News

With such fantastic volunteers accomplishing impacting change every day across the country, we are excited to see local government officials recognizing their hard work! Check out this article from the Corporation for National & Community Service:

Hundreds of Mayors Honor National Service

On Tuesday, the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service united mayors across the country to spotlight the impact of national service and honor those who serve.

Altogether, 832 mayors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico officially recognized the work that AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers are doing to make cities better and stronger. Together, these mayors represent nearly 100 million citizens, or nearly one-third of all Americans.

With so many mayors participating, there are numerous stories and pictures to share. Below is just a brief overview of events to give you an idea of the scope of the day.

Also, check out our Facebook gallery, which features photos from recognition events all around the country. Feel free to tag yourself or your program, and share with your friends and family.

Local Involvement

Mayor Roy Buol of Dubuque, IA met with AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers who are working to improve the lives of Iowans every day.

Philadelphia, PA: Mayor Michael Nutter, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program to talk about the value of national service in his city and around the country. Mayor Nutter also joined CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer and former Senator and CNCS CEO Harris Wofford at an awards ceremony honoring national service members who have made a difference in Philadelphia.

Avondale, AZ: Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers, president of the National League of Cities, joined AmeriCorps VISTA Director Mary Strasser, AmeriCorps members, and Senior Corps volunteers and signed a proclamation recognizing the impact of national service.

Mesa, AZ: Mayor Scott Smith, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, honored national service members and volunteers at a community resource center started by an AmeriCorps VISTA team that served with the United Way. AmeriCorps VISTA Director Mary Strasser and CNCS Board Member Marguerite Kondracke joined Mayor Smith.

St. Paul, MN: Mayor Chris Coleman, vice president of the National League of Cities, visited numerous AmeriCorps and Senior Corps project sites. Mayor Coleman joined CNCS Board Chair Laysha Ward alongside local leaders to celebrate the value of national service in their city. He alsotweeted about the day.

Washington, D.C.: Mayor Vincent Gray visited several schools where national service participants are making a difference. Mayor Gray and CEO Spencer attended the Washington Nationals game, where AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs were recognized in an on-field ceremony.

Orlando, FL: Mayor Buddy Dyer posted a YouTube video celebrating the value of national service in his city that features AmeriCorps VISTA members in a fun cameo. Mayor Dyer also wrote an article for a local news outlet.

Flint, MI: Mayor Dayne Walling participated in a roundtable and hosted a recognition event to honor national service members. Mayor Walling also tweeted his thanks to national service members and volunteers.

Press Clips

AmeriCorps one of several organizations honored in Day of Recognition
THV 11 (AR), April 10, 2013
Little Rock Mayor Mike Stodola stepped in front of microphones and cameras as he talked about the wonderful volunteers in Arkansas as a part of Mayor’s Day of Recognition of National Service. One of the special guests is a man who joined us at the THV 11 Studios. He is the director of AmeriCorps, Bill Basl.

Hundreds of Nashville volunteers honored for service
WSMV (TN), April 9, 2013
Mayor Karl Dean was among more than 800 mayors who thanked volunteers as part of the first-ever Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service. “National service is a vital resource for our city, and our AmeriCorps and other national volunteers have a positive and lasting impact in making Nashville a better place,” Dean said. “We are a city where service is embedded in our culture. Volunteers all over Nashville prove time and again their willingness to work together to find community solutions.”

Mayor’s Missoula tour spotlights volunteer efforts
NBC Montana (MT), April 9, 2013
Missoula Mayor John Engen was one of 832 mayors across the nation who participated in the first annual Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service. He visited AmeriCorps sites around Missoula Tuesday to get a better understanding of the kinds of volunteer service his city relies on.

Proud to serve
The Buffalo News (NY), April 9, 2013
Nicholas Gomez and Irma Muniz, both from Buffalo and serving with Senior Companions, at national Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service at Montante Cultural Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.