In speech at National Press Club, David Eisner also unveils positive findings of long-term
study on effect of AmeriCorps service on members’ civic behaviors

(Washington D.C.) - After announcing findings of a new study on the positive benefits of AmeriCorps service on members’ civic attitudes and behaviors, David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service called on business, higher education, and Congress to take further actions to demonstrate their support for national service, volunteerism, and civic engagement in America. Eisner, whose federal agency administers the Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, addressed a luncheon gathering at the National Press Club.

The study, Serving Country and Community: A Study of Service in AmeriCorps, reveals that AmeriCorps members are more likely than a comparison group of similarly motivated individuals to continue to serve in their communities, and to be employed in the public sector-including education, social work, public safety, and the military-after their AmeriCorps service has ended. The study provides the first rigorous, outcomes-based results of the AmeriCorps program on participants. “People who take the AmeriCorps pledge end up as more engaged citizens than they would have been had they not participated in AmeriCorps,” said Eisner. “National service programs are important contributors to the long-term civic health of our nation.”

To make that connection deeper, the Corporation will focus on several areas, according to Eisner. The Corporation will call on businesses to “to better recognize and reward the skills, attitude, and work ethic of AmeriCorps members when hiring, and to allow workers to take time to serve in their communities.”

Eisner also called on colleges and universities to strengthen their commitment to building engaged and informed citizens by rewarding national service with credit hours, establishing more service scholarships, and matching the education awards that AmeriCorps members receive as a result of their service.

While expressing appreciation to Congress for the bipartisan support and the increased funding the Corporation has received in the last two years, Eisner noted that national service programs have not been reauthorized over the decade of the Corporation’s existence. “Finally, we need Congress to address authorizing legislation for the Corporation. It’s time to seize the momentum of our bipartisan support to strengthen national service for the future. We’ve learned a great deal over the past decade about how national service works. We’ve listened to our grantees and made countless changes to better support their efforts. But certain changes can only be made by making amendments to our authorizing law,” he said.

While asking for greater commitments to National Service from these sectors, Eisner pledge to increase the Corporation’s commitment to recruiting baby boomers to National Service, supporting service-learning programs through Learn and Serve America, and focusing on mentoring and other programs designed to aid troubled youth.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country, primarily through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

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