FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 08, 2024

When governors prioritize national service, and partner with AmeriCorps and state service commissions, the benefits are transformative.

Washington, DC — Today, More Perfect released a report, State Innovations in National Service, in collaboration with Service Year Alliance and America’s Service Commissions. The report, which was released at Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s Why We Serve Symposium, highlights the case for national service and volunteering, the many ways in which governors, state legislators and AmeriCorps are expanding opportunities for Americans to serve, and examples for how leaders in other states can further ignite a culture of service to build bridges across our differences and help solve public challenges. A statement from AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith is included in the report. Full statement below:

"For 30 years, AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteering, has been partnering with governors and states, betting on the power of national service to bring Americans together, strengthen communities, and solve our most urgent challenges. Since our founding, more than 1.25 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps and millions more have served with AmeriCorps Seniors – making a lasting impact in their communities while earning more than $4.5 billion in federal AmeriCorps Segal education awards and gaining skills needed for 21st century jobs.

"Service is not a nice-to-have—it is indispensable to our democracy. Through AmeriCorps programs, communities across the country become safer and more civically engaged. AmeriCorps members earn money for education, expand their career opportunities, and improve lives—including their own.

"The impact of national service is hyper-local, and it’s changing lives. Every year, AmeriCorps, the largest grant maker for service, invests more than $1 billion in national service programs in all US states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington DC, and native nations. States are the proving grounds for innovation and creativity in national service—and AmeriCorps is proud to fund, inform, and amplify these success stories.

"As we work with governors and state leaders to create and expand service opportunities, AmeriCorps continues to take bold steps to reduce barriers to service, expand pathways to education and economic opportunity, and ensure AmeriCorps programs reflect the rich diversity of our nation. And, as President Biden has championed, we’re committed to raising the living allowance to $15 per hour, to make sure that everyone can have the opportunity to serve.

"As this report shows, when governors prioritize national service, and partner with AmeriCorps and state service commissions, the benefits are transformative – from a stronger workforce and more equitable access to post-secondary education, to safer, healthier, and more unified communities."

Read full report on More Perfect.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, 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 200,000 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. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

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.