National Service Mobilizes Volunteers

By Robert Bisi, CNCS Office of External Affairs

Mucking homes ravaged by hurricanes and floods, feeding the hungry, reading to children, cleaning riverbeds, and mentoring are just some of the ways that volunteers prove they are the backbone of our nation’s ability to do good and change lives.  Throughout October, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) focused on how national service mobilizes volunteers and connects them to opportunities to serve. 

Our 75,000 AmeriCorps members recruit, train, deploy, and work with millions of volunteers in thousands of locations across the country to serve in schools, nonprofits, community centers, and build homes for veterans.  We also engage 270,000 volunteers through our Senior Corps programs and annual days of service and public awareness efforts like Ali75.  Some of the upcoming opportunities to learn more about volunteering and get involved include:

Volunteering and Civic Life in America (VCLA) first reference (November 15, 2016) – The 2016 VCLA is home to the most comprehensive look at volunteering and civic life in 50 states and 51 cities across the country. Data includes volunteer rates and rankings, civic engagement trends, and analysis. Check out the 2016 data on November 15, 2016 at www.volunteeringinamerica.gov

Ali75 – Ali75 is a year-long campaign to honor the principles of Muhammad Ali for what would have been his 75th birthday on January 17. During our traditional season of giving, consider dedicating 75 hours of service to his memory. To learn more about this initiative and to inspire others through your service, visit www.Ali75.org.

MBK Week of Action (November 28 – December 2) – During the MBK Week of Action, we will join the White House and the Department of Education to call on individuals to become mentors in support of young men of color. To find an opportunity to volunteer, visit www.Mentor.org.

Giving Tuesday (November 29, 2016) - #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Learn how you can give at www.givingtuesday.org

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 16, 2017) - The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. Learn how you can get involved and answer Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” at www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday

National Mentoring Month (January 2017) – Every year, National Mentoring Month raises awareness about the national need for mentors.  Learn how you can become a mentor at www.serve.gov/mentor

Follow the National Service Blog and our social media channels to learn more about our volunteer engagement and how you can get involved.  Visit us at www.nationalservice.gov.

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