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
President Obama Calls on Americans to Serve
President Obama called on all Americans to help in our nation’s recovery by volunteering in their communities this summer in a video message released by the White House and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The President’s call to summer service launches United We Serve, a sustained effort to expand the size and impact of volunteer efforts in addressing tough challenges facing the nation. The United We Serve initiative kicks off on June 22, and runs for 81 days through a new National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11.
AmeriCorps Week Ends with a KaBOOM!
To celebrate AmeriCorps Week, First Gentleman Mike Gregoire joined 50 members from the Washington Service Corps and 150 volunteers from The Home Depot; Habitat for Humanity; Build the Bridge Coalition; community residents; and the nonprofit organization KaBOOM! to build a 2,500 square foot, state-of-the-art playground in Westway, a neighborhood in Federal Way. The playground was funded through a $61,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation along with a $7,500 contribution from the community.
AmeriCorps Week 2009
Seven AmeriCorps members had the honor of joining Governor Chris Gregoire as she proclaimed May 9-16 AmeriCorps Week to shine the spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the state - and to motivate more Washingtonians to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities. “We are grateful for the AmeriCorps members who are getting things done in our state,” said Gregoire. “AmeriCorps members have made a significant impact on our ability to address unmet needs. AmeriCorps Week is a perfect opportunity to recognize their contributions.”
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...
