Happy AmeriCorps Week!

On December 12, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson welcomed the first group of 20 VISTA volunteers with this advice: “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.” 
© 1960 Corporation for National and Community Service

WOW! Where has the time gone?! I will post an update soon, but I didn't want this week to pass without a tribute.

Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums by highlighting the extraordinary impact AmeriCorps makes across our nation every day. This year, AmeriCorps Week will take place March 9-17, 2013.

AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and communicate AmeriCorps impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve. 

This year's theme, AmeriCorps Works, reflects AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment -- for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation. 

For our project here in Charleston, our 24 VISTAs, my Co-Leader, and myself are being recognized at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday for our service. We have also planned our Retreat for Thursday: a relaxing day of training and team-building at a state historic site. And throughout the week, we have coordinated speaking engagements for our members at schools and other organizations.

How can you celebrate?

Research where AmeriCorps members serve in your community and thank them for what they are doing.

Visit http://www.servicenation.org/ and find out what you can do to support National Service

Volunteer in your community

AmeriCorps Fast Facts

• 800,000: Number of individuals who have served as AmeriCorps members since 1994.
• 1 Billion: Total number of hours served by AmeriCorps members.
• 5.2 Billion: Number of disadvantaged youth tutored, mentored, or served by AmeriCorps members.
• $2.4 Billion: Total amount of Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards earned by AmeriCorps members.
• 4 Million: Number of community volunteers managed or mobilized by AmeriCorps members in 2012.
• 15,000: Number of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations that AmeriCorps members serve with.
• $480 Million: Value of non-CNCS cash and in-kind donations leveraged by AmeriCorps programs in 2010.

Info fromwww.americorpsweek.gov