The territory of Guam has established the newest state service commission in the United States. Governor Felix P. Camacho created Serve Guam by executive order on June 2.

“This is an opportunity to support the mission of our community service organizations such as AmeriCorps to encourage good citizenship, service, and civic involvement,” Governor Camacho said. “The establishment of the commission is an important step toward promoting community involvement in our island’s progress. We must also capitalize on funds that will now be made available as a result of the commission.”

AmeriCorps programs operating in Guam will now fall under the Commission’s auspices. The creation of a commission allows the Territory to continue to fully access territorial set-aside funds to carry out national and community service activities on Guam. The Commission will also now be eligible for additional funding through the AmeriCorps State Competitive program; will receive population-formula based funding including $125,000 to cover the federal share of operating expenses; an additional $84,000 will be available for Program Development and Training; and up to $30,000 in Disability Placement Funds will also be available.

The past 10 years, Guam AmeriCorps has been successfully operating a program from the Office of the Governor. The current program has 46 AmeriCorps members working to promote literacy with the Guam Public Library; provide mentoring to at-risk youth with the Department of Youth Affairs; environmental and watershed restoration with the Department of Agriculture (Forestry & Soil Division); and after-school / summer-break youth activities with the Department of Parks & Recreation.

David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps, welcomed the latest commission. “The establishment of this commission is evidence of Guam’s commitment to service and to improving the lives of its people,” Eisner said. “The Corporation welcomes the newest member of the national service family.”

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The programs of the Corporation engage 1.6 million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

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