 |
|
|
Members
of Voices for
National Service
|
|
|
Bellflower Unified School District/AmeriCorps/APPLE
EOC Fresno Local Conservation Corps
Southern Association of RSVP Directors
|
|
|
|
TIME's second annual national service issue
|
|
 |
 |
|
Congress Passes Final FY12 Funding Package
“Megabus” spending package includes funding for CNCS Programs
On December 16, Congress approved H.R. 2055, a nine-bill appropriations “megabus” that will fund government operations through September 30, 2012. The legislation includes funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which the House of Representatives proposed to eliminate in earlier spending bills.
Congress rejected a House bill that included a 74% spending cut to CNCS and called for the elimination of AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, the Social Innovation Fund and the Volunteer Generation Fund. Instead, they approved legislation that provides $1.05 billion in funding for CNCS, a $24.7 million or 2.3% reduction from fiscal year 2011. The Senate Appropriations Committee has indicated there will at least one small cut across all discretionary spending programs that will impact the final funding figures. Voices for National Service will provide additional information on funding allocations by account as soon as they are publically available.
Statement on H.R. 2055 from AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service
"While we understand the difficult choices our nation's policymakers face in a time of great economic turmoil, we are disappointed to see lawmakers scale back investment in Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) programs that provide cost-effective and innovative solutions to our nation's challenges by leveraging private sector and public dollars to ensure Americans receive the services they require.
"In H.R. 2055, CNCS is slashed by $24.7 million, over 16% less than the White House budget request. We are grateful to our champions for working to ensure that national service programs will not face total elimination in this bill, but in the end American communities have still lost. In these difficult economic times, national service initiatives are providing the vital services Americans need and local communities can no longer afford like disaster response, educational support and enabling senior citizens to live independently rather than enter costly nursing homes.
"It is troubling to see lawmakers scale back funding for AmeriCorps, VISTA and the Social Innovation Fund. Applications to AmeriCorps have nearly tripled from 2008 to 2010 and continue to grow with 536,000 applications for only 80,000 spots in the last year. Meanwhile youth unemployment stands sky high at nearly 20%, and nonprofits, struggling to support families and communities affected by the economy, rely upon the effective, low-cost human capital provided by CNCS programs to meet the increased demand.
“America’s Governors should be troubled by the disinvestment in these programs and the network of state service commissions that ensure resources are directed where they are needed. We can't afford to waste the energy and patriotism of Americans looking to serve at a time when the country needs them the most.
"We applaud the national champions who fought for national service, but encourage all policymakers to prioritize funding for CNCS. To do otherwise risks our nation's health and economic recovery. We will continue the fight to show the great economic benefits to keeping pathways open for Americans to serve their country in the hopes that all of our leaders will recognize the value they provide."
Click here for more detail on the approved FY12 funding levels for the Corporation for National and Community Service. |
President Nominates Wendy Spencer to Lead CNCS
Statement from Voices for National Service on the Spencer Nomination
 “Voices for National Service applauds President Obama’s decision to nominate Wendy Spencer as the Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service. For nearly 30 years, Ms. Spencer has been a leader in the nonprofit and voluntary sector. She has an impressive background that includes executive positions at the local, state and national levels. Ms. Spencer served on President George W. Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and was appointed by three governors to lead Volunteer Florida, the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service since 2003. Volunteer Florida is the official statewide coordinating agency for volunteers and donations in times of disasters. During Florida's record-breaking 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, Volunteer Florida coordinated more than 252,000 volunteers, as well as donated items totaling more than $85 million in value, which was the largest mobilization of volunteers in the history of U.S. natural disasters at that time.
Ms. Spencer has worked across the public, private and nonprofit sectors to mobilize citizens to address problems facing their communities, and she is uniquely qualified to lead the Corporation for National and Community Service. At a time of economic crisis, when national service organizations are being heavily relied upon to provide vital services to communities throughout the country, growing numbers of citizens are looking for opportunities to serve their country, and lawmakers continue to threaten to cut the funding for this vital support for organizations that are serving families and communities in need, it is essential for the sector to have strong and effective leadership at CNCS. National service offers those who serve the opportunity to build skills and create pathways to work while delivering results for families and communities across the country that are struggling to make ends meet. We look forward to working with Ms. Spencer and the Administration to mobilize citizens and communities to help get our country back on track.”
- Click here for the White House statement on Wendy Spencer’s nomination.
|
President Obama Signs FY11 Budget Bill that Includes $1 Billion for CNCS
Compromise Saves Service From Elimination, but cuts CNCSby 6%
On April 14, 2011, President Obama signed H.R. 1473, the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,legislation to fund the agencies and programs of the federal government for the remainder of the year. The appropriations package - completed seven months into the fiscal year- provides provides $1.078 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs, about 94% of theprevious year's (FY 2010) enacted level. This amount was further reduced by a 0.2% across-the-board rescission to all programs and activities. Total FY 2011 funding including the rescission is $1.076 billion, or about $339 million less than the President’s FY 2011 request. Reductions to CNCS programs include:
- $39.5 million reduction in funding and the elimination of Learn and Serve America, a program that mobilizes more than 1 million young people every year in service initiatives that strengthen educational outcomes for students while they address community needs;
- $23.2 million reduction in funding for AmeriCorps;
- $12.7 million cut to theRetired Senior Volunteer Program.
