Jackson, Miss. — The National Conference of Black Mayors and AmeriCorps*VISTA today announced a joint initiative focused on mentoring children of prisoners in 30 cities in 10 Southern states.

The initiative, which will use 40 AmeriCorps*VISTA members to set up local programs, recruit volunteer mentors, and match children with the volunteers, was announced today in Jackson by NCBM President Harvey Johnson and David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers AmeriCorps*VISTA. More than 2 million children currently have a parent in prison.

"Children of prisoners are at high risk of dropping out of school, committing crimes, and ending up in jail themselves. But their chances at success are much higher if they have more caring adults in their lives, which is exactly what this initiative aims to do," commented Eisner. "As we mark the King Holiday, there is no better way to honor his memory than by helping people to achieve his dream. We're proud to join with the National Conference of Black Mayors to help some of our most vulnerable citizens improve their chances of success in school and in life."

Added Johnson, who is also Mayor of Jackson: "As mayors, we know the expensive and destructive consequences that can result from a young person taking the wrong path in life. Mentors provide the stability and encouragement that young people need to succeed. This initiative with AmeriCorps*VISTA will help our cities recruit hundreds of mentors for this vulnerable population."

Children of prisoners often live in poverty and have limited opportunities for an adequate education. According to a recent U.S. Senate report, children of prisoners are six times more likely than other children to be incarcerated at some point in their lives. In his 2003 State of the Union Address, President Bush highlighted this problem and launched a program to recruit and connect mentors with children of prisoners. The AmeriCorps*VISTA initiative announced today is the latest effort by the Corporation for National and Community Service to address this problem. This year, more than 500 VISTA and Senior Corps members will be deployed to mentor and support children of prisoners.

Established in 1974, the National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. (NCBM) is a private, nonpolitical, nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. It serves over 500 mayors nationwide, who represent more than 30 million citizens. NCBM's mission is to enhance the executive management capacity of its members for the purpose of governing viable municipalities.

Since 1965, AmeriCorps*VISTA members have assisted communities and organizations throughout the country in fighting poverty. Members serve full time for a year in nonprofit groups, public agencies, and faith-based organizations throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create and expand businesses, increase housing opportunities, and bridge the digital divide. AmeriCorps*VISTA is part of AmeriCorps, a national service program which engages Americans of all ages each year in intensive service to meet community needs. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. It is part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

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