America’s greatness comes from the extraordinary acts of ordinary citizens. AmeriCorps makes our country great by empowering AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to solve local problems nationwide.
In coordination with state and local entities, national service responds to the most pressing issues facing our nation. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, reduce crime, connect returning veterans to jobs, fight the opioid epidemic, support seniors to live independently, make college more accessible and affordable, and help Americans rebuild their lives following disasters.
State Service Commissions
State Service Commissions are vital links in the chain that translates national service dollars and initiatives into local results.
These governor-appointed commissions date back to the creation of the Corporation for National and Community Service (now, AmeriCorps) with the passage of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. State Service Commissions annually manage more than $250 million in federal national service grants, along with more than $100 million from local sources, to make citizen service a reality. Not only that, but they also serve as watchdogs to ensure that these funds are used effectively.
Those serving on the commissions power the engines of national service. More than 1,110 private citizens serve as commissioners to drive the nation's philanthropic movement at public agencies or nonprofit organizations. State commissioners act as visionaries for service for governors, setting priorities for service and volunteerism, catalysts and ambassadors for service, creators of sustainable infrastructure for service and volunteerism, and developers of resources for the state.
In addition to overseeing the annual grant competition that awards funding to AmeriCorps State and other community service programs, State Service Commissions determine social needs in their states, set policy and program priorities, provide training and assistance, support national days of service, and promote service and volunteering.
These organizations initiate activities that strengthen the role of service and volunteering to meet critical community needs across the nation in areas including literacy, environmental stewardship, housing, social services, and disaster relief.
State Service Commissions provide the connection in a state-federal partnership that maximizes the power of citizens to solve problems and strengthen communities.