Earlier in the year, the House of Representatives passed legislation to eliminate all the funding forthe Corporation for National and Community Service, but that effort was defeated in the U.S. Senate.
Now that thefederal 2011 budget has been completed, Congress turns its attention to the fiscal year 2012 appropriations process. President Obama submitted his FY12 budget proposal to Congress back in February, requesting $1.3 billion for the CNCS, 17% more than Congress ultimately approved for FY11. It was just two years ago thatCongress passed—with strong bipartisan support—the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized a dramatic increase in service opportunities for Americans of all ages, with a focus on generating results for communities. In lean budget times, our country should be investing in national service programs, which are a cost effective way to fill the gap in social services created by state and local budget cuts, create pathways to work, and leverage private support for citizen-led solutions to community problems. |
Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS)
Voices for National Service’s State & Local Leadership Honoree, 2011
In his acceptance speech, Governor Barbour shared “much of the work in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and last year’s Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill fell on the shoulders of volunteers and AmeriCorps members…These volunteers have helped rebuild a stronger and better Mississippi… I’m proud and honored to be a friend and proponent of national service.” Click here for photos, press clips and event highlights from the 8th Annual Friends of National Service Reception. Voices for National Service and the Corps Network would like to thank the 2011 reception sponsors: Comcast Corporation, Planters and National Grid. |
Recent National News about
National Service Programs
For a complete listing of news articles related to the budget cuts click here.
|
 |
 |
Voices for National Service
Remembers Sargent Shriver
Statement from AnnMaura Connolly, President
Voices for National Service
January, 18, 2011
 Today we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Sargent Shriver, whose unparalleled commitment to service and social justice inspired generations of citizens to serve, both here at home and around the world. Sargent Shriver's extraordinary vision and persistent leadership led to the creation of the Peace Corps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Foster Grandparents, the National Center on Poverty Law, and Special Olympics, which he co-founded with his inimitable wife Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Wherever there was injustice or need, Sargent Shriver wanted to be there, rolling up his sleeves to help people reach their full potential, regardless of whether they were poor, living with disabilities or relegated to the margins of society. His relentless and optimistic spirit inspired countless Americans to take their passion and find ways to act on it for the common good. There are few people who live and breathe the tenets of what it means to serve as deeply as Sargent Shriver did. Our hearts are with the Shriver family today, and we are deeply grateful to them for sharing Sargent Shriver with the world. We will miss him.
To share a tribute online or see a documentary on Sargent Shriver's life entitled American Idealist, visit his website, www.sargentshriver.org. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute. Funeral details and other memorial information will be posted at www.sargentshriver.org as they become available. |
Service Community Celebrates Serve America Act
Events, Presidential Proclamation, Congressional Resolutions recognize impact of service and volunteerism across America
April 21, 2010 marked the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the largest expansion of service and social innovation since the New Deal. Voices for National Service partnered with ServiceNation and America Forward to host a luncheon and breakout sessions to celebrate the act and its co-author, Senator Kennedy. The event was also an opportunity to discuss the movement’s next steps, as we continue working to fulfill the immense promise of the Serve America Act.
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who authored the Serve America Act with Senator Kennedy, delivered taped remarks to the audience. Speakers in attendance included Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Patrick Corvington of the Corporation for National and Community Service, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Melody Barnes of The White House Domestic Policy Council Cokie Roberts of ABC News, and John Podesta of the Center for American Progress.
- Click here to read Patrick Corvington’s keynote address at the luncheon.
- Click here for more information about the Leadership Luncheon and Solution Sessions, including a full list of speakers.
On the first anniversary of the Serve America Act, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1276, "Recognizing the continued importance of volunteerism and national service and the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act." Introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the resolution had 30 co-sponsors and passed by a voice vote.
- Click here for more information, including text of the resolution and floor remarks made by representatives in support of H. Res. 1276.
President Obama issued a proclamation to officially mark National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2010. In the Presidential Proclamation, President Obama reiterates his Administration's commitment to "ushering in a new era of service and responsibility":
Whether through the workplace or a house of worship, in our own neighborhoods or in another state or country, service binds us together as Americans in a way nothing else can. It defines us as a people, and it is essential to achieving our national priorities. Together, let us answer the call, take hold of our shared future, and meet the challenges of our new century.... I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives.
