Chairman George Miller issued the following statement today in response to a new report that shows that number of Americans volunteering is rising across the country – even though volunteering has typically decreased in previous economic downturns. According to the report, Volunteering in America, released by the Corporation for National and Community Service, one million more Americans volunteered in 2008 than in 2007. Overall almost 62 million Americans – or more than a quarter of the adult population – volunteered in 2008.
“This report should make each and every one of us optimistic about the future of volunteerism. It reminds us that service is a deeply held American value – and that Americans’ desire to help their neighbors and communities only grows stronger in difficult times. Unlike in previous economic downturns, people are turning out in record numbers to volunteer and become a part of the solution to the many challenges we face. Earlier this year, President Obama and Congress took an historic step to unleash this spirit and commitment to service by enacting the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This law is already helping to launch a new era of service that will help improve our schools, transition to a green, clean-energy economy, create healthier of communities, and ensure that our nation can emerge from this economic downturn stronger and more vibrant.”
By Kruger, Mike on July 6, 2009 11:15 AM
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The Wall Street Journal ran an article this morning to draw attention to the abusive use of seclusion and restraint within schools. These abuses were brought to national attention during a hearing by the Education and Labor Committee.
In Washington, the effort to limit the use of such techniques is being championed by Rep. George Miller, chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor. In January, the California Democrat called for the GAO review, and last month his committee held hearings. What was discovered, he said in an interview, is a system "in which children are unnecessarily dying and being harmed."
In testimony before Congress in May, Education Secretary Arne Duncan called such findings "disturbing" and said he is instructing chief school officers in all 50 states to detail their plans for keeping students safe.
...
The scope of any possible federal law is still uncertain. Mr. Miller and others involved in the discussions say they would like it to be crafted so that states are primarily responsible for developing and enforcing policies.
His case is one of 10 to be highlighted today during a hearing on Capitol Hill over the use of restraint and seclusion in the USA's public and private schools — techniques often used to control children with disabilities.
A new report from the Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative arm, also out today, finds "widespread" allegations of abuse involving the practices in schools — even when students aren't physically aggressive or dangerous to themselves or others.
Investigators say they uncovered hundreds of allegations of abuse involving restraint or seclusion at public and private schools nationwide between 1990 and 2009.
On Wednesday, May 20, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will testify before the House Education and Labor Committee about President Obama’s agenda for transforming American education. This will mark Secretary’s first appearance on Capitol Hill to outline the President’s education goals.
One of the proposals the committee will examine is President Obama’s FY 2010 budget proposal, which would increase the Pell Grant scholarship and other forms of student aid by almost $100 billion over ten years – and at no cost to taxpayers. The President’s plan would be paid for by ending the subsidies the federal government currently pays to lenders in the federally-guaranteed student loan programs and re-directing those savings back into additional aid for low- and middle-income students.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on May 14, 2009 5:54 PM
On Tuesday, May 19, the House Committee on Education and Labor will hold a hearing to examine abusive and deadly uses of seclusion and restraint in U.S. schools. Seclusion and restraint are physical interventions used by teachers and other school staff to prevent students from hurting themselves or others.
WHAT: Full Committee Hearing on “Examining the Abusive and Deadly Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools”
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on May 12, 2009 12:02 PM
(Updated on May 14, 2009 to reflect bill as passed by House.)
Below are estimates of the amount of funding that each state and school district would receive to modernize, upgrade and repair school facilities under the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, if it were to be enacted. These are estimates only based on available and current data and may not reflect exact allocations that states or school districts receive when these funds are actually allocated.
Preliminary estimates from the Congressional Research Service (as calculated on May 13, 2009):
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on May 12, 2009 10:36 AM
On Thursday, May 14, the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, will hold a hearing to examine how improvements to child nutrition programs can help fight the nation’s childhood obesity crisis.
Child nutrition experts across the board agree that childhood obesity poses the greatest threats to the nation’s physical and financial health. Today, one-third of U.S. children and adolescents, about 25 million, are obese or overweight. Child nutrition programs provide children with access to low-cost, nutritious food to support healthy growth and development.
WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing on “Improving Child Nutrition Programs to Reduce Childhood Obesity”
WHO: U.S. Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE)
U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
Michele Paterson, First Lady of New York, New York City & Albany, NY
Nancy Copperman, director, Public Health
Initiatives Office of Community Health, North Shore Long Island Jewish
Health
System, Great Neck, NY
Dr. Virginia A. Stallings, MD, chair, Institutes of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Nutrition Standards for National School
Lunch and Breakfast Programs
Dr. Patricia Crawford, MD, director, Atkins Center for Weight and Health, Berkeley, CA
Additional Witnesses TBA
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on May 12, 2009 9:11 AM
The House is scheduled to vote this week on the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. The bill would make critical investments to provide more students with modern, healthier, more environmentally-friendly classrooms. It would also support hundreds of thousands of new construction jobs and invest more than half a billion dollars for school facility improvements in the Gulf Coast, where many schools still face considerable damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on April 29, 2009 4:39 PM
Below is information for workers, families, schools and employers about how to protect our communities by reducing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. What is the H1N1 Flu?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees to provide an eligible employee with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for reasons, including caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition, and taking medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.
Enthusiasm for service in America is at an all time high. This New York Time's graphic shows the huge increase in applications to Americorp over this time last year.
Many of these applicants will be able to serve due to the recently passed Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act. The Act grows the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. These new service opportunities will include the expansion of existing service programs, like AmeriCorps, as well as four new service corps focused on education, health care, energy and veterans. All service programs established under the bill will be overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
AmeriCorps is experiencing a significant surge of applications. Last month, AmeriCorps received 17,038 online applications, nearly triple the 6,770 received in March 2008. In the past five months, AmeriCorps received 48,520 online applications, up 234 percent over the 14,532 that came in during the same five month period a year ago. Many volunteer centers and nonprofit groups are also reporting a “compassion boom” of increased numbers of volunteers.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on April 22, 2009 3:26 PM
(This is a guest blog post by Rep. Dale Kildee, Education and Labor Committee Member and Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.)
Today is the 40th celebration of Earth Day – a day of action and of giving back to our planet. Events are taking place in communities across the nation, in schools and on college campuses. Through acts as simple as changing a light bulb or planting a tree, and as complex as committing themselves to “going green” in all aspects of their lives, people throughout our country are making a big difference. Congress has also made a commitment to do its part by helping to make our schools part of the green solution.
School buildings should be safe, healthy and modern learning environments for children and teachers. By helping school districts to make schools environmentally friendly, or “green,” we can create facilities that have tremendous health, educational, financial and environmental benefits.
