Funding for AmeriCorps and national service is currently in jeopardy. This is unfortunate because it is a worthy program with a clear alignment with values embraced by all Americans.
AmeriCorps is working for rural America, fueling and igniting citizens’ love of country, creating an engaged citizenry and instilling youths with a sense of purpose. Local, state and national leadership would be wise to embrace national service and AmeriCorps as a solution to the most pressing challenges facing our country.
National service has had a strong, bipartisan history of support since the creation of the Peace Corps in 1961. It has received strong support from the last four presidents, as well as General Stanley McChrystal, General Colin Powell and members of Congress of both parties.
Voters overwhelmingly support national service. A recent poll conducted by TargetPoint Consulting found that 83 percent of voters (including 78 percent of Republicans) want Congress to maintain or increase the federal investment in national service.
National service is extremely cost-effective. In 2015, the Corporation for National and Community Service generated $1.26 billion in outside investment from the private sector, including Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Cisco, CSX and Citigroup, an amount exceeding the federal appropriation of $1.1 billion and increasing the return on taxpayer funds.
National service is the new model of private-public partnership. Congress created AmeriCorps, and the federal agency that manages AmeriCorps, CNCS, to be a public-private partnership that invests limited federal dollars – substantially through states – to leverage substantial private investment and improve lives and communities.
CNCS is a government corporation modeled after private business: small, efficient, results-oriented, guided by a board of directors, led by a CEO, able to build partnerships and leverage outside funds and uses an alternative personnel system that rewards performance.
AmeriCorps and national service has deep roots throughout Southwest Colorado. Each year, more than 150 young people and veterans serve as AmeriCorps members in Cortez, Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs and surrounding communities, contributing more than 80,000 volunteer hours. AmeriCorps and national service requires dedication to others and contribution to community.
It connects people, increases compassion and understanding, broadens perspectives, teaches new skills, expands social networks and increases self-esteem and grit. National service volunteers serving in AmeriCorps, and returned Peace Corps volunteers continuing their ethic of service, are vitally important to our communities here in Southwest Colorado and exemplify the values of citizenship.
AmeriCorps programs are locally managed, focusing effort and impact on where it is needed most. Locally, AmeriCorps members mentor youths within organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and serve the Colorado State University Extension/4-H program by providing after-school STEM education.
AmeriCorps members are on the ground with Southwest Conservation Corps building and maintaining trails on the San Juan National Forest, reducing fire fuels in the urban-wildland interface and maintaining habitat for hunting and fishing. Current era veterans serve as part of the Veterans Fire Corps program, gaining skills and training necessary to gain employment as wildland firefighters while also conducting critical fire-mitigation projects.
AmeriCorps members have also worked with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing. AmeriCorps VISTA members help increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations including Mountain Studies Institute, Generation Schools Network and Local First.
AmeriCorps is a cost-effective way to deliver services to local communities, build self-sufficiency in both the communities served and the members providing the service. Building on the history of service that was started by Peace Corps, national service must become a permanent priority and critical component of our federal investments.
Last week was national Peace Corps week, and this week is AmeriCorps week. During this time, we honor the service of national service members and look to continue this lasting legacy.
Amy Sovocool is a commissioner for Serve Colorado, the governor’s Commission on Community Service and vice president of Conservation Legacy based in Durango. Reach her at sovocoolamy@gmail.com.
