This week, we are proud to celebrate 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, March 13-19, also honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible.

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.

Locally, over 450 RSVP volunteers serve more than 60 volunteer stations in Chautauqua County with nearly 45 Foster Grandparent volunteers serving Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties each year.

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.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more or to contact us if you’d like to volunteer, click here.