WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), along with U.S. Representatives David Price (D-N.C.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), today introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to the lives of Americans in celebration of AmeriCorps Week 2019. Over 75,000 Americans serve their communities, states, and the nation through AmeriCorps programs each year, totaling more than one million AmeriCorps alumni since the program's founding in 1994.  These one million AmeriCorps members have contributed more than 1.5 billion hours of service helping to tackle our nation's most pressing problems and mobilizing millions of community volunteers. 

“Commitment to service that builds, engages, uplifts, and empowers is at the very heart of what it means to be American,” said Senator Coons. “My time with the first national direct AmeriCorps program changed my life in the best way possible, and I continue to be inspired by what AmeriCorps members are doing every day in Delaware and across the country to address critical community needs and give back – both during and after their service. AmeriCorps provides an important conduit through which our citizens become engaged in civic society, and I am proud to recognize this service during AmeriCorps Week 2019.”  

“AmeriCorps members dedicate their time to serve their communities and are a valuable resource for those in need,” said Dr. Cassidy. "Time and again they've helped the people of Louisiana recover in the wake of terrible disasters."

“I’m heartened by the service of thousands of AmeriCorps members that choose to invest their time and energy to strengthen communities in North Carolina and across the country,” said Congressman David Price. “As co-chair of the National Service Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating their contributions.”

“Service to our country comes in all forms and attracts people of all ages and backgrounds with the sole goal of helping meet community needs and increase civic engagement,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Across the country, citizens join together to respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers. I am proud that this resolution recognizes the service programs that impact individuals and benefit our communities and our nation.”

Co-sponsors of the resolution include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore), along with Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).

To view the resolution, please click here.