Initiative, participating Council companies committed to contribute 500,000 volunteer hours during September's Corporate Month of Service with community service projects that will impact more than two million people, from painting schools to revitalizing neighborhood parks.  Many projects have also incorporated Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery, such as packing and distributing supplies for evacuees.

Throughout the two-year effort, each Council member company will set annual volunteerism goals, cultivate project leaders, plan local projects, marshal resources, share best practices, motivate participants and performance, and measure results.  Hands On Network will provide on-the-ground project management and a link between the companies and community organizations to achieve real community impact and change.

Specific goals of the Hands On Initiative include a project-based approach to three areas:

• Learning and Play Spaces: Transformational projects and partnerships at 1,000 underserved schools and recreation centers to enliven and enhance their physical space and nurture and teach the children they serve.

• Healthy Places: Projects that provide advocacy and accessibility for 1,000 citizens with physical disabilities, including Iraqi war veterans and citizens displaced by Hurricane Katrina, enabling them to live with dignity and independence.

• Green Spaces:  Projects to build or renovate 1,000 parks, playgrounds, green spaces and natural areas, including areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, to provide locations for communities to gather and share a common experience.