Research has shown that green schools are both healthy and conducive to
learning. Studies have demonstrated a reduction in absences due to
illness caused by schools’ indoor pollutants. These illnesses, such as
asthma, are the cause of more than fourteen million missed school days
each year. Improved ventilation, day lighting, acoustics and indoor air
quality have also been shown to boost academic performance,
concentration and overall student achievement. Due to improved teacher
retention and increased student attendance, there is more time for
teaching and learning in these productive environments.
In addition to the health and learning benefits, green schools use 33%
less energy and 30% less water than a conventional school. On average,
this saves the typical green school $100,000 each year in reduced
energy and water costs. Green schools also reduce harmful carbon
dioxide emissions, which helps diminish global climate change and
lessen our collective carbon footprint. Additionally, these schools
become interactive teaching tools where students see, first-hand, the
importance of protecting our planet and build the capacity to solve
some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
According to recent estimates, America’s schools are hundreds of
billions of dollars short of appropriate facilities funding, and
millions of students attend schools that are unhealthy and unsafe. To
address these challenges and help to ensure that every child attends a
green, high-quality facility, Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY), Chairman
George Miller (D-CA) and I introduced H.R. 3021, “The 21st Century
Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act,” in the 110th
Congress. This bill, which passed the House last summer, would
dedicate billions of dollars to helping school districts implement
school facilities projects that meet a recognized green building
standard, and it will continue to be a priority for us in this
Congress, as well as for Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA), another
leader in this effort. Additionally, among “The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act’s” historic investments in education are billions of
dollars that school districts can use for such projects, among other
uses.
I believe that Congress must be a leader in promoting environmental
innovation, especially in helping school districts do so. By helping
to create environmentally friendly schools, we can foster a green
generation prepared to tackle future challenges. I hope you will join
with me this Earth Day to support healthy, high-performing, green
schools.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on April 21, 2009 10:58 AM
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Yesterday, The New York Times' City Room blog reported on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's announcement of a series of programs and partnerships to encourage volunteerism among city residents.
Today, President Obama is scheduled to sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. This week is also National Volunteer Week (April 19-25).
The idea is to capitalize on the local history of activism and volunteerism and channel New Yorkers’ goodwill into worthy causes that could make a palpable difference in these difficult economic times. One of the initiatives, for example, will create the NYC Civic Corps, which will shepherd volunteers into public agencies and nonprofit groups. Others will expand the city’s auxiliary police force and Block Watch programs, as well as offer legal service and financial counseling to families who are facing foreclosure or otherwise need help managing their debt.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on April 21, 2009 10:23 AM
Today, Chairman George Miller and Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee Chair Carolyn McCarthy, the lead House authors of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, will join President Barack Obama as he signs the legislation into law. The legislation, his first major bipartisan initiative to get enacted, will launch a new era of American service that creates opportunities for citizens of all ages to play a part in our nation’s recovery. First Lady Michele Obama, Former President Bill Clinton, and Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter are also expected to attend today’s signing, which comes during National Volunteer Week (April 19-25).
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act grows the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000 – more than triple the current 75,000. These new service opportunities will include the expansion of existing service programs, like AmeriCorps, as well as four new service corps focused on education, health care, energy and veterans. All service programs established under the bill will be overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
WHAT:
Chairmen Miller, McCarthy Join President Obama at Signing Ceremony for Landmark National Service Bill WHEN:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
4:00 p.m., EDT WHERE:
The SEED School
4300 C Street SE
Washington, D.C.
The New York Times highlighted an important element of the recently passed Serve America Act in an article yesterday. The Act reserves 10% of the money for AmeriCorps to enroll adults over 55. This is in recognition of the volunteer spirit of older Americans. In 2005, nearly a third of all baby boomers volunteered with formal
organizations -– the highest volunteer rate of any group of Americans
according to the Corporation for National & Community Service.
Specifically,
the legislation establishes a separate program, a $1,000 educational stipend called a Silver Scholarship, for adults over 55 who serve 350 or more hours with a qualified organization, Mr. Gomperts said. That money can be transferred to a child, foster child or grandchild.
In addition, AmeriCorps volunteers age 55 and older who serve full time for a year would be able to transfer their education award, which would be increased to $5,350 from $4,725, to a child, foster child or grandchild.
The bill also creates Encore Fellowships matching those age 55 and older with public or private nonprofit organizations for one-year management or leadership positions. Just as internships help younger adults enter a new field, these modestly paid positions provide a bridge for professionals from the for-profit world to second careers in the nonprofit world.
For more information on the role service programs play in each state, click here.
Earlier
this month, Chairman Miller hosted a press conference with U.S. Rep.
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the sponsor of the legislation, House
lawmakers and nearly a hundred local area volunteers whose
organizations stand to benefit from the Serve America Act. To view
footage from the event, click here.
At
a hearing in February, the Education and Labor Committee heard from
witnesses about the many benefits of service and volunteering,
including education initiatives, green service initiatives, veterans
work, and more. For more information on that hearing, click here.
By Kruger, Mike on April 1, 2009 10:08 AM
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CNN has an article about the efforts by Americorps' volunteers to rebuild parts of Cedar Rapids after the floods in June 2008.
In many ways, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and dozens of other communities still haven't recovered from the record-setting June 2008 floods that ripped apart homes and lives across eastern Iowa.
But with the help of organizations and programs supported by the AmeriCorps volunteer service program, they are seeing significant improvements.
We encourage you to read the entire article and then read about the recently passed Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that President Obama will sign upon his return from Europe. What is happening in Cedar Rapids and other communities around the country is exactly why demand to expand this program led to broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 30, 2009 2:56 PM
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On March 31, the House is expected to vote on final passage of H.R. 1388, a national service bill now known as the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The bill was previously passed in the House as the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act. The House will be voting on amendments passed by the Senate on March 26.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 30, 2009 12:55 PM
Calling Americans to Serve at a Critical Time
President Obama has called on Congress to create new service and volunteer opportunities for Americans that will help to build a stronger country. This legislation answers his call. It will launch a new era of service that will give Americans of all ages the opportunity to help our nation recover and make progress on education, health care, energy and other key goals by volunteering, whether it is helping students achieve in school, weatherizing homes and greening communities, rebuilding cities in times of disaster, feeding the hungry, helping seniors live independently, and much more.
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (H.R. 1388), which received final passage by the House on March 31 by a vote of 275-149, includes new changes (highlighted in red below) from the previous version of the bill, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. The bill authorizes nearly $6 billion over five years – FY 2010 through FY 2014.
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (H.R. 1388):
Creates 175,000 New Service Opportunities and Rewards Americans for Commitment
Grows the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. These new service opportunities will include the expansion of existing service programs, like AmeriCorps, as well as four new service corps focused on education, health care, energy and veterans. All service programs established under the bill will be overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Increases the full-time education award service members receive in exchange for their work to $5,350 for 2010. This award would also be linked to match future increases in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
Creates New Service Corps to Meet Key Needs in Low-Income Communities
Establishes four new service corps to address key needs in low income communities, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.
Provides Incentives for Middle and High School Students to Engage in Service
Establishes the Summer of Service program that engages middle and high school students in volunteer activities in their communities and allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs. Students will be eligible to participate in two terms of service and earn up to a total of $1,000.
Makes High School Students Part of Solution to Challenges in their Communities
Establishes Youth Engagement Zones, a new service-learning program to engage low-income high school students and out-of-school youth in volunteer efforts that address challenges in their local communities. The program will encourage partnerships between community-based organizations and schools in high-need communities and apply real world activities to teach students about a certain topic. For example, volunteering in a homeless shelter could supplement a class about poverty.
Boosts Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Foster Youth and Native Americans
Expands opportunities for disadvantaged youth, including doubling the resources available to engage youth with disabilities, to become more involved with service and offers people of all ages and those from diverse backgrounds introduction to service.
Encourages adults to serve as mentors for foster youth.
Establishes a new office for service opportunities for Native Americans.
Strengthens Disaster Relief Service Efforts
Expands the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy conservation, and urban and rural development.
Encourages service partnerships with other federal agencies and increases the participation of disadvantaged youth to 50 percent of program participants by 2011.
Establishes an Alumni Reserve to Respond in Emergencies
Establishes an alumni corps of former participants who can be called to service during times of disaster and other emergencies.
Bolsters America’s Competitiveness
Encourages scientists, technicians and mathematicians to participate in service programs to help keep our nation competitive.
Expands Service Opportunities for Older Americans and Public-Private Partnerships
Creates two new fellowships to engage social entrepreneurs, boomers and retirees, the private sector and Americans from all generations into service. Older Americans will be allowed to transfer their awards to a child, foster child or grandchild to help them pay for college.
ServeAmerica Fellowships: ServeAmerica Fellows are individuals who propose their own plans for serving in their communities to address national needs and are matched up with a service sponsor.
Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships: These programs offer Americans, age 55 or older, post-career service opportunities as well as entrance into new careers in the public or nonprofit sector. Silver Scholars will be able to earn up to $1,000 in exchange for 350 hours of service.
Creates a nationwide community-based infrastructure to leverage investments in service
Builds a nationwide service infrastructure through community-building investments, social entrepreneurship, and programs to support and generate new volunteers.
Community Solutions Fund: Creates a Community Solutions Fund pilot program that awards competitive matching grants to social entrepreneur venture funds in order to provide community organizations with the resources to replicate or expand proven solutions to community challenges, including a new focus on leveraging public private partnerships in small communities and rural areas.(Examples of service organizations that were launched by social entrepreneurs include Teach for America, City Year, Citizen Schools, Jump Start, Working Today, an organization that provides affordable, portable health benefits to 100,000 Americans, and the SEED school, the nation’s first public urban boarding school.)
Volunteer Generation Fund: Provides grants to improve the quality and capacity of organizations to work with volunteers, and to create innovations in volunteerism in the areas of recruitment, training and management.
Encourages Highly Skilled Professionals to Help Improve Global Health
Expands the Volunteers for Prosperity program which encourages highly skilled professionals to serve internationally in targeted areas of need such as global health.
Establishes Call to Service Campaigns
Includes a Call to Service Campaign to launch a national campaign encouraging all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance
Recognizes and Supports Colleges and Universities Engaged in Service
Establishes the Campuses of Service to support and recognize institutions of higher education with exemplary service-learning programs and assists students in the pursuit of public service careers.
KTVU ran a news report on March 28, 2009 highlighting the GIVE Act (HR 1388) and Chairman Miller's efforts to increase volunteerism and service in California and nationwide.
The recession is affecting artists, dancers and musicians everywhere, including the Bay Area, but hope is on the way. A House committee in Washington is examining how communities everywhere are being affected. $50 million has been set aside to give a boost to the arts and entertainment industry. The arts are big business generating 5.7 million jobs and $166 billion in economic activity each year. The House Education and Labor Committee, chaired by Congressman George Miller (D) of Concord, was told artists are unemployed and need their share of the stimulus package.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 25, 2009 12:58 PM
On Thursday, March 26, the Committee will hold a hearing to examine how the economy is affecting jobs in the arts and music industries, and the role these industries play in communities across the country. This is the first in a series of hearings the Committee will hold this Spring.
Recent news reports have highlighted the tough economic realities arts and music organizations are facing – many are cutting budgets and programs that are the engine of the local economy and provide meaningful employment opportunities for workers. According to research conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, unemployment for artists rose at a higher rate than the overall workforce in 2008.
WHAT: Full Committee Hearing on “The Economic and Employment Impact of the Arts and Music Industry”
WHO: U.S. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), co-chair, Congressional Arts Caucus
Michael Bahr, Education Director, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, UT
Tim Daly, actor and co-president, The Creative Coalition
Joanne Florino, executive director, Triad Foundation, Inc., Ithaca, NY
Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO, Americans for the Arts, Washington, DC
Michael Spring, director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami, FL
Bruce Ridge, musician and chairman, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, Raleigh, NC
John Thomasian, director, National Governors' Association, Center for Best Practices, Washington, DC
WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
By Kruger, Mike on March 24, 2009 9:51 AM
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In yesterday's New York Times, they ran an editorial highlighting the GIVE Act and its value to America. The Editorial Board highlights the measure this way:
The nation is close to a major civic breakthrough. By a 321-to-105 vote last week, the House approved an ambitious bipartisan measure to enlarge the opportunities for Americans of all ages and income levels to participate in productive national and community service.
A similar plan is now before the Senate. A favorable vote this week would help speed a worthy initiative to President Obama’s desk.
Essentially, the measure is an expansion of AmeriCorps, the existing domestic service program. It would increase the number of full-time and part-time service volunteers to 250,000 from 75,000 and create new programs focused on special areas like strengthening schools, improving health care for low-income communities, boosting energy efficiency and cleaning up parks.
This editorial sums up the importance of this bi-partisan effort like this:
This is a chance to constructively harness the idealism of thousands of Americans eager to contribute time and energy to solving the nation’s problems — a chance not to be missed.
USA Today reported Friday, that unemployment amongst veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan was at 11.2 percent. The GIVE Act could help mitigate this through The GIVE Act by creating opportunities for veterans to provide education, mentoring, and job training to fellow servicemen.
In Saturday’s edition of the Navy Times, Rick Maze highlights one of the provisions of the GIVE Act that would create a separate Veterans’ Corps designed to help veterans meet the needs of their fellow servicemen and women.
A
new national service program in which veterans would help other
veterans was approved by the House of Representatives this week after
an amendment was approved ensuring that volunteers earn extra education
benefits — without risking GI Bill benefits already earned — for their
additional service.
The Veterans’ Corps is part of a larger
national service bill, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and
Education Act, or GIVE Act, which passed the House on Wednesday by a
321-105 vote. The bill, HR 1388, now goes to the Senate, where there is
also interest in creating a special national service program for
veterans.
President Barack Obama has a new column in Time magazine this week entitled "A New Era of Service" where he explains that through service, he found that his story fit into the larger American story.
In this spirit, Congress is now poised to send me bipartisan legislation — the Serve America and GIVE Acts — that, if passed, will usher in a new era of service in this new century.
This legislation will help connect people at all stages of life with opportunities to serve. It will establish an army of 250,000 Americans a year who are willing to serve part time or full time working to meet our most pressing challenges, from modernizing our schools to building homes for those in need. And this legislation will provide new support for social entrepreneurship, identifying and nurturing promising new service programs around the country.
Members of Congress from across the political spectrum — from Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Enzi and Representative Howard (Buck) McKeon to Senators Ted Kennedy and Barbara Mikulski and Representative George Miller — have pledged their support for this legislation. I urge Congress to follow their lead and move quickly to pass it so that I can sign it into law. And I pledge that my Administration will also do its part to help more Americans serve their communities. At this time of economic crisis, when so many people are in need of help, this work could not be more urgent.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:43 PM
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in part by establishing a new Clean Energy Corps focused on energy efficiency and conservation. The bill will increase the education reward participants receive for this service from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award.
It will also expand the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include environmental and energy conservation efforts. Many of the new service and volunteer programs it will establish for younger students could include opportunities that enhance climate change education and introduce young Americans to the green-collar jobs of the future by performing energy audits and retrofits, weatherizing homes, rebuilding trails and parks, building and maintaining gardens and green spaces in communities, managing recycling programs, and more.
Studies show that green and other service initiatives yield direct, tangible economic benefits. A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps, under which many green service programs currently operate, shows that every $1 invested produced returns of $1.50 to $3.90 in direct measurable benefits. Similarly, every dollar invested in weatherization – a major green service component – produces $3.71 in benefits.
Green service programs are already making a big difference in communities across the country. Currently, more than a hundred energy conservation service programs operate in 46 states and serve 26,000 young Americans each year. For example, the Montana Conservation Corps have weatherized and retrofit more than 4,000 homes in low income communities and reservations. In Colorado, the Mile High Youth Corps – 50 percent are high school dropouts – perform energy audits and retrofits that save families in Denver $110 a year in utility costs. For more examples of similar initiatives, click here.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:41 PM
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The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will help increase our nation’s preparedness in responding to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters that have devastated communities in recent years.
American service organizations and volunteers have played a vital role in relief and recovery efforts in the wake of tragedies. For example, since August 2005, the Corporation for National and Community Service, has provided more than $130 million worth of relief to Gulf Coast states devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and deployed nearly 92,000 national service volunteers who have put in over 3.5 million hours helping communities rebuild. This doesn’t include the additional 260,000 community volunteers involved in the recovery.
Even before floods devastated homes and businesses in southeast Iowa, volunteers were on the ground. To date, AmeriCorps has coordinated over 800,000 volunteer hours to help the state recover.
The Serve America Act creates a greater infrastructure and capacity for respond to disasters by growing the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. The bill also makes it possible for existing programs to respond more effectively by expanding the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include disaster relief and infrastructure improvement. The bill also establishes an alumni corps of former participants who can be called to service during times of disaster and other emergencies.
By increasing the numbers of volunteers and service corps, the
legislation will give critical programs, such as the St. Bernard
Project, a program that helps get families back into their homes after
Hurricane Katrina, have more hands to help rebuild communities and
lives.
Americans’ desire to give back is growing. In the five year after
September 11th, the percent of college students who volunteer increased
to over 30 percent. In 2007, more than 61 million Americans spent over
8 billion hours volunteering, generating $158 billion worth of
benefits.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:39 PM
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The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act comes as nearly 65,000 college students prepare to volunteer and serve on alternative Spring Breaks this year – up 11 percent over last year. Young Americans are serving in record numbers – and facing a difficult job market in today’s economy. Of the 1.2 million jobs lost last year, 60 percent were held by workers under the age of 25.
National and community service and volunteerism among college students is especially high. From September 2001 to 2006, the overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased to over 30 percent, exceeding the volunteer rate for adults. According to a 2006 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as Americans of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Specifically, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in key areas like education, clean energy, health care, and assistance for veterans. The bill will also increase the education reward they receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award will be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:38 PM
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The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act provides the most significant expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities for middle and high school students in generations.
It will help our nation get through the economic crisis by making Americans of all ages a part of the solution to the many challenges facing the nation, including education. The bill will both increase opportunities for students to get involved with service and boost service initiatives focused on education, including mentoring programs and programs that help boost student achievement. This is the largest expansion of national service since President Kennedy issued his call to service over fifty years ago.
Young Americans have a growing interest in service: In 2008, more than
a quarter of Americans over the age of 16 volunteered. Research shows
that youth who engage in service and volunteerism are more likely to be
altruistic adults, and more likely to say they’ll pursue college.
To give more young Americans the opportunity to get involved, the GIVE
Act will create a Summer of Service Program to engage middle and high
school students in volunteer activities in their communities. In return
for their service contributions, students will earn a $500 education
award to put toward getting a college education.
It also will establish new Youth Engagement Zones, service learning
programs that will build partnerships between community-based
organizations and schools to help high school students and
out-of-school youth address specific challenges, especially in
low-income communities.
Overall, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of
volunteer opportunities for Americans of all ages, from 75,000 to
250,000, and establishes a new service corps focused on education. It
will also increase the education reward participants receive from
$4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant
scholarship award.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:36 PM
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The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will triple the number of volunteers, including the existing Senior Corp program, nationwide to 250,000, up from 75,000. Currently, Senior Corps is made up of 475,000 volunteers who contribute 116 million hours of service each year. The Senior Corps captures the skills and talents of people over 55 to meet community needs through mentoring, serving as foster grandparents, and helping other seniors continue to live independently. Older Americans will be allowed to transfer their education awards to a child, foster child or grandchild to help them pay for college.
In 2005, nearly a third of all baby boomers volunteered with formal organizations -– the highest volunteer rate of any group of Americans according to the Corporation for National & Community Service. The bill will create Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships that will create opportunities for seniors to transition into service after they have retired. Silver Scholars will be able to earn up to $1,000 in exchange for 350 hours of service. For seniors who may need to re-enter the workforce to make ends meet, these programs can also help them transition into new careers in the public or nonprofit sector.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 18, 2009 1:34 PM
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act creates a separate Veteran’s Corps designed to help veterans meet the needs of their fellow servicemen and women. In this economic crisis, this program will help mitigate the disproportionately high levels of unemployment among veterans by creating opportunities for them to continue their highly valued service. To watch a video of Retired Capt. Scott Quilty, who served in Iraq, explain how volunteer opportunities can help veterans recover from war and rebuild communities, click here.
Veterans are uniquely situated to understand and meet the special needs of those returning home from war. The Veteran’s Corps will function similarly to AmeriCorps or Senior Corps by creating opportunities for veterans to continue serving their country. The Serve America Act will support programs that help provide education, mentoring, and job training to fellow veterans. It will be the first program of its kind.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Below are the prepared remarks of U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, during House consideration of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 1388.
***
Madam Speaker, today we consider legislation that is vital to the
spirit of America and to our future. A few weeks ago, President Obama
called on Congress to quickly deliver legislation that will launch a
new era of American service.
Today the House will answer his call. The GIVE Act will help our country get through this crisis. It recognizes that service is a deeply ingrained American value.
We consider this bill at a time when our nation faces enormous challenges. Families are losing jobs, health care, child care, and other key services. Schools and colleges are seeing their budgets evaporate.
Our public needs are growing while our resources for meeting them are disappearing.
This legislation will make Americans a part of the solution to getting our country back on track.
Service is the lifeblood of this country. We have seen this throughout history. In times of crisis, Americans stand up to help.
We saw this during World Wars I and II, when the Red Cross helped soldiers, their families, and returning veterans and later led relief efforts during the Great Depression.
We saw this after September 11th, when our citizens, young and old, sprung to action to help their fellow neighbors.
We saw this in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when volunteers were on the ground before the federal government.
They were a beacon of hope amidst serious despair. Today, volunteers continue to play a huge role in Gulf Coast relief efforts.
We’ve seen this in my state of California, where communities have been ravaged by floods, earthquake and wildfires.
And we saw this last June, when floods devastated homes and businesses in southeast Iowa. Even before the storms came, volunteers were there. To date, AmeriCorps has coordinated over 800,000 volunteer hours in Iowa.
Volunteers play many roles. They teach in our classrooms, clean up our trails, build and weatherize homes, shelter the homeless and feed the hungry. All the while, they learn valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives.
Interest in service is growing. In 2008, more than 61 million Americans spent over eight billion hours volunteering.
More than a quarter of Americans over the age of 16 have volunteered.
In 2008, Teach for America, an AmeriCorps program which recruits teachers to high-need schools, saw its highest number of applicants.
These are students who are often recruited by leading firms, but instead decide to teach in some of our most impoverished and rural communities.
Service also yields impressive economic returns.
In 2006, Americans who served generated benefits worth $158 billion.
A cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps shows that every $1 invested can produce almost $4 in returns.
In Denver, the Mile High Youth Corps, half of whom are high school dropouts, perform energy audits and retrofits that save families $110 a year in utility bills.
In Louisiana, the Saint Bernard Project, a volunteer program that rebuilds homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, will welcome their 200th family back to a home today.
The GIVE Act will renew America at a time when our citizens and our communities want to help. It will create a continuum of service for Americans of all ages, from middle school through retirement.
It builds on the effective service initiatives out there today. It establishes service corps targeting critical needs by:
Boosting student achievement in low-income communities; improving energy-efficiency, which saves families and taxpayers money, while introducing Americans to green jobs; providing services and care to veterans; expanding access to affordable health care coverage.
A big focus throughout this bill is education. We think this is the right way to leverage our young people’s interest in service, and to help them get a good education.
In exchange for doing a term or a year of service, middle school, high school and college age students can earn money to pay for college or repay debt.
Another big focus of this bill is our veterans. Many members of our armed forces or the National Guard are already volunteering abroad as engineers, electricians and plumbers.
It’s time to create more opportunities that harness the skills they’ve fine-tuned abroad for the public good here at home.
And this legislation puts seniors and retirees at the front lines of service. Seniors are already making enormous volunteer contributions.
In this economy, with incomes and retirement savings plummeting, many seniors may need additional income after they retire, or need to learn new skills to re-enter the workforce. This bill gives them that chance.
Ultimately, this legislation is about the American community.
Service dots the entire American landscape.
Go into any neighborhood, and you’ll find Americans of all ages, races, religions and backgrounds coming together to change lives.
As Richard Stengell, of Time recently told our committee, “At a time like this, service is not a luxury but an effort that can help us rebuild, restore confidence and prepare for the future.”
Service is an American value. Our President recognizes that we should be tapping into this at a pivotal moment.
I’d like to thank Congresswoman McCarthy, Congressman McKeon and his staff, and our colleagues on the committee for all their hard work on this legislation.
I’d also like to thank Denise Forte, Stephanie Moore, Alex Ceja, Margaret Young, Fred Jones, Melissa Salmanowitz and Jessica Kahanek on my staff for their tireless efforts.
I urge my colleagues, in the spirit of bipartisanship to support this bill.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 17, 2009 3:51 PM
The Corporation for National & Community Service offers state-by-state data on which national service programs are currently operating in each state. Click here to find out about your state »
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 11, 2009 10:51 AM
Today, the Committee approved the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
by a bipartisan vote of 34-3. In his address to a joint session of Congress, President
Barack Obama made national service a key priority and asked Congress to
take quick action. This legislation, which the House is expected to consider in the coming weeks, answers his call.
The GIVE Act will create new service opportunities for Americans by more than
tripling the current number of volunteers, raising the
number to 250,000. It will also boost the education awards volunteers
receive in exchange for their service - encouraging more young students
to get involved in service while helping them pay for college. And it
will help prepare current and future generations for jobs in the green
economy, and establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of
veterans and military families.
President Obama called on Congress to send him similar legislation in his first major address to Congress; the House is expected to consider the measure in the coming weeks.
The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act will create new service opportunities for Americans by more than tripling the current number of volunteers, raising the number to 250,000. It will also boost the education awards volunteers receive in exchange for their service - encouraging more young students to get involved in service while helping them pay for college. And it will help prepare current and future generations for jobs in the green economy, and establish a Veterans Corp to meet the unique needs of veterans and military families.
WHAT: Education and Labor Committee Mark-Up of H.R. 1388, the GIVE Act
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
10:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE:
Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
America is facing unprecedented challenges – the economy, health care, energy, schools in need of improvement and more. With our public needs intensifying in this recession, there’s no better time to support and energize community service and volunteerism to help our country get through this economic crisis, restore confidence and prepare our nation for the future.
Creates 175,000 New Service Opportunities and Rewards Americans for Commitment
Grows
the number of volunteers nationwide to 250,000, up from
75,000. The bill also links the full-time education award to the
maximum authorized Pell Grant award amount in order to keep up with
rising college costs.
Provides Incentives for Middle and High School Students to Engage in Service
Establishes
the Summer of Service program that engages middle and high school
students in volunteer activities in their communities and allows them
to earn a $500 education award to be used for college costs.
Makes High School Students Part of Solution to Challenges in their Communities
Establishes
Youth Engagement Zones, a new service-learning program to help bridge
partnerships between community based organizations and schools in
high-need, low-income communities to engage high school students and
out-of-school youth in service-learning to address specific challenges
their communities face.
Recognizes and Supports Colleges and Universities Engaged in Service
Establishes
the Campuses of Service to support and recognize institutions of higher
education with exemplary service-learning programs and assists students
in the pursuit of public service careers.
Boosts Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth
Expands
opportunities for disadvantaged youth, including those with
disabilities, to become more involved with service and strives to
include people of all ages and those from diverse background in
volunteerism.
Creates Green and Other New Service Corps to Meet Key Needs in Low-Income Communities
Establishes four new service corps to address key needs in low income communities, including a Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures, an Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation, a Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access, and a Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans.
Broadens Scope of Collaborative Service Efforts
Expands
the focus of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to include
disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental and energy
conservation, and urban and rural development.
Encourages service partnerships with other federal agencies.
Recruits Scientists and Engineers to Service to Keep America Competitive
Recruits scientists, technicians, mathematicians and engineers into national service to help keep America competitive.
Establishes an Alumni Reserve to Respond in Emergencies
Establishes an alumni corps of former participants who can be called to service during times of disaster and other emergencies.
Expands Service Opportunities for Older Americans and Public-Private Partnerships
Creates
two new fellowships to engage social entrepreneurs, seniors and
retirees, the private sector and Americans from all generations in
service.
ServeAmerica Fellowships:
ServeAmerica Fellows are individuals who propose their own plans for
serving in their communities to address national needs and are matched
up with a service sponsor.
Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships: These
programs offer seniors, age 55 or older, opportunities to
transition into service post-career as well as entrance into new
careers in the public or nonprofit sector.
Creates a Nationwide Community-Based Infrastructure to Leverage Investments in Service
Builds a nationwide service infrastructure through community-building investments and social entrepreneurship.
Community Solutions Fund: Creates a Community Solutions Fund pilot program that awards competitive matching grants to social entrepreneur venture funds in order to provide community organizations with the resources to replicate or expand proven solutions to community challenges.
Volunteer Generation Fund: Provides grants to improve the quality and capacity of organizations to work with volunteers, and to create innovations in volunteerism in the areas of recruitment, training and management.
Establishes Call to Service Campaigns
Includes a Call to Service Campaign to launch a national campaign encouraging all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Support for the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388)
"We, the undersigned Mayors, support expanding community and national service opportunities for Americans of all ages. In this difficult time for our country, service remains an enduring American value that brings people together and reminds us of the strength of our common bond. As mayors, we have seen first hand how important community and national service can be to help us address pressing challenges in our cities and towns...
"We urge the Congress to promptly pass and fully fund the bi-partisan Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act – H.R. 1388."
"We write in support of reauthorizing and expanding AmeriCorps and
other national service and volunteer programs that the Corporation for
National and Community Service administers. Accordingly, we support
the passage of the House Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and
Education (GIVE) Act and the Senate Serve America Act. In this
difficult time for our country, service remains an enduring American
value that brings communities together and reminds us of the strength
of our common bond.
"As Governors, we witness firsthand the
positive effects that national service and volunteerism have in
communities throughout our states. Through outstanding state-federal
partnerships, we have a unique opportunity to support service and
volunteering through Corporation for National and Community Service
programs. Additionally, Governor-appointed state commissions oversee
and administer AmeriCorps, promote national service and volunteering,
and develop innovative volunteer opportunities to meet the needs of our
communities and our states."
"I too agree with President Obama's call to Congress to invest in our nation's recovery through service. The time is now! Today's challenges are why the work of those who choose to serve their communities through programs such as those supported by the GIVE Act is so crucial."
“Students graduating from high school and college face two of the greatest challenges in our nation’s history – an economic crisis and global warming. This legislation will jumpstart a new generation of green leaders by teaching them skills needed to develop clean energy and improve our nation’s energy efficiency, which is the cheapest, fastest, and cleanest way to reduce global warming pollution and save money.”
Jim Presswood, Federal Energy Policy Director Natural Resources Defense Council
"On behalf of the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU), thank you for including provisions in the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388) that support community service and service learning efforts by universities. We endorse the overall purpose of the legislation to encourage more Americans to serve and volunteer in areas of national need...
"As anchors for our nation’s cities, USU institutions are engaged in partnerships and outreach within our local communities and metropolitan areas, including community service and service learning."
"The GIVE Act will dramatically improve the national service field’s ability to meet our nation’s most challenging needs. Jumpstart applauds the inclusion of provisions to strengthen national and community service, including the provisions to create new Corps to address particular challenges, increase in the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award amount, allow individuals to be eligible to receive an aggregate of two full-time service awards, and establish a Community Solutions Fund to support the growth of innovative programs.
"The call for national service has never been more important."
"On behalf of over 40 million members, AARP writes in support of an amendment to incorporate the Volunteer Generation Fund in H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act (G.I.V.E. Act), and to support enactment of H.R. 1388 with the inclusion of the Volunteer Generation Fund...
"This legislation will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities at a time when many communities are in great need."
"NCOA’s work in national and community service clearly demonstrates that adults approaching retirement age are concerned about the future of the country and want to give back – but in new ways with more impact. Many of them will be interested in exploring service opportunities, but may need some incentive and encouragement to get involved. NCOA believes that our nation should adopt public policies that empower older adults to make a commitment to remain active citizens in their communities in ways that address critical human needs. We believe the provisions of the GIVE Act with its recommendations for modernizing the National Senior Corps does just that."
"The GIVE Act includes many important programmatic adjustments that will help to
make the benefits of service available to more participants and more communities,
improve program quality, provide a mechanism for appropriate evaluation of programs,
ensure participant diversity, recalculate the value of the AmeriCorps Education Award,
and address a host of other structural and programmatic issues...
"By reauthorizing these national service programs, you can ensure that every American
has an opportunity to serve in his or her community. Our communities, our states, and
our entire nation will benefit from the continued services that these volunteers provide."
"On behalf of the students, families, staff, and supporters of Citizen Schools, I offer our strong support for the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act (H.R. 1388)...
"This legislation will allow organizations like Citizen Schools to serve more children, more effectively. Citizen Schools is a leading national education initiative that uniquely mobilizes thousands of adult volunteers to help improve student achievement and close the achievement gap by teaching skill-building apprenticeships after school."
"Through our work at the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, we have seen how service can be a powerful strategy for meeting growing needs, giving Americans meaningful work in a difficult climate, and getting our economy moving again. That is why I am writing to urge you to support swift passge and full funding of the GIVE Act (H.R. 1388)."
"We are deeply grateful that the House Education and Labor Committee has recognized the pivotal moment we are in as a country and responded by passing H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act. Service can play a critical role in getting our economy moving again, engaging Americans in productive work in difficult times and meeting the growing needs in communities. We need to reinvest in service, starting with the reauthorization of national and community service programs operated by The Corporation for National and Community Service, which have not been reauthorized in 16 years.
"We believe that the provisions in H.R. 1388 will make it possible for more Americans to serve, stimulate more volunteering and increase the diversity of those serving. We also believe that the reforms contained in the bill will ensure accountability, transparency, and results, while providing administrative simplification to help faith and community-based organizations—particularly those smaller nonprofits operating in rural areas and in economically disadvantaged communities—to more effectively meet community needs."
"Thank you for your leadership in the face of such unprecedented economic challenges. We are writing to express our strong support for the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act of 2009 (GIVE Act). The GIVE Act will reauthorize the National and Community Services Act of 1990 by making key reforms to the Americorps program. Community challenges such as rising unemployment and the current foreclosure crisis have disproportionately affected our most vulnerable communities, which is why the work of those who choose to serve these communities through programs such as the ones supported by the GIVE Act is so crucial."
"We are deeply grateful that the House Education and Labor Committee has recognized the pivotal moment we are in as a country and has responded by passing H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act. The Act recognizes that we need to reinvest in service, starting with the reauthorization of national and community service programs operated by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which have not been reauthorized in 16 years."
"Responding to systemic problems and crises that face our country, young Americans are giving back in record numbers (nearly a quarter of those over age 16 have volunteered). The Millennial Generation, growing up in the wake of the September 11th attacks, is leading a movement of citizen-centered change and joining together across generational, cultural and socio-economic bounds in a shared sense of ownership and national responsibility. It is in this spirit of renewed civic engagement and service that we urge your support of The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (“GIVE”) Act."
Answering President Obama's call for increased volunteer opportunities, Chairman Miller will be introducing the GIVE Act today. Jonathon Alter's Newsweek story provides excellent background about this bill.
On Monday, Miller will announce that the GIVE Act (don't ask what the acronym means; too clunky) is on its way to passage by the House. Because representatives of the House, Senate and White House have been working together on a bipartisan basis for weeks, the skids are now greased for quick Senate passage of the Kennedy-Hatch Act for national service, the only specific piece of legislation the president mentioned in his address to Congress last month. Differences between the House and Senate versions will be minor.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on March 6, 2009 3:19 PM
On Thursday, March 12, the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities will hold a joint hearing with the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security to examine if at-risk youth are missing out on educational opportunities while in foster care, juvenile justice facilities, alternative education settings and other environments.
WHAT: Hearing on “Lost Educational Opportunities in Alternative Settings”
WHO: Dr. Thomas Blomberg, Professor of Criminology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Ms. Linda Brooke, Director of Government Relations and Education Services, Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, Austin, TX Dr. Cynthia Cave, Director, Office of Student Services, Richmond, VA Leonard Dixon, M.S., Executive Director, Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility, Detroit, MI Janeen Steel, Esq., Executive Director, Learning Rights Law Center, Los Angeles, CA Additional Witnesses TBA
WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2009 10:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room 2175 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 25, 2009 3:05 PM
On February 25th, recording artist Usher testified before the Committee on Education and Labor at a hearing examining how to renew America through national service and volunteerism. Watch the video of Usher here » The hearing built on the important conversations happening across the country on national service and volunteerism, examining the importance of national and community service in meeting critical economic needs across the country. TIME’s Richard Stengel and former Senator Harris Wofford also testified.
Chairman George Miller's opening statement:
Usher's testimony:
Hon. Harris Wofford's testimony:
Richard Stengel's testimony:
James Harris' testimony:
Van Jones' testimony:
(More videos from the hearing will be posted as they become available.)
Tomorrow, Thursday, February 26th, the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness will hold a second hearing about New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act at 10:00 am in 2175 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will be broadcast live here.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 25, 2009 9:00 AM
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Today, Wednesday, February 25th, the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing to build on the important conversations happening across the country on national service and volunteerism
and to examine the importance of national and community service in
meeting critical economic needs across the country. Recording Artist Usher and TIME’s Richard Stengel are among the witnesses to testify. Watch live here »
Tomorrow, Thursday, February 26th, the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness will hold a second hearing about New Innovations and Best Practices Under the Workforce Investment Act at 10:00 am in 2175 Rayburn House Office Building.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 23, 2009 11:07 AM
This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation to prevent the abuse of teens attending residential treatment facilities, including boot camps, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs and behavior modification facilities.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office uncovered thousands of cases and allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect at residential treatment facilities across the country. In some cases, this abuse resulted in the death of a child. This legislation, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 (H.R. 911) is similar to legislation the House passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the 110th Congress.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 11, 2009 11:49 AM
Today the Committee approved the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 by a vote of 32-10. This legislation will protect teenagers attending residential treatment programs, including therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, wilderness programs and behavior modification facilities, from physical, mental, and sexual abuse and increase transparency to help parents make safe choices for their children.
Investigations conducted by the Government Accountability Office during the 110th Congress uncovered thousands of cases and allegations of child abuse and neglect since the early 1990’s at teen residential programs. Currently, these programs are governed only by a weak patchwork of state and federal standards. A separate GAO report, also conducted last year at the committee’s request, found major gaps in the licensing and oversight of residential programs – some of which are not covered by any state licensing standards at all. More »
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 10, 2009 3:11 PM
Keeping Kids Safe
Tens of thousands of U.S. teenagers attend private and public residential programs – including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps, boot camps, and behavior modification facilities – that are intended to help them with behavioral, emotional, mental health, or substance abuse problems. Depending on the state in which the program operates, some of these programs are subject to State law or regulation, while others are not. As a result of this loose patchwork of state oversight, children at some the programs have been subject to abuse and neglect with little to no accountability.
The Government Accountability Office found thousands of allegations of child abuse and neglect at residential programs for teens since the early 1990s. Tragically, in a number of cases, this abuse and neglect led to the death of a child. To address this urgent problem, the “Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009” would:
Keep teens safe with new national standards for residential programs
that are focused on teens with behavioral, emotional, or mental health,
or substance abuse problems
Prohibit programs from physically, mentally, or sexually abusing children in their care;
Prohibit programs from denying children essential water, food,
clothing, shelter, or medical care – whether as a form of punishment or
for any other reason;
Require programs to provide children with reasonable access to a telephone and inform children accordingly;
Require programs to train staff in what constitutes child abuse and neglect and how to report it;
Require that programs only physically restrain children if it is
necessary for their safety or the safety of others, and to do so in a
way that is consistent with federal law already applicable in other
contexts; and
Require programs to have plans in place to provide emergency medical care.
Prevent deceptive marketing by residential programs for teens
Require programs to disclose to parents the qualifications, roles, and responsibilities of staff members;
Require programs to notify parents of substantiated reports of child abuse or violations of health and safety laws; and
Require programs to include a link or web address for the website
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which will carry
information on residential programs.
Hold teen residential programs accountable for violating the law
Require states to inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services of reports of child abuse and neglect at covered programs and
require HHS to conduct investigations of such programs to determine if
a violation of the national standards has occurred; and
Provide HHS the authority to assess civil penalties up to $50,000 for every violation of the law.
Ask states to step in to protect teens in residential programs
Within three years, states must require all public and private programs
to be licensed, meet standards that are at least as stringent as the
national standards, and implement a monitoring and enforcement system.
The Department of Health and Human Services would continue to inspect
programs where a child fatality has occurred or where a pattern of
violations has emerged.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on February 5, 2009 12:17 PM
To build on the important conversations happening across the country on national service and volunteerism, the Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday, February 25, to examine the importance of national and community service in meeting critical economic needs across the country. This will be the first full committee education hearing held in the 111th Congress.
Boosting community service is a key priority for President Obama, whose official Inauguration activities included a “National Day of Service” where hundreds of thousands of Americans volunteered in their communities. Among other things, the hearing will focus on reinvigorating civic engagement across all levels of society, expanding opportunities for young people to participate in service, and how national and community service can help “green” America.
WHAT: Hearing on Improving America’s Commitment to Service and Volunteerism
WHO: Usher Raymond IV, recording artist, chairman, Usher’s New Look Foundation James Harris, youth participant, Usher’s New Look Foundation Richard Stengel, managing editor, TIME Magazine Van Jones, founder and president, Green for All Other Witnesses TBD
WHEN: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 10:00 A.M. EST
WHERE: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room 2175 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on September 29, 2008 12:07 PM
On September 26, the House of Representatives approved final bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections and support for America’s runaway and homeless children. The measure, the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act (S.2982), builds on legislation authored by Rep. John Yarmuth, which the House overwhelmingly passed on June 9, 2008. It now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.
The bill reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Among other
things, it would significantly improve the quality of services
available to help disconnected youth and would expand access to those
programs – so that fewer runaway and homeless children are turned away
from shelters. More than a million children experience homelessness
each year; in many cases these children flee because of situations of
abuse and neglect. Studies show that runaway and homeless youth are at
greater risk of behavioral and mental health problems.
In
addition, the bill would also increase transparency at the Department
of Health and Human Services and provide funding for local community
programs that help homeless and runaway youth. In 2005, these programs
served more than 500,000 homeless and runaway children.
“We
must protect our nation’s most vulnerable children, especially those
who have been pushed out and are living on the streets. This
legislation will give them the physical shelter and emotional support
they need to start rebuilding their lives. I commend Rep. Yarmuth for
his leadership and dedication to providing runaway and homeless
children across the country with the attention, stability, and hope
they deserve.” -- Chairman George Miller
“This
legislation will bring us significantly closer to ensuring that, in
America, no child ever has to grow up without a home. For more than a
million children each year, this legislation could mean the difference
between continuing to live on the streets without hope and finding a
path to successful adulthood.” -- Rep. Yarmuth
“I
would like to congratulate Rep. Yarmuth on this bill and commend him
for his commitment to helping our nation’s runaway and homeless youth.
It is crucial that we do everything in our power to help the thousands
of vulnerable young people in this country that are without a home.
The programs that are reauthorized in this bill will give runaway and
homeless children a real chance at getting a new start in life and help
them get on track to a better future.” -- Rep. Carolyn McCarthy,
chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Healthy Families and
Communities
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on September 10, 2008 10:53 AM
On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee will hold a hearing on "Examining the Role of Museums and Libraries in Strengthening Communities," scheduled at 10:00 a.m. in room 2175 Rayburn H.O.B.
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on July 29, 2008 7:08 PM
Witnesses today told the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee that the field of social work affects the lives of Americans from all walks of life on a daily basis, and though the field faces some challenges, it is expected to grow in the coming years.
Social workers provide critical services across rural, urban and
suburban areas. They work with a wide variety of people, from
children, families and the elderly, to those with mental health
problems or substance abuse issues, to those who are incarcerated. As
baby boomers age, they will increasingly require more social work
services, said Gary Bailey, associate professor at the Graduate School of Social Work at Simmons College in Boston, MA.
A master's degree in social work or a related field is now standard for many positions. Dr. Robin Mama,
dean of the School of Social Work at Monmouth University in Monmouth,
NJ, said recruitment is the biggest challenge facing undergraduate
social work programs, in part because of negative associations. Mama
also said there is a need for bilingual and trilingual social workers
and cultural awareness and sensitivity. More »
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on July 28, 2008 6:30 PM
In light of the recent economic downturn and the nation’s aging population, the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Tuesday, July 29 to examine how social workers can best meet the changing needs of American families.
Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee Hearing on “Caring for the Vulnerable: The State of Social Work in America” Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 3:00 p.m. EDT
By Kittredge, Betsy Miller on July 8, 2008 6:43 PM
With food prices continuing to soar, the Committee will hold a hearing at 10am tomorrow, July 9, to examine how rising food costs are making it harder for the nation’s child nutrition and school meal programs to provide healthy, low-cost meals for children. Nationwide, nearly 50 million children are served by federal child nutrition programs, which include school lunch programs, childcare programs, and summer food programs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whole grain breads, milk, and cheese prices increased by as much as 17 percent in 2007, and the costs of fresh fruits and vegetables are also up.
