News Releases for August 2003
August 12, 2003
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Names Schelske As State Take Pride In America Coordinator
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced the appointment of Dan Schelske, Bismarck, as Take Pride state coordinator for North Dakota. Take Pride in America is a national partnership initiative aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands.
“The Take Pride in America program is a great example of how the public and private sector can work together,” Hoeven said. “The experience that Dan brings to the table will help our efforts to increase volunteer services in the clean up and preservation of public lands.”
“Our state partners are key to Take Pride in America’s goal to inspire a whole new generation of volunteers to put their patriotic enthusiasm to work in improving our national parks, wildlife refuges, public lands and other natural treasures,” U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gail Norton said.
Schelske, a native of Mandan, serves as the state trails and scenic byways coordinator for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. He has worked extensively with individual volunteers and groups in programs such as National Trails Day during his 21 years with the Department.
“Dan is just the person to spark that enthusiasm in North Dakota,” National Take Pride in America Executive Director Marti Allbright said. “By building partnerships and networks across the state, he will form a coalition to help public lands and community resources,” she noted.
Take Pride is part of President George W. Bush’s USA Freedom Corps, dedicated to fostering a culture of service to others. Take Pride works in partnership with governors, mayors, civic organizations, youth groups, and other individuals to launch volunteer conservation projects.
Take Pride already has gained tremendous momentum by enlisting more than 100 charter partners - including major corporations, conservation groups, service organizations, trade associations and a bipartisan coalition of state governors. Formal partnerships with state governments allow federal and state land managers to identify volunteer opportunities, to enlist public service commitments from citizens, and to honor outstanding volunteer efforts. Companies and corporations can help by sponsoring Take Pride in America cleanup days or by committing blocks of volunteer service time to local restoration efforts. The Interior Department launched www.TakePride.gov to outline program goals and offer ideas and suggestions for citizen, group and corporate involvement.
Take Pride sponsors a national recognition and awards program. Nominations for awards are considered for a number of categories including: Individual, Constituent Organizations and Civic Associations, Businesses/Corporations, Youth Organizations, Media, Educational Institutions, Public/Private Partnerships, and Faith-based.
Additional information about Take Pride in America activities in North Dakota are available by contacting Dan Schelske at the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, 1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 3, Bismarck, ND 58503, phone 701-328-5357.
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