Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

President Obama signs expansion of national service legislation

Earlier today, President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law, tripling the size of AmeriCorps and providing new service opportunities for Americans.

As a community organizer, President Obama understands the value of service to the community. By signing this bill, he honors a man, Senator Ted Kennedy, who has devoted his entire life to public service. Originating with the traditions of various religions, and a part of the American way of life, public service is valued as among the highest of callings. And so today, President Obama has called each of us to service.

Highlights of the bill include:
Puts young people onto a path of national service by establishing a Summer of Service program to provide $500 education awards for rising 6th-12th graders, a Semester of Service program for high school students to engage in service-learning, and Youth Empowerment Zones for secondary students and out-of-school youth.

Dramatically increases intensive service opportunities by setting AmeriCorps on a path from 75,000 positions annually to 250,000 by 2017, and focusing that service on education, health, clean energy, veterans, economic opportunity and other national priorities. Ties the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to the maximum Pell Grant level (now $5,350, but set to increase over time).

Creates a Social Innovation Fund to expand proven initiatives and provide seed funding for experimental initiatives, leveraging Federal dollars to identify and grow ideas that are addressing our most intractable community problems.

Establishes a Volunteer Generation Fund to award grants to states and nonprofits to recruit, manage, and support volunteers and strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure.

Merges funding streams, expands the use of simplified, fixed amount grants, and gives the Corporation flexibility to consolidate application and reporting requirements. Increases support for State Commissions on national and community service. Bolsters the capacity and duties of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Ensures that programs receiving assistance under national service laws are continuously evaluated for effectiveness in achieving performance and cost goals.
In times of need people come together to help their neighbors. Whether it is filling sandbags to repel rising flood waters, helping to shovel snow out of a neighbor's driveway, giving blood, or donating to the local food bank during the holiday season, we can count on each other during the hard times.

Now, we are being asked to fulfill the American promise to all of our citizens; to give to our communities. Whether you are a person of great means or more modest means, it doesn't matter. Each of us has talents that we can share with our communities to make our world a better place to live.

If you're interested in serving your community, here is one place you can go to find opportunities.

Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home