- Click here to read the Presidential Proclamation declaring National Volunteer Week 2010.
|
Patrick Corvington Confirmed to Lead CNCS
Senate and President Approve Corvington to Oversee Historic Growth of Service
| |
|
|
|
On February 12, President Obama appointed Patrick Corvington as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), one day after the Senate confirmed Mr. Corvington by unanimous consent. The President initially nominated Mr. Corvington in October 2009.
- Click here for a CNCS press release on Patrick Corvington’s confirmation.
- Click here for a message from Steven Goldsmith, Chairman of the Board of Directors at CNCS, on the transition of leadership at the agency.
- Patrick Corvington was interviewed by Suzanne Perry of The Chronicle of Philanthropy in April 2010. To read her article, click here.
Voices for National Service applauds the Senate's unanimous approval of Patrick Corvington to become the next CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Mr. Corvington's expertise in nonprofit leadership and capacity-building, evaluation and performance measurement, and systems reform will be helpful to a field poised for major growth with high expectations for results. His extensive background in the nonprofit community will bring many new partners to national service and expand service and innovation as solutions to community needs.
The national service field greatly looks forward to working with Patrick Corvington to implement the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and grow support for service as a resource to face our country's pressing challenges now and in the future.
- Click here to read a statement from Voices for National Service on President Obama’s nomination of Patrick Corvington in October 2009.
|
Center for American Progress Recommends National Service for Job Creation
New paper proposes greater investment in national service to aid in economic recovery
On November 16, 2009, the Center for American Progress released “National Service and Youth Unemployment: Strategies for Job Creation Amid Economic Recovery,” a collaboration by Melissa Boteach, Joy Moses, and Shirley Sagawa. The memo details youth unemployment in the current economic climate and describes how national service can contribute to reducing these numbers as well as play a part in creating jobs.
- Click here to read “National Service and Youth Unemployment” from the Center for American Progress.
- Click here to read an opinion piece by John Podesta, president of the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, on the role for national service in helping our national recover.
- In February 2010, the Center for American Progress released “How Quickly Can Service Grow?” by Shirley Sagawa, calling for an accelerated expansion of national service to “create jobs, address pressing community problems, and reconnect youth who are neither employed nor in school with a pathway to opportunity.” Click here to read “How Quickly Can Service Grow?”
|
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 1932-2009
Statement on a Life of Service
|
President Obama Signs
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
Bill Will "Connect Deeds to Needs"
| |
|
|
|
|
On April 21, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will dramatically expand national service opportunities to address America's most pressing challenges.
At the signing ceremony, the President drew significant attention to one of the bill's architects, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), highlighting the long-standing commitment by the senator and his family to service and the country. |
| |
|
|
- Click here to read President Obama's complete statement from the bill signing ceremony.
- Click here to read more on the bill signing from the White House.
- Click here for a detailed summary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and the bill language provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
- Click here to read news coverage of the bill signing.
- Click here for a statement from Voices for National Service on the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
While the bill authorizes a massive expansion of national service programs for Americans of all ages, implementation is tied to the availability of funds. The President is expected to release a detailed budget for Fiscal Year 2010 next month, and Congress will consider the President's request as they make discretionary spending decisions and consider the twelve annual appropriations bills.
Voices for National Service will remain engaged in the appropriations process and will provide updates as they become available. |
President Obama Calls for
Renewed Spirit of Service
Read Transcript of Obama’s Address to Congress
February 25, 2009
Millions watched this week as President Obama spoke to a Joint Session of Congress and clearly stated his vision for the role National Service should play in facing the critical challenges our country faces.
|
|
“To encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations,” President Obama asked Congress to send him the Serve America Act, “the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin Hatch as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country – Senator Edward Kennedy.” |
| |
|
|
The Serve America Act builds on service as a strategy to meet specific national challenges such as addressing the dropout crisis and strengthening our schools; improving energy efficiency; safeguarding the environment; improving health care and expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities; and preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies.
|
National Service Hearing
Renewing America through National Service and Volunteerism
February 25, 2009
| |
|
|
|
|
Recording Artist Usher joined other distinguished witnesses to testify before the House Committee on Education and Labor at a hearing examining how to renew America through national service and volunteerism on February 25, 2009. It was the first full committee education hearing held in the 111th Congress.
The hearing investigated the role of service in meeting critical community needs, reinvigorating civic engagement across all levels of society, expanding opportunities for young people to participate in service, and how national and community service can help “green” America. |
| |
|
|
Click on the witnesses listed below to read their testimony:
- Van Jones, Founder and President Green for All
- David L. Caprara, Director and Nonresident Fellow Brookings Initiative on International Volunteering and Service
|
Declaration of Service Video
Sign the Declaration and Pledge to Serve
| |
|
|
The Declaration Of Service is a declaration in support of a new America, an America where there are meaningful opportunities for every American who wants to serve, and where service unites us and helps solve our greatest challenges. To add your name, go here: www.servicenation.org. |
|
|
|