National and community service programs that engage volunteers in homeland security have a new resource that they can draw on to provide training, updates, and peer advice to strengthen their efforts to make communities more secure.

Known as Project TAHS (Technical Assistance for Homeland Security), this new training and technical assistance provider will help programs develop model practices, recruit and retain volunteers, educate the public, and build partnerships. The services and training are available to any grantee of the Corporation for National and Community Service, including Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and Special Volunteer Programs. Other homeland security volunteer groups may access the project’s online resources at www.projecttahs.org

Among other services, Project TAHS offers:

• A Quick Response toll-free number at 1-800-656-3011 or e-mail tahs@aiweb.com to access homeland security experts for immediate advice.
• The Homeland Security Community Resource Network, a network of resource people and organizations that will provide expert and peer to peer information, advice, and guidance.
• Project design, planning, marketing and evaluation advice.
• A new website at www.projecttahs.org with technical assistance resources and updates related to homeland security issues.

The Corporation for National and Community Service has a long history of engaging volunteers in public safety, public health, and disaster relief. Those efforts increased in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. After those attacks, President Bush asked the Corporation to devote more resources to homeland security, and the agency quickly responded by providing $10.3 million in homeland security grants to 43 organizations in 26 states in the summer of 2002. These RSVP, AmeriCorps, and Special Volunteer Program grants have supported the recruitment of tens of thousands of volunteers for local efforts to respond to disasters and develop disaster response plans, expand Neighborhood Watch and Community Emergency Response Teams, train youth to cope with disasters, disseminate information on terrorism, and assist ham radio operators and volunteer pilots in responding to disasters. The Corporation has renewed those grants for their second year and launched a new program to engage students in making their schools and communities more secure through its Learn and Serve America program.

“The Corporation’s homeland security projects are making our communities more secure, both through their direct service, and through the tens of thousands of citizens they train and mobilize,” said Corporation CEO David Eisner. “We are pleased to be offering this new training resource to assist our programs in carrying out the vital work of making our communities and nation more secure.”

Project TAHS is supported by the Corporation’s Office of Leadership Training and Development. It is operated by Aguirre International and the Bulow Group, in partnership with individuals from the Center for Public Service at the University of North Texas and the Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement. Project Director Jane Bullock has over 25 years experience in disaster and emergency management including serving as Chief of Staff for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Project staff include George Haddow, an adjunct professor at the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management at George Washington University, with extensive experience in building public/private partnerships, business continuity planning and local hazardous materials and transportation planning; Ann Patton, Director of Tulsa Partners, Inc. whose career has been dedicated to implementing innovative, community based risk reduction programs; Dr. Nicole Vicinanza, and Ms. Anna Marie Schmidt, who have provided technical assistance CNCS programs in evaluation design, through their work on Project STAR.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Working with national and community nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies, the Corporation engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. The Corporation and its programs are part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility, and to help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org.

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