|
Dear Colleagues and Communicators,
Earlier this week, individuals from all over the country
came together to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on
Washington and a dream that was made real by the efforts of everyday people volunteering
to take action. That is the power of service: it binds people of all
backgrounds in a common goal for the benefit of the community.
The ability of service to heal a nation was also witnessed following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The spirit of service that united Americans during that time helped to establish the September
11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
This year, we anticipate service and remembrance activities in
all 50 states, beginning the weekend before September 11th and throughout the following weekend. You can get involved by:
As always, you can find our recent news below. Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!
The External Affairs Team
 AmeriCorps members joined CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer and grantee KaBOOM! on Tuesday to build a playground in Seaside Heights, NJ for a special episode of the Queen Latifah Show. National service members and community volunteers helped the school, which was badly damaged in Hurricane Sandy, reopen for the first time since the storm.
 AmeriCorps NCCC members honor the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech on the National Mall on Wednesday. Thousands were on hand to remember a man and a day that inspired millions; visit our blog to learn more about the day's connection to national service.
National Service in the News
AmeriCorps
YouthBuild: solving America's youth crisis
Christian Science Monitor - Online (MA), August 28,
2013
He described a transformative moment that occurred in the
first week. He went with a crew of YouthBuild AmeriCorps students to renovate
the back yard of a senior citizen. She didn’t welcome them warmly. He felt
their baggy pants caused her to stereotype them. But after the young people had
restored her yard, she came out the back door with tears in her eyes, carrying
a tray of cookies she had made for them, thanking them from the bottom of her
heart.
AmeriCorps VISTA
Financial Opportunity Corps Sworn In
Atlanta Daily World - Online (GA), August 26, 2013
Bank of America, Points of Light and the Corporation for
National and Community Service are partnering to introduce Financial
Opportunity Corps, a national program that will place financial coaches in low-
to moderate-income communities across the nation in an effort to help
individuals become more financial stable. The program was designed to help
community members develop strategies to reduce debt, improve credit, start
saving for emergencies, access benefits and build assets for long-term
financial health. (Photo: VISTA members are sworn into service as the first
Financial Opportunity Corps on Thursday, Aug. 22 downtown at Bank of America
Plaza.)
AmeriCorps NCCC
FEMA Corps to train people for disaster response
Wichita Eagle - Online (KS), August 24, 2013
About 210 young adults are arriving in Mississippi on Monday
to begin training for disaster preparation, response and recovery. The FEMA
Corps members are coming from across the U.S., and they'll be sent work where
needed nationwide. The group is a new unit within the AmeriCorps National
Civilian Community Corps.
Senior Corps
Two hours a week can make a lifelong impact
Times-Standard - Online (CA), August 27, 2013
”These are the kinds of moments that can truly impact a
child's life, not only crossing the threshold of a college campus, but being on
the other side of supporting a treasured volunteer,” said Bowen. “All of our
volunteers recognize the critical importance early literacy is for the future
success of our communities -- and the positive experiences are clearly mutual.
What could be better?” Volunteers who sign up as RSVP members are eligible for
mileage reimbursement, supplemental insurance, an invitation to an annual
recognition event and an opportunity to be counted as a national service
volunteer, sending a message to our legislators of the important need being
served.
'Wheels' program important for seniors
Marietta Times - Online (OH), August 24, 2013
This week, Washington County Commissioners voted to continue
a pilot program that provides transportation to senior citizens who need a lift
to a doctor's appointment, the bank, even the grocery store. The Senior Wheels
program operates with 55 volunteers and comes under the oversight of the
Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Senior Wheels is funded partly through
$10,000 from Washington County's senior levy as well as some grant money.
Serve.gov Blog
AmeriCorps VISTA Working With Partners to Expand Opportunity
Serve.gov, August 26, 2013
To strengthen our communities, we have to break down the barriers that can discourage Americans from building a better life for themselves and their families. Whether these barriers to economic opportunity are structural or behavioral, change is possible, and our AmeriCorps VISTAs are leading the way by creating partnerships that support service as a solution to our nation's challenges.
| 
