Template for Alumni Letter

Instructions:

1. Please copy onto your letterhead.
2. Please include your name and address to ensure a response.
3. Please FAX this letter to ensure its timeliness. Fax: (202) 228-1229 AND Mail it.
4. Please consider sending a copy to your State Representatives. Their contact information is available at www.Congress.org

The Honorable Arlen Specter
US Senate
711 Hart Building
Washington, DC 20510
Fax: (202) 228-1229

Dear Senator Specter:

As an AmeriCorps alumnus, I am deeply disappointed at the recent House action to reduce the AmeriCorps Education Award by $675 per participant and to cut AmeriCorps funding by $60 million from the FY06 enacted level. Rigorous third party studies demonstrate the quality and impact of AmeriCorps, in terms of developing citizen leaders and in terms of meeting the needs of communities. In your role on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, please lead Congress to fully fund AmeriCorps.

After completing more than 1700 hours of intensive service, daily confronting social problems in our urban and rural communities, AmeriCorps members earn a $4,725 Education Award to pay for higher education. In the 13-year history of AmeriCorps the award has never increased, despite the escalating cost of education. Additionally, the purchase power of the Education Award is reduced by taxation. The link between service and education forms an important bridge to careers in public service, as members’ experiences inform their education choices. At a minimum, this educational benefit must be maintained - not cut.

I understand that the fiscal environment is extremely difficult, but this is not the time to cut funding for AmeriCorps. Young Americans want to serve their community and their country. They are motivated to serve by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, by the low literacy levels of school children, and by many unmet needs in their communities. Through AmeriCorps I became an active citizen for life, and thousands of my peers look for the same opportunity to serve. I urge you to support full funding for AmeriCorps as follows:

Please do not disappoint the thousands of citizens who want to step forward and serve. Please support full funding for AmeriCorps.

Sincerely,