As the race to vaccinate Americans continues, AmeriCorps members have landed in communities across the country, bolstering local outreach and vaccination distribution efforts. Collaborating with local partners, AmeriCorps can help fill the gaps where there are remaining needs.

Anthony, an AmeriCorps member serving with the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), has deployed to Missouri to support the vaccine distribution efforts in Columbia. Recently, he shared his experience assisting older residents with their vaccination appointments.

For Christine, Mia, and Hannah the biggest benefit of participating in national service is the future they get to help build. Something they share with fellow AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving for better tomorrow by building homes, rebuilding communities, restoring natural habitats (and the list goes on).

But their service doesn’t require a hardhat, steel-toed boots, or a shovel. That’s because instead of houses or parks, they’re helping build brighter futures. 

The death of George Floyd hit me incredibly hard. For me, it was the breaking point of years of unjust and racist treatment toward Black people. I wanted to do something. I wanted my voice, and other voices, to be heard, but I quickly realized that there weren’t any peaceful protests or demonstrations planned in my community.

AmeriCorps is indispensable to meeting our nation’s challenges

Watching President Biden take the oath of office last week reminded me of an inauguration from a different time. I was 15 years old when President John F. Kennedy became president. Growing up in Boston—the birthplace of our democracy and home to the Kennedys—this was a big moment for our community. 

It was in his inaugural address that President Kennedy made his famous call to service: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”  

Jillian Maynard is helping the aging Jewish community in Youngstown, Ohio tell their stories. From surviving the Holocaust to making a new life in the United States, the Life Stories Project serves as a form of narrative therapy while also helping to strengthen the connection between participants and their children and grandchildren.

Governor Reynolds served alongside AmeriCorps members, learning about new initiatives in Iowa to address rising food insecurity as a result of COVID-19 and the economic recession.

National service was always something Claire knew she wanted to do. With a desire to keep her focus on improving healthcare domestically, she chose to serve in AmeriCorps.

As a Chicagoan and recent college graduate serving in Wyoming in the department’s Aging Division, Claire would be working in a place and with a population that was very unfamiliar.

This annual celebration of outdoor activities and their benefits has grown from a week-long celebration in 1998 to cover the entire month of June. Whether you are into fishing, camping, hiking, biking, or other outside pursuits, there are plenty of places to enjoy them. You could spend all summer exploring some of the 419 locations in the National Park System, or visit some of the thousands of state and local park facilities near you.

Elder abuse takes many forms — physical, emotional, financial, and sexual — and can come at the hands of strangers, family, and trusted caregivers or advisers. Studies estimate that 10 percent of America's seniors experience some kind of abuse and neglect, although it's generally agreed that incidents are under-identified and under-reported. For example, the New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study found that for every case known to programs and agencies, 24 were unknown.