Verde Valley News – This week Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who pledged to “get things done” for our nation as part of the annual AmeriCorps Week.
The weeklong celebration also honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible.
In Arizona, approximately 6,800 AmeriCorps members serve each year. “We are proud to be part of AmeriCorps and grateful for the AmeriCorps members and volunteers who are getting things done for Arizona.” AmeriCorps members have made a significant impact on Arizona’s ability to meet so many local needs.
AmeriCorps engages 250,000 Americans each year in sustained, results-driven service through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs. These dedicated citizens help communities manage COVID-19 response, ensure students stay on track to graduate, combat hunger and homelessness, respond to natural disasters, fight the opioid epidemic, help seniors live independently, support veterans and military families, and much more. More than 1.2 million Americans have served their country through AmeriCorps and millions more have served in AmeriCorps Seniors since 1994.
A growing body of research shows that service has an effect on more than just the communities served, but also on the members themselves. AmeriCorps alumni credit their year of service for developing leadership skills that bridge divides, solve problems, and open doors to career and educational advancement.
As an agency, AmeriCorps has created initiatives to support AmeriCorps alumni, building on this research. Through Schools of National Service, AmeriCorps seeks to improve college access and affordability for those who’ve successfully completed a term of service. The Employers of National Service effort builds a roster of public, private, and nonprofit sector employers committed to hiring AmeriCorps alumni, as research shows national service alumni gain skills and experiences that employers find valuable.
To join the celebration, follow @AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To join the conversation, share pictures and stories on Twitter, using #AmeriCorpsWeek. Learn more about AmeriCorps opportunities at AmeriCorps.gov/join.