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
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 Marting 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...
AmeriCorps is Getting Things Done on Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a time to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. While many plan to observe the national holiday with the day off, members of Washington's Vet Corps will host a series of events to honor those who serve our country. "There are so many ways to make a difference, honor and improve the lives of veterans and support military families," said Mark Fischer, program manager for the Veterans Conservation Corps and Vet Corps programs. "Some are large and many are small, but all important." Learn more...
Pledging to Help Washingtonians
An estimated 1,000 AmeriCorps members took an oath of service on Friday, October 21 at Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion. The swearing-in, officiated by National Director of AmeriCorps John Gomperts, Corporation for National and Community Service, comes as a troubled economy is helping to drive up AmeriCorps' pool of applicants even as the program's funding is in jeopardy. See full story by Seattle Times staff reporter Jack Broom.
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...
