More than 3,500 U.S. Mayors, County, and Tribal Leaders Unite to Recognize Impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps
Record participation of officials representing 178 million Americans, more than half the U.S. population
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 3,500 mayors, county, and tribal leaders from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico will participate in the fourth annual Mayor, County, and Tribal Recognition Day for National Service on Tuesday, April 5. Collectively, these mayors and county and tribal leaders represent 178 million Americans, more than half the U.S. population.
On this day, bipartisan leaders from large cities, small towns, counties, rural areas, and tribal communities will hold recognition events, issue proclamations, participate in service projects, and use social media to thank AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers for their valuable impact on critical challenges in communities across the nation.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Social Innovation Fund, leads this annual effort in collaboration with the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and Cities of Service.
The day continues to gain support from a diverse group of mayors and county officials, with the number of participants growing four-fold since its inception in 2013. A full list of participating elected officials can be found here.
“Mayors, county officials, and tribal leaders get things done, responding every day to needs in their community,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “They know first-hand the value of national service. This extraordinary show of support from local leaders representing more than half of all Americans is a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of all those who serve in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. “
“Every day, AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers make a difference in people’s lives in counties across the country,” said NACo President Sallie Clark. “Whether tutoring students, restoring parks, strengthening public safety or supporting veterans and seniors, dedicated citizens are making our communities better places to live and work. We’re pleased to support this Recognition Day for National Service, particularly as we acknowledge National County Government Month in April.
"Cities of Service is proud to support and work with the more than 200 mayors and city executives in our coalition as they engage their communities, identify challenges, and solve problems," said Myung J. Lee, Executive Director of Cities of Service. "All across the country impact volunteering initiatives—with support from national service members—accelerate, reinforce and sustain the efforts of committed citizens. This important work couldn’t happen without the essential leadership of mayors and the support from the Corporation for National and Community Service."
CEO Wendy Spencer will start her day with White Hall Mayor Noel Foster, Arkansas County Judge Thomas E. Best, Jefferson County Judge Dutch King and Senior Corps RSVP volunteers at a recognition and swearing-in ceremony in Pine Bluff, Ark. Later that day, she will join Mayor Mark Stodola at a recognition event for Senior Corps and AmeriCorps members in Little Rock, Ark. The following day, Spencer will join Mayor Jim Strickland at national service fair in Memphis, Tenn.
As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages millions of citizens in service at 50,000 locations sites in more than 8,500 cities across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs.
CNCS leverages federal and private funds to support organizations that achieve measurable results where the need is greatest. A significant portion of this investment is focused on cities through programs like Operation AmeriCorps and Resilience AmeriCorps. Whether supporting food banks and homeless shelters, restoring city parks, building homes, providing health services, tutoring and mentoring students, and managing community volunteers, national service members help mayors tackle tough problems.