President Ronald Reagan announced the launch of the Take Pride in America program, conceived by Secretary of the Interior, Don Hodel, during his 1986 State of the Union address. He called on all Americans to share in the responsibility of protecting our public lands by providing their skills, resources and volunteer labor. The Take Pride in America Volunteer Recognition Act of 1989, 16USC, formally established the program, as well an awards program to recognize these efforts. The national program ran successfully from 1989 to 1993.

The public awareness campaign (in collaboration with The Advertising Council) involved celebrity spokespersons such as Linda Evans, Lou Gossett, Jr., Clint Eastwood, and Charles Bronson in television, radio, and print advertisements. Before the program ceased, it had grown into a partnership with Interior offices and bureaus, 13 other federal agencies, 50 states and numerous private sector organizations. Between 1989-1992, the Take Pride in America program was credited with generating more than 12 million hours which translated into a savings of more than $140 million to local, state, and federal governments.

Each year dozens of the most beneficial and significant projects were recognized in the national awards ceremonies held in Washington, D.C.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership that aims to seek, support, and recognize volunteers who work to improve our public parks, forests, grasslands and wildlife refuges, as well as our cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds and other recreation areas. Part of the President’s USA Freedom Corps call to service, Take Pride is an excellent opportunity for citizens and communities to demonstrate local pride, initiative, and stewardship. The program, established by the U.S. Department of the Interior, also can energize national and local resource and recreation needs. With more than 100 partners, Take Pride engages federal, state and local governments, conservation and recreation organizers, young people, and top national corporations and organizations.

Together, we can protect and enhance the special legacy all Americans share – nearly 800 million acres of public lands.

With one in every three acres the “property” of the American people, a vast majority of Americans enjoying the great outdoors, and many Americans already volunteering, the numbers add up – It’s Your Land, Lend a Hand.

Take Pride in America calls on all Americans to be stewards of our land. We encourage volunteers from every corner of America to keep our nation beautiful whether it is at a national forest out west, at a community beach on the Gulf of Mexico or on the sidewalk in front of an urban home.

Hats Off to Our Volunteers

Believing that credit should be given where credit is due, Take Pride in America sponsors a national recognition and awards program. National awards recognize outstanding stewardship for group and individual volunteer efforts. These awards are presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC in the fall on the basis of nominations made and submitted to Take Pride. Take Pride also recognizes persons who have made extraordinary personal commitments to volunteering. In addition to awards available in cooperation with USA Freedom Corps, Take Pride presents awards for significant long-term volunteer commitments. For example, volunteers who have amassed 3,000 hours of volunteer service are presented The Secretarial Award.

Our Partners Make it Possible

More than 100 Charter Partners – including major corporations, conservation groups, youth and service organizations, and trade associations – have signed on to help Take Pride in America. Take Pride also provides participation opportunities at the state and local level. A bipartisan Council of Governors, chaired by Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, includes governors whose states have officially joined the program. Take Pride in America Cities are small and large towns alike whose mayors have committed to, among other things, host or sponsor at least two volunteer events per year. Whether they sponsor a cleanup day, brand a product with the Take Pride logo or publish an article on volunteerism in a newsletter – our partners make Take Pride a successful reality.

Volunteering is Fun and Healthy

Volunteering with Take Pride may also help your health. Cleaning riverbanks and building a local playground results in a “win-win” situation – you get active and America gets just that much better.

Working with USA Freedom Corps

During the 2002 State of the Union, President George W. Bush announced the creation of USA Freedom Corps. Through this initiative the President wants to encourage every American to get involved in strengthening America’s communities and sharing America’s compassion around the world. Working with USA Freedom Corp, Take Pride in America offers individuals across the country more and better ways to participate in volunteer projects that will make a difference for our public lands.