PEACE CORPS AND AMERICORPS USHER IN A NEW ERA OF SERVICE
24 Abril 2024 - 2:12PM
Across the world, young people are grappling with incredible
challenges: rampant polarization, social isolation, a climate
crisis, school-based violence, and so much more. It’s no wonder we
face a staggering increase in mental health challenges, the advent
of climate anxiety, and a generation that is outraged and enraged,
but not always sure how to engage. They’ve protested, they’ve
marched, and they’ve made their voices heard online, but this
generation is still seeking ways to create lasting solutions.
This April, as the world celebrates Global Volunteer Month, we
have an unparalleled opportunity to harness the passion and
dedication of young people everywhere to make a difference. As
organizations that thrive on the spirit of volunteering and
recognize the profound impact that can be made when individuals
come together to serve their communities and the world at large,
Peace Corps and AmeriCorps are taking up the charge here in the
United States.
Since 1961 and 1993, respectively, the Peace Corps and
AmeriCorps have created opportunities for millions of individuals
of all ages to tackle seemingly overwhelming challenges at home and
abroad through impact-oriented service. Along the way, those
Americans have gained skills that have created accelerated paths to
careers and become more engaged global citizens.
When the world calls, the Peace Corps answers. Over the last six
decades, more than 240,000 volunteers have served with the Peace
Corps, living and working in some of the most remote regions of the
world at the invitation of host country governments. Volunteers
work to advance host country development priorities in their
communities of service, as English language and STEM teachers and
as health care workers tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They serve
as agricultural volunteers, working alongside community members to
promote sustainable and climate-smart farming practices and
community economic development volunteers supporting entrepreneurs
pursuing new business opportunities. And in almost everything they
do, Peace Corps Volunteers are tackling community priorities and
supporting the largest generation of youth in history to become
global leaders.
And when America calls, AmeriCorps answers. Here at home,
millions of AmeriCorps members and volunteers are also transforming
the landscape of our nation. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the
Mississippi and Louisiana, AmeriCorps members waded in to help.
Following the tragedy of September 11, AmeriCorps members gave aid
to first responders outside Ground Zero. More recently, when
America faced a pandemic, members reached 12.3 million Americans in
testing and vaccination lines, food banks, and virtual
schooling.
Global Volunteer Month underscores the significance of both
organizations’ efforts to amplify how action spreads something our
world so desperately needs right now: optimism and hope for a
brighter future. It's a time to recognize those who have served and
the incredible community changemakers they work alongside to
inspire more people to commit to volunteerism. This month also
exemplifies our missions – to mobilize individuals for the greater
good, to bridge divides, and to foster a culture of service and
unit.
Yet today, we still find ourselves facing a generation skeptical
of the idea and intentions of traditional institutions and civic
responsibility. And that skepticism comes at a great cost.
That’s why this January, the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps joined
forces to sign a landmark agreement to engage with and galvanize
the next generation of community service leaders of every
background and community, to deploy domestically and
internationally. Together, our teams will recruit and retain
members and volunteers who are committed to advancing the cause of
peace, friendship, stronger communities, and civic engagement
through service and volunteering.
But our agreement is about more than our two Federal Government
agencies. This agreement is a call to action for everyone in
America. It’s a call to individuals to consider meaningful
sustained service. It’s a call to corporate and philanthropic
partners to help us recruit members and volunteers and provide
wraparound support to reduce barriers, opening the doors for many
more to serve. And it’s a call to usher in a new era of
service.
When we forged our partnership, we issued a bold Invitation to
Americans widely to step up and take action. We have faced great
challenges before, and we know that the way forward to a more
vibrant, safe, and healthy world has always been through
service.
If you want to serve here in America, visit:
AmeriCorps.gov/Serve. Or if you want to serve
internationally, visit: PeaceCorps.gov/Bold.
National Service Press Office
AmeriCorps
press@americorps.gov