AmeriCorps Week 2020 Celebrates Americans Making a Difference in Communities Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, thousands of Americans across the country will participate in AmeriCorps Week, the annual celebration of the more than 1.1 million AmeriCorps members and alumni who have pledged to “get things done” for America. The weeklong event also spotlights the contributions and support of thousands of national, state, and local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible.
Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through more than 20,000 schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Maria. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, help fight the opioid epidemic, and meet other critical needs.
“Our members help communities tackle their most-pressing challenges,” said Acting Director of AmeriCorps NCCC Gina Cross. “That might mean preserving our public lands, or helping a family hit by a natural disaster and facing some of the toughest days of their lives.”
“Not only do they help others, through AmeriCorps our members develop qualities like empathy, resilience, teamwork, and leadership that will serve them well whatever their future holds,” said Chester W. Spellman, Director of AmeriCorps State and National.
“AmeriCorps brings together people from a wide-variety of backgrounds with a common purpose,” said Director of AmeriCorps VISTA Desiree Tucker-Sorini. “Our members work together to tackle tough challenges, strengthening communities and our nation."
The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency responsible for AmeriCorps, marked the 25th anniversary of the program last fall. During the last quarter century, AmeriCorps members have provided more than 1.6 billion hours of service and earned nearly $4 billion in education scholarships to pay for college or pay back student loans.
Graphics and photos of AmeriCorps members in action are available on the AmeriCorps Week page of NationalService.gov. To learn more, follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and join the conversation by sharing pictures and stories on Twitter using the #MadeInAmeriCorps and #AmeriCorpsWorks hashtags. Those interested in joining AmeriCorps can learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/join.