This week is National AmeriCorps Week. All around the country AmeriCorps volunteers are spreading the word about what it means to be a volunteer, national service, and how to get involved. The Americorps program, through the contributions from its members have accomplished quite a bit.
More than 1.5 million direct participants serving through AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, and Learn and Serve America recruit and manage another 3.8 million community volunteers each year, helping the nonprofits they serve expand their reach and impact. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) also administers the Social Innovation Fund, Volunteer Generation Fund, Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day of Service, September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and leads the United We Serve Intiative.
AmeriCorps Fast Facts:
706,000= Number of people who have served as AmeriCorps members since 1994
860 million= Total hours served by members since 1994
2.5 million= Number of disadvantaged youth tutored, mentored, or served by members in 2010
2.6 million= Number of community volunteers managed or mobilized by members in 2010
480 million= Value of cash and in-kind donations leveraged by members in 2010
14,000= Number of non-profit, faith based, and community organizations served by members
2 billion= Total amount of Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards earned by AmeriCorps members since 1994
7.2 billion= Amount of AmeriCorps funds invested in nonprofit, and faith based community groups since 1994
I am the third of a three year grant for an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer with the UWP. Andrew Madison and Rachel Boothby have done a great job as the first two VISTAS investing in this community. Now it is my turn. Among participating in community events and stakeholders meetings, one of my main goals for the year will be completing the Watershed Plan for the County by December of this year.
If you are interested in hearing more about what AmeriCorps does for this country or my personal AmeriCorps Story feel free to contact me at uwpvista@gmail.com. I am also planning a climbing/cleanup trip this weekend in the name of AmeriCorps week. If you like climbing or cleaning up public spaces give me an email as well.
Matthew Jurjonas