The purpose of National Volunteer Week is to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state, and national levels.

On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, For the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia.

Act! Speak! Build week is a worldwide, student-initiated week of advocacy that seeks to empower young people to educate themselves and their communities and move them to social action.