Governor Bullock Announces Montana as First State in the West to Become Employer of National Service
Montana Encouraging AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Alumni to Explore Careers with State Government
“AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni in Montana have an invaluable work ethic and transferrable skills to communities throughout the state, all while embodying the commitment to help their neighbors in need,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “I am proud that the state is taking steps to keep these dedicated Montanans in Montana, so that we can engage an energetic workforce and build a more effective government.”
Governor Bullock made the announcement alongside Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, during their keynote addresses at the annual ServeMontana Symposium yesterday evening. They were joined by AmeriCorps members serving in Montana, the Commission on Community Service, and AmeriCorps VISTA alumni.
“By taking this step, Montana is making a smart move to attract talented, dedicated, and experienced leaders to work in state government,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “I applaud Governor Bullock for his leadership in making Montana an Employer of National Service. His actions send a signal around the country that Montana wants AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni to put their skills and experience to work on behalf of all Montanans.”
“Returned Peace Corps volunteers and AmeriCorps alumni have the skills, dedication and commitment that employers today are looking for,” Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “The state of Montana has a rich history with the Peace Corps, and we are grateful for Governor Bullock’s support to further our collaboration so volunteers can continue their service in Montana communities.”
Governor Bullock announced that the Montana Department of Administration has taken two important steps as part of the state becoming an Employer of National Service. First, the homepage of the Montana state career website (statecareers.mt.gov) has been updated to include language encouraging AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni to continue their lifetime of service by exploring career opportunities with Montana state government. Additionally, the Montana Department of Administration has added a question to the state recruitment system that allows AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni to indicate their national service alumni status when applying for jobs with state government.
In his address, Governor Bullock told state agencies that AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni are highly-qualified individuals that bring additional skills and value to the workplace. He also stated that the Montana Department of Administration and the Montana Governor’s Office of Community Service will continue to review opportunities to recruit and connect the talent of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni to state government in the coming months.
Altogether, more than 1.1 million Americans have served in AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. Since 1994, more than 8,800 AmeriCorps members have served more than 8.5 million hours in Montana. This year, 520 AmeriCorps members are providing intensive, results-driven service to meet education, environmental, health, economic, and other pressing community needs across Montana.
Approximately 40 citizens from Montana are currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers around the world. A total of almost 1,400 Montana volunteers have served in the Peace Corps since it was established in 1961. In 2014, Montana ranked 7th in the nation per capita for sending Peace Corps volunteers, with Missoula ranking 2nd per capita among metropolitan areas.
Since its launch, more than 170 companies, nonprofits, and public agencies have signed on as Employers of National Service. Virginia was the first state to sign on. Disney, Comcast, CSX, Sodexo, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and the cities of Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Nashville have also signed on to be Employers of National Service.
For more information on becoming an Employer of National Service visit nationalservice.gov/employers, or contact employers@cns.gov.