Sean Astin was appointed to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation at its inception. President George W. Bush announced the creation of the council in January 2003.
The mission of the council is to:
Promote a Culture of Volunteerism and Civic Service in America
Through the Council, the President seeks to recognize and encourage outstanding volunteer service and civic participation by individuals, schools, and organizations and thereby encourage more such activity, especially on the part of America's youth.