Washington, DC - The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and AmeriCorps joined forces today at NAB’s annual Radio Show in Philadelphia to launch a new radio public service campaign aimed at recruiting AmeriCorps members.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, more than 1,650 AmeriCorps members have joined with local, state, and Federal relief and recovery efforts to provide emergency assistance and long-term relief to those in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and other states whose lives were affected by the storm. Over the coming months and years, thousands more AmeriCorps members will contribute to the rebuilding efforts on the Gulf Coast.

The “AmeriCorps – Get Involved” bilingual (Spanish) radio spots showcase on-location interviews with real AmeriCorps members currently working at shelters and Red Cross relief centers on the Gulf Coast:

• BASIC NECESSITIES features AmeriCorps member Scott Francis working at a shelter in the disaster area, telling about the importance of the member’s role in getting the basic necessities of life to the victims of hurricane Katrina;
• TIME TO ACT features AmeriCorps members Jose Manzaneres and Alana Svenson who didn’t hesitate to act when faced with images of the disaster;
• KATRINA RECOVERY showcases the relationship between the Red Cross and AmeriCorps and how, by working together, they achieve great results; and
• AMERICORPS RESPONDS provides a poignant look at how AmeriCorps member Adam Haig responded to the devastation wrought by hurricane Katrina.

“The response to this devastating storm will be the largest volunteer mobilization in our nation's history, and national service will play a critical role in leading and coordinating that mobilization,” said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America.

“By playing these spots, our member radio stations will help AmeriCorps meet the annual recruitment numbers they need to keep responding to disasters like hurricane Katrina and addressing everyday problems by tutoring kids, building affordable housing, and improving the environment,” said Eddie Fritts, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters.

To download the radio spots, live announcer copy, or related web banners, visit www.americorps.gov/psa or http://www.broadcastunity.org/.

More than 400,000 men and women have served in AmeriCorps since the program’s inception ten years ago. 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 http://www.americorps.gov/.

The NAB Radio Show is the largest annual convention for radio. This year's show, Sep. 21 - 23 in Philadelphia, will feature interactive sessions, special events and exhibits. More information about The NAB Radio Show is available at www.nab.org/conventions.

The National Association of Broadcasters is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster's voice before Congress, federal agencies and the courts. NAB also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members. Information about NAB can be found at http://www.nab.org/.

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