For Immediate Release
May 14, 2007
Contact: Sandy Scott
202-606-6724
sscott@cns.gov
U.S. House Passes Resolution Saluting AmeriCorps
and Marking First-Ever AmeriCorps Week
(Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. House of Representatives today expressed its strong appreciation for AmeriCorps and its important contribution to our nation by overwhelmingly passing a resolution recognizing May 13-20 as National AmeriCorps Week.
House Resolution 385, which passed this evening by a 346-21 vote, “acknowledges the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps members, alumni and community partners; recognizes the important contribution to the lives of our citizens by AmeriCorps members; and encourages citizens of all ages to participate in service opportunities in their communities, including in AmeriCorps programs.” (Full text below)
The bipartisan resolution was introduced on May 9 by Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) with original cosponsors Doris Matsui (D-CA), Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Todd Platts (R-PA), and David Price (D-NC). The U.S. Senate is expected to take up a similar resolution tomorrow, and 19 Governors have signed or will sign AmeriCorps Week proclamations.
On the House floor, several speakers noted AmeriCorps growth and impact, citing the fact that AmeriCorps half-million members have contributed more than 630 million hours of service since the programs inception in 1994.
“AmeriCorps members live each day with the understanding that when we act as one for progress, we prosper together. Yet, all too often, these life-changing individuals and community building programs go unrecognized. So, I am proud to ask my colleagues to join me for the next seven days in honoring all AmeriCorps members and alumni, to say thank you for all that they have done and continue to do, and to encourage more people to get involved,” said resolution author Congressman John Yarmuth (D-KY).
National Service Congressional Caucus Co-Chair Doris Matsui (D-CA) stated that, “AmeriCorps members are a vital part of our communities. With very little funding, they leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work, whether in a classroom, in a National Park or rebuilding houses in the Gulf Coast. ”
In his floor remarks, Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), noted that AmeriCorps works closely with its community partners and thanked AmeriCorps partners that “capture the spirit of service and bring that spirit to bear in a concentrated way to relieve suffering provide opportunities to the needy, clean up our communities, and bring hope to millions.”
The first-ever AmeriCorps Week kicked off yesterday, and more than 200 events are planned including service projects, recruitment fairs, school presentations, alumni gatherings, AmeriCorps-for-a-Day events with elected officials, and awards ceremonies. These events are listed on the AmeriCorps Week website at www.americorps.gov, along with news, stories, and information about how to join AmeriCorps.
Since its creation in 1994, AmeriCorps members have provided more than 637 million hours of service. Using Independent Sector’s estimate of the dollar value of a volunteer’s time, those hours equate to more than $11.9 billion dollars in value. In addition to their direct service, AmeriCorps members have proved to be a powerful force multiplier for volunteer efforts. In 2006 alone, AmeriCorps members recruited and managed 1.4 million community volunteers. Once they complete their service, AmeriCorps alums remain highly engaged and active in their communities volunteering and entering public service careers at disproportionately high levels.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.
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