Colin Powell wants you to help out more.

The former Secretary of State and Joint Chiefs chairman urged Americans on Friday to help out their country by volunteering, and pointed to a Web site set up by Barack Obama’s inaugural committee where they can find opportunities in their communities.

Powell said ordinary Americans could help Obama dig the country out of its economic rut by helping out in nearby schools or nursing homes.

“I think there’s a fervor for the new administration coming in, and I think the new president can tap into this fervor through this program,” Powell said at a news conference.

Powell, 71, served as Secretary of State for Republican President George W. Bush but endorsed Obama, a Democrat, shortly before the Nov. 4 election.

He said he had no interest in taking on a formal role in the Obama administration.

“I have not been offered a job and I’ve kind of made it clear that I’m not looking for a position,” he said.

Obama and his vice-president elect, Joe Biden will along with their families spend the day before the inauguration on a volunteer service project, inaugural commmittee spokeswoman Linda Douglas said.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (Powell announces a volunteer initiative in Washington on Jan. 9, 2009)