Its mission is to encourage volunteerism and to recognize the contributions Americans make through service and civic participation.
In January 2002, President George W. Bush called upon all Americans to give two years or 4,000 hours of their lives to service.
The Council was created to further this goal, encouraging Americans of all ages and backgrounds to become more engaged in civic activities.
The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media.
President Bush amended the executive order in January 2007 to extend the Council through November 2008.