Reagan picks task force to foster volunteerism

Calling the volunteer spirit an essential part of his plan "to give the government back to the people," President Reagan announced Monday the creation of a task force on private-sector initiatives.

In a speech before the National Alliance of Business, a private group that seeks to find jobs for the unemployed in business and industry, Mr. Reagan disagreed with "cynics who dismiss the notion of Americans helping other Americans."

Saying he wanted to give as much support to volunteerism as possible without federalizing it, Reagan announced creation of a presidential task force on private-sector initiatives, to be headed by Armco Steel chairman Bill Verify. The group will find ways to promote private-sector leadership and cooperation with government.