Vision Statement
Our vision for Washington State is vibrant and caring neighborhoods and communities strengthened and sustained through service and volunteerism.
Mission Statement
We seek to expand the ethic of service throughout Washington State by inviting citizens of all ages and backgrounds to contribute their time and talents to strengthen and promote service and volunteerism as strategies for building healthy communities.
What's New
National Direct Consultation
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act requires that any applicant proposing a multi-state AmeriCorps program (referred to as a National Direct program) consult with the State Service Commissions in the states where they intend to operate an AmeriCorps program. The Washington Commission for National and Community Service (WCNCS) sees the consultation process as a way to foster meaningful partnerships that will further promote the use of national service as an effective strategy to address unmet needs in communities throughout Washington State. Learn more...
National Public Lands Day 2009
On Friday, September 25, 110 members from three AmeriCorps teams (King County Housing Authority, Federal Way Public Schools, and the Girl Scouts of Western Washington AmeriCorps) gathered at Dash Point State Park in Federal Way to participate in National Public Lands Day projects. Team members rebuilt two sets of stairs on a steep hillside and repaired the degraded trail; built a safety railing and fixed a bridge over a small creek; painted a bathroom and shower that hadn’t been painted in ten years’ recycled more than 660 pounds of aluminum cans; painted gates at the entrance to several areas of the park; expanded a new trailhead by removing more than 800 pounds of vegetation and removed close to 200 pounds of ivy from a creek bed. AmeriCorps members contributed approximately 700 hours of service which saved the park approximately $13,500 in maintenance costs.
Veterans Corps (VetCorps)
On September 10, Governor Gregoire and Kristin McSwain, Chief of Program Operations for the Corporation for National and Community Service, administered the oath of service to 27 AmeriCorps members serving in the Veterans Corps. Newly authorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, Washington is the first state in the nation to implement this new initiative which will tap the knowledge, skills and abilities of veterans by engaging them in AmeriCorps national service positions to help other veterans and soldiers. VetCorps members will also work to meet the needs of military families while a family member is deployed.
Washington State Service Summit
Four hundred volunteer leaders and service champions from public, private, and governmental organizations joined Governor Gregoire on September 9, 2009 for an important dialogue about utilizing service and volunteerism as strategies to solve critical community issues. The Washington State Service Summit set the stage for ongoing cross-sector dialogues that will collaboratively shape the future of Washington’s service movement. To view the plenary session, visit TVW and log in to Facebook to become a fan of Washington State Voices in Volunteerism, view Summit photos, share tools, articles, videos and much more.
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
On April 21, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will dramatically expand national service opportunities to address America's most pressing challenges. At the signing ceremony, the President drew significant attention to one of the bill's architects, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), highlighting the long-standing commitment by the senator and his family to service and the country. Stressing that the act works to "connect deeds to needs," President Obama urged all Americans to serve.
Governor Challenges Washingtonians to Serve
In her second Inaugural Address, Governor Chris Gregoire called on all Washingtonians who are able to donate four non-perishable food items, or the cash equivalent, to a food bank each month, and to volunteer for one hour at a charity or nonprofit organization of their choice. Gregoire said, "Today, I want to issue a challenge. I ask every Washingtonian right now, today, to commit to at least one hour a month to help other Washingtonians in need. I personally embrace that challenge. And so does every member of my family. Will you join us?"
Veterans: Service to Country; Service to Community.
Veterans have so much to teach others and are being given the opportunity to use their skills to improve communities and inspire others through AmeriCorps national service programs. Nonprofit and faith-based groups leverage veterans' unique skills by engaging them in sustained volunteer service in teaching, mentoring, and other valuable community service opportunities. Read about three individuals who served in AmeriCorps following their military service. Read more...
Heroes Wanted
Are you ready to make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you? We’re looking for heroes – 1,000 heroes who want to join the ranks of more than 75,000 individuals who are currently getting things done for their community and country through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a real-life education and work experience wrapped into one.
Whether you’re tutoring children; building homes; rehabilitating trails and streams; recruiting volunteers; or participating in any of the hundreds of other goal-oriented AmeriCorps projects, you will see results and know that you made a difference. As a member, you’ll learn teamwork, leadership, and responsibility; but perhaps the greatest lesson is learning the importance of incorporating service into your life. AmeriCorps offers a variety of both full-time and part-time service opportunities for anyone who is willing to do something special, something exciting, something heroic. Learn more...
