Citizen Corps Program

After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" Citizen Corps was created to help everyone in American answer these questions by promoting an understanding of our personal responsibilities for preparedness and by providing training and volunteer service opportunities to foster citizen participation to help make our communities and our nation safer.

The White House established Citizen Corps as part of USA Freedom Corps in 2002. Citizen Corps coordinated its activities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) until October 1, 2003, when it was transferred to the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP now the Office of Grants and Training) as part of the FY 04 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

With its "all-hazards" mission, Citizen Corps complements G&T's activities that enable state and local governments to prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats to the nation's homeland security. By providing a community-based structure, it gives citizens the opportunities to work with their local first responder to prepare, train and volunteer to make their hometowns safer and more secure.

Led by state and local Citizen Corps Councils, Citizen Corps implementation is tailored to the community and focuses on community-specific public education and outreach, training, and volunteer opportunities. Citizen Corps Partner Programs include CERT, Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers In Police Service, Citizen Corps affiliate programs, and other organizations, including the Corporation for National and Community Service, which promote its mission.

To learn more about Citizen Corps and to find the council nearest you, please visit www.citizencorps.gov.