FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 08, 2022

Michael D. Smith also toured AmeriCorps sites in Delaware, Maryland and Oklahoma and delivered message of civic engagement at MillSummit

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO, visited Oklahoma, Delaware and Maryland last week to see national service members in action with local and federal leaders, including joining Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff in a climate resilience service project in Baltimore on Thursday, Aug. 4.

On Monday, Aug. 1, Smith, Representative Tom Cole (OK-04) and YMCA leadership toured a restoration project with members of AmeriCorps NCCC team at YMCA Camp Classen, a traditional overnight summer camp nestled on 2,200 acres in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma.

Smith then hosted a discussion with Oklahoma City AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers from Red River Community Corps, RSVP of Central Oklahoma, Putnam City Schools Summer Alive and Project Transformation. They discussed the impact of national service in Oklahoma City, and how service can further advance racial equity and expand economic opportunities. More than 4,000 AmeriCorps members and volunteers currently serve in over 700 service sites across the state.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, Smith, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott visited Civic Works, an AmeriCorps grantee that helps strengthen Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development and community service. They joined AmeriCorps members and Civic Works staff in planting trees and restoring a rain garden to strengthen the city’s climate resiliency and infrastructure. 

Smith then traveled to Delaware where he joined a roundtable discussion with AmeriCorps members serving in Delaware. Later that day, Smith delivered a keynote address at #MillSummit, a conference hosted in Wilmington for young professionals to network across industries. Smith discussed the importance of advocacy and fostering civic engagement for the next generation of leaders.

Second Gentleman Joins AmeriCorps CEO at Civic Works
AmeriCorps CEO meets with AmeriCorps members serving in Oklahoma
AmeriCorps CEO gives keynote at #MillSummit on Thursday, Aug 4, 2022.
AmeriCorps CEO joined Congressman Tom Cole at Oklahoma service projects.

Follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for additional highlights from Smith’s trip.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. 

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.