WILMINGTON, Del. – In recognition of his strong support for AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) this week was inducted into the National Service Hall of Fame.

For video of the full event, please click here.

For a video tribute from service leaders in Delaware and across the country, please click here.

“I am honored to be inducted into the National Service Hall of Fame,” said Senator Coons. “National service uplifts, inspires, and empowers, and that’s been especially true in the past year as AmeriCorps members across the country step up to meet urgent needs exacerbated by COVID-19. I will continue working to strengthen national service so more Americans have the opportunity to give back, gain skills, and build a more inclusive and just society.”

“For more than two decades, Senator Coons has championed national service,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “He is a relentless advocate and a fierce believer in the role the federal government can play in putting citizens at the center of solving community problems. He was instrumental in securing $1 billion for AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors in the American Rescue Plan. And as the lead author of the CORPS Act he has led the charge to grow AmeriCorps to 250,000 members annually and advocated for an increased federal investment to make that goal a reality – at a time when our country needs national service the most. We are immensely grateful to him for his leadership, and it is our honor to induct him into the Voices for National Service Hall of Fame.” 

Senator Coons secured $1 billion as part of the American Rescue Plan to deploy additional AmeriCorps members to support communities’ response to COVID-19, increase members’ living allowances, and strengthen diversity. This funding was inspired by the CORPS Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Coons and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

Senator Coons has long championed national service. Prior to coming to Congress, he helped launch and lead an AmeriCorps program with the I Have A Dream Foundation. Later, as County Executive, he served for a decade on the Delaware State Service Commission and helped create a program to recruit volunteer firefighters in his hometown.

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