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Washington, DC—Three National Basketball Association stars urged the nation to recognize the half-million AmeriCorps members and alumni for tackling some of society’s most difficult problems since the program was created 13 years ago to confront some of society’s most difficult challenges.
Kyle Korver, a sharp-shooting forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, was among the trio of players who tipped their hats to AmeriCorps members during the nation’s first-ever AmeriCorps Week. He was joined by Emeka Okafor, an efficient center-forward for the Charlotte Bobcats, and Paul Pierce, a high-scoring guard-forward for the Boston Celtics.
“There is nothing like the feeling of making a three-pointer or a dunk to win an NBA game. Nothing, except the feeling you get when helping people through the difficult times in their lives,” said Korver, his team’s second-leading scorer. “AmeriCorps members are superstars of service, helping children, elderly adults, communities, and the nation.”
The week gives the nation an opportunity to honor AmeriCorps members and alumni, who work to make communities safer and healthier and improve the lives of tens of millions of our most vulnerable citizens. AmeriCorps members have responded to every major natural disaster since 1994. They also teach children, build and repair homes for people in need, mentor children, leverage volunteers, and provide many other services to communities across the nation.
“Over the past 13 years, 500,000 Americans have stepped up to serve people and communities in need through AmeriCorps,” said Okafor, who recently completed his third year in the NBA. “AmeriCorps members continue making a difference every day. This week is AmeriCorps Week, so let’s all thank AmeriCorps members for their important service.”
During the first-ever AmeriCorps Week, AmeriCorps and its nonprofit and community partners across the country are thanking AmeriCorps members and alumni for the impact they’ve had, acknowledging the many contributions of public and private community groups to the program, and urging more Americans of all ages and backgrounds to sign up for a year of service in AmeriCorps.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution in honor of AmeriCorps Week, 19 governors have issued proclamations, and President Bush on Friday welcomed an AmeriCorps member to the White House to observe the week.
Hundreds of events are taking place across the United States – service projects, recruitment fairs, school presentations, alumni gatherings, awards ceremonies, an AmeriCorps video contest and a closing ceremony Sunday in Biloxi that kicks off a 20-home Habitat AmeriCorps Build-A-Thon. Most of the work performed by AmeriCorps members is done without fanfare.
“NBA players spend prime time in the limelight, but AmeriCorps members score points behind the scenes – as teachers in underserved schools, as mentors, as disaster recovery workers, and through programs helping elderly adults, and promoting volunteering and service,” said Pierce, one of the league’s top scorers. “This is AmeriCorps Week, and I join the rest of the nation in thanking AmeriCorps members who keep getting things done for America.”
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. 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 http://www.nationalservice.gov/.
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