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
Mariners Salute to Volunteers
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Commission for National and Community Service joined together for Salute to Volunteers. Pre-game ceremony on April 17, 2012 included a special tribute to the men and women of the state of Washington that have distinguished themselves for volunteer service to the community. The 44 honorees represent a cross section of the estimated 62.8 million adults that donated time last year valued at almost $173 billion. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by 17-year old Joshua Barker of Bremerton, the youngest recipient of the Governor's 2012 Volunteer Service Award.
Governor Proclaims AmeriCorps Week
Governor Chris Gregoire urged all citizens to join her in recognizing the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums as she proclaimed March 10-18, 2012 as AmeriCorps Week in Washington State. Every day in communities across America, AmeriCorps members are making a powerful impact on the most critical issues facing our nation. Whether improving schools, fighting poverty, rebuilding after disasters, providing health services, preserving the environment, or supporting veterans and military families, AmeriCorps members are getting things done. Since 1994, more than 775,000 AmeriCorps members have given one billion hours of service, mobilizing tens of millions of volunteers, and improving the lives of countless citizens.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. courageously shared his dream in hopes of equality for all men, women and children. Over 80 AmeriCorps members congregated with the community of Spokane on January 16, 2012 to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing in his fight for equal opportunity and to celebrate diversity. The event began with insightful reflection of community leaders and the passionate speeches of Reverend Percy "Happy" Watkins and Reverend Dr. Stephen J. Thurston. Read more...
Serving Communities - Changing Lives
The Washington Commission for National and Community Service has a growing history of bringing about change in communities through service activities. Hundreds of communities and organizations have benefited from the dedication of AmeriCorps members, and as a result the lives of many have been changed for the better. While serving in a variety of programs, AmeriCorps members learn the skills or gain the confidence that lead them to exciting new endeavors – often while retaining a life-long ethic of service. Please read the 2010 Annual Report to learn about the statewide accomplishments from the 2009-2010 program year, our special initiatives, and stories of service in Washington State.
Washington Awarded $16.9 million in AmeriCorps Grants
The Washington Commission for National and Community Service (WCNCS) has received $13.1 million in AmeriCorps competitive grants and $2.5 million in AmeriCorps formula grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This funding will support 1,350 positions that will help hundreds of nonprofits, schools, local government and community-based entities use service as a strategy to address many of the social challenges facing our communities during these tough economic times. Additionally, Washington Campus Compact has received $1.3 million in AmeriCorps National grants. "AmeriCorps national service is an effective strategy to support struggling communities while creating opportunities for unemployed Washingtonians to make a positive difference in their own lives and in their community," said Governor Chris Gregoire. 